Coming off an exciting S67 draft the Baltimore Platoon was looking to follow that up with a large crop of recruits to continue with their rebuild. After hearing about the tremendous talent within the S68 draft class the Platoon management team positioned themselves for success by acquiring a whopping 10 picks in the S68 draft. This included 2 first round picks and 6 second round selections. They were extremely excited with the talent they saw in the S68 class and were eager to add them to the teams prospect pool. Below is an overview of the new S68 Platoon recruits.


Second Overall Pick Erik Bergmark @NYR73 - With the second overall pick of the S68 SHL draft the Baltimore Platoon selected Erik Bergmark. The Platoon head office was very impressed with the German rookies' play in his first SMJHL season and his responses during the interview process with the team led him to stand out. As a late pick in the first round of the SMJHL draft Bermark went 11th overall to the Colorado Raptors. He had a tremendous season with the Raptors, leading the rookie group in goals with a total of 22 in the regular season. His postseason showing was also top tier with a total of 8 points in their first round series loss to the Yukon Malamutes. Erik has some great goal scoring potential, and will be a great addition to the Platoons Right wing lineup. Bergmark's overall is a well balanced forward and his skills will continue to grow with the Raptors until he is called up to serve with the Platoon.


Eleventh Overall Pick Adrian O'Rugg @Ruggsy - The Baltimore Platoon went with a competitive center with their second pick in the draft choosing another Raptors rookie Adrian O'Rugg. Adrian is an extremely talented player and it was a surprise having him still available at the eleventh pick of the draft. O’Rugg is a great presence in the locker room leading his fellow Raptors to a fantastic season even just as a rookie. Adrian led his Raptor rookies in points last season with a total of 48. O’Rugg was a real threat on the penalty kill as well, netting 3 short handed goals on the season. The Irish rookie will be a tremendous addition to the Platoon roster, we can’t wait to see him take the ice in the Baltimore uniforms.


Twenty Third Overall Pick Adam Liebold @liebolda - For their first pick in the second round the Baltimore Platoon picked left winger Adam Liebold. Liebold was a late pick in the SMJHL draft going first in the fourth round to the Kelowna Knights. The Platoon saw something special in this player during his first season with the Knights leading to him being their first choice in the second round. Adam was a great part of the young Knights lineup, playing on the wing for their second line. He played an overall balanced role on the ice assisting on 33 of the Knights goals during the season while still providing a strong physical presence on the ice with 184 hits. The platoon were looking to add some size and strength to their roster and Liebold delivers on both accounts. They will be keeping a close eye on him as he develops in the SMJHL.


Twenty Sixth Overall Pick Philip Fry @Wheels - Baltimore picked up their first defensive prospect with their second pick in the second round by choosing Philip Fry. Fry, as an undrafted free agent was picked by the Newfoundland Berserkers right after the S67 SMJHL draft. The undrafted free agent from the United States is an overall well balanced player with an exceptional read on the defensive side of the ice. Watching him play you can tell his defensive analytical skills are next level. He reacts to the other teams plays like he has a copy of their play book. This was evident to the Baltimore front office and he was an easy choice as their first defensive pick of the draft.


Twenty Ninth Overall Pick Ekaterina Valieva @MikeLiut - With their third pick in the S68 SHL draft the Platoon chose Ekaterina "Mother Russia" Valieva. Ekaterina Valieva was a late season addition to the Kelowna Knights roster. Kelowna had extensive talks with the prospect and liked what they saw so much they decided to trade up to claim Valienva. Ekaterina had some interesting conversations with the head offices of both the Knights and the Platoon but overall left a good impression. This along with her play on the ice made it an easy decision to grab her in the second round.


Thirty Fifth Overall Pick Anthony Simmons @Starchychaff - The Platoon looking to increase the depth of their offensive talent decided to choose another winger in Anthony Simmons. Anthony was a late addition to the Regina Elk’s roster this season but made a huge impact during playoffs by leading the team in points with 2 goals and 6 assists. Fellow Regina teammate and recent call up for the Platoon, M'Baku Olubori had great things to say about Simmons. This was a big reason for the drafting of Anthony. The Platoon were excited to grab him with their fourth pick of the second round.


Thirty Ninth Overall Pick Bandit Heeler @zeburgs -  Baltimore grabs their first goaltending prospect Bandit Heeler with their seventh pick of the draft. The British goaltender was the starting choice for the Yukon Malamutes this SMJHL season. He was a key part of their regular season success having the 9th best save percentage in the league with a .893 during the regular season. Bandit has great potential to grow and gain confidence with the number of starts he will get with the Malamutes next season. The Baltimore front office were impressed by their talks with Bandit and are excited for him to compete for the starting spot with current BAP goaltender Sir Devoir.



Forty Third Overall Pick Davos Otasrob @Rublic - With their first pick in the third round the Baltimore Platoon selected Canadian Davos Otasrob. Baltimore pick up another fantastic defenseman with Otasrob. Currently he is playing with his brother on the Anchorage Armada’s back end. The dynamic duo is something to be reckoned with. Davos will be a great addition to the Platoons defensive core adding some much needed size and strength to the back end. 


Fifty Third Overall Pick Hingle McCringleberry @Nutwagon - For the Platoons second pick in the third round they chose Hingle McCringleberry. Hingle was a star rookie for the Newfoundland Berserkers last season. He led their rookie core in points with 14 goals and 19 assists. He was a key addition on their second line. Baltimore is looking to have some scoring threats up and down their lineup and Mcingleberry delivers on this for sure. He is a solid late draft pick for Baltimore.


Fifty Fifth Overall Pick Dr. Hugh Orson @Tylarr18 - With their last pick of the S68 SHL draft the Baltimore Platoon grabbed another exciting goalie with Canadian prospect Dr. Hugh Orson. Dr. Orson was not a starter within the Nevada Battleborn line up, but proved himself for the few games he did take the crease. The Baltimore scouting team talked extensively with the Battleborn coaching staff about the Doctor. They spoke highly of the prospect and believe he can be a contender if given the chance next season. Baltimore has high hopes for Hugh and will help him train with the other Platoon goaltenders to bring out the best in him. 


Overall this draft was a screaming success for the Baltimore Platoon. They succeeded in filling their prospect roster with an active energetic group that will surely improve within their respective SMJHL teams. Overall they will still need to grab a couple more defenseman in the next couple seasons but for now the outlook is good for the Platoon. I am for one very excited to see this group together wearing the Baltimore Platoon colors, the rest of the league better watch out for these new recruits.

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Foil Up Boys

The future in Baltimore is looking good! Thanks Liebold, great article and so glad we were drafted in the same team!"