EVANSVILLE JR. THUNDERBOLTS SELECT SEVEN PLAYERS IN ANNUAL NA3HL ENTRY DRAFT
‘BOLTS MAKE FORWARD GIANNI VITALI THEIR FIRST ROUND CHOICE FOR 2016-17 ROSTER
GENERAL MANAGER/HEAD COACH MARK CODY SELECTS 4-FORWARDS AND 3-DEFENSEMEN
Pointing toward the direction of their second season as members of the elite junior hockey league, the NA3HL in 2016-17, the Evansville Jr. ThunderBolts have selected a total of seven players in the League’s annual Entry Draft which was conducted this week.
Jr. ThunderBolts first-year General Manager/Head Coach Mark Cody presided over his first-ever Entry Draft, selecting four forwards and three defensemen through the eight rounds as the ‘Bolts new bench pilot continues the process of stockpiling his players’ roster for the upcoming season. Three of Cody’s first four picks were members of the blue line brigade.
Looking to inject more scoring punch and power into the lineup, the ‘Bolts made forward GIANNI VITALI their #1 pick. A goal-scoring cannoneer from Fox Motors 18UAAA, VITALI is expected to advance and enhance the club’s offensive might immensely. GM/Coach Cody amplifies on his first-ever draft choice. “Gianni is a big strong player who has an eye for the net. He will be counted on heavily to help score goals and improve our power play.â€
THE JR. THUNDERBOLTS DRAFT PICKS (#2 THROUGH #8)
#2—JAKE SUTTON, DEFENSE, FOX MOTORS 18UAAA
    CODY: “Jake while playing a strong defensive game, will also be able to help out in the offensive zone. He is
a good skater who sees the ice very well and will be counted on to lead the back end.â€
#3—THOMAS BREAZEALE, DEFENSE, GRANDVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
     CODY: “Thomas is a smart defenseman who really loves to compete. He is a great puck mover and skater.â€
#4—JOHN AMES, FORWARD, GABRIEL RICHARD HIGH SCHOOL
    CODY: “John is a proven scorer with well over a point a game last season. He will be counted on to put up
numbers and has the ability and talent to be an outstanding power play player for us.â€
#5—CAMERON NELSON, DEFENSE, COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL
CODY: “Cameron is a rather unique player. He is very responsible in his own end, making smart plays and
good first passes. He can also play the power play and is a very reliable all-around player.â€
#6—RORY SCOTT, FORWARD, LEO LIONS HIGH SCHOOL
CODY: “I have watched Rory play for the last two seasons. He is a player who can put up numbers and play a
physical game. His style of play will fit in perfectly for the Bolts in this upcoming season.â€
#7—CONNOR SHARRETT, FORWARD, HSE VARSITY HIGH SCHOOL
    CODY: “Connor is a kid who wants to work hard and compete. He, too, is a point a game player and isn’t
afraid to go to the dirty areas of the ice to assure that he wins the puck battles.â€
The Jr. ThunderBolts did not have an eighth round choice, having moved the pick to the St. Louis Jr. Blues.
Presently, the ‘Bolts have tendered three players for their upcoming 2016-17 NA3HL campaign, including defensemen ANDREW WARE and JEREMY ROSS along with forward KODY KIFER.
Once again, in the 2016-17 season, the Jr. ThunderBolts will compete in the NA3HL’s Midwest Division along with the defending divisional kingpins, the St. Louis Jr. Blues, as well as the Cincinnati Thunder, Nashville Jr. Predators and Peoria Mustangs. Interdivisional opponents for the new season are expected to be South Division rivals, the Atlanta Capitals and Point Mallard Ducks; and from the Central Division, the Chicago Bulldogs.
The 2016-17 NA3HL game schedule is expected to be officially approved and released shortly.
