Meet the Young Guns! | II

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Paleontologists tell us that velociraptors were highly intelligent dinosaurs who often hunted in packs of three. The alpha male would approach the prey head on in order to distract and focus attention, while the other two members of the pack would use stealth to flank and prepare a coordinated attack from both sides. It was an extremely effective modus operandi, that is, a tactical joint effort which often allowed the pack to fell much larger beasts.

In keeping with their namesake, the Colorado Raptors have now provided their own triple threat in the form of three outstanding first rounders to bolster the attack of the Baltimore Platoon. It all started last year in the season 67 draft, when prized defenseman Isaac Forty-One became the first in a wave of apex predators to be enlisted by the Platoon. (For Isaac Forty-One's full profile: Click Here!).

As we advance to season 68, the pack is now complete with the arrival of two additional first round picks. This time round, Baltimore selected second and eleventh overall, by once again calling on the Raptors both times to complete their talented triumvirate. Not only do all three players share a great first round pedigree, but they are also currently developing that elusive chemistry that is sure to lead to future success in the SHL.

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With the second overall pick, the Baltimore Platoon are proud to select (from Berlin Germany, by way of the Colorado Raptors), Erik Bergmark!



No sooner had the announcement been made when the arena burst into a spontaneous round of applause! Surrounded by friends and family, Erik was all smiles as he rose to his feet to accept the heartfelt congratulations of those who mattered most. Then came a brief series of hugs, handshakes and fist bumps, all before Erik made his way to the stage to meet the Baltimore staff and don a beautiful brand new Platoon jersey.

Naturally this made for a perfect photo opportunity, and a special moment in the spotlight that Erik and his family will never forget!

Once the pictures were complete, Bergmark and the Baltimore staff were directed just off stage where an energetic media scrum awaited with bated breath. "How does it feel to be the second player taken in the draft?" A reporter blurted out with obvious enthusiasm. "It really hasn't sunk in yet, but it feels tremendous. I couldn't be happier than going to a fine organization like Baltimore!"

As the questions continued, they eventually got round to asking the Platoon coaches what they most like about Bergmark's game.

"For a first year player in the J, he had a really outstanding season. We're talking about a player who finished in the top ten for shots on goal in the entire league. 217 shots in his rookie season, good for seventh place overall, and let me tell you, there's an awful lot of players with more experience who didn't get anywhere near the top ten. What that says to me is Erik has incredible upside as he continues to learn and develop into one of the top right wingers in our game!"

"Erik also scored 22 goals in his rookie campaign, including 5 game winners, while posting an offensive game rating of 73 and dishing out 126 hits! We love his effort in both ends of the ice, and are especially impressed with his ability to get open and read the play on the fly. Erik has tremendous hockey sense and a great understanding of how solid two way play contributes to overall team success!"

"We think Erik represents a fantastic pick for the future of the Platoon. He's a real prototype for what we're looking for in terms of the right combination of talent and desire!"

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With the eleventh overall pick, the Baltimore Platoon are proud to select (from Dingle Ireland, by way of the Colorado Raptors), Adrian O'Rugg!



With the selection of O'Rugg, Baltimore secured it's raptor trifecta, but also it's second first rounder from the Emerald Isle. Last year if you recall, Daniel Swift (from Armagh, Ireland) was taken with the third overall pick to help bring the luck of the Irish to the ranks of the Platoon. (For Daniel Swift's full profile: Click Here!).

Adrian O'Rugg may very well be one of the greatest steals of the opening round. The fact that he was even available when it came time for the eleventh pick, is a remarkable testimony to the strength of the season 68 draft class. Most pundits agree, in virtually any other year, O'Rugg would certainly have gone in the top five.

And so the Platoon continue to gather high end talent by drafting a skilled center who has already distinguished himself in the JHL. Imagine if you will, landing a rookie center who has cracked the top ten in short handed goals and the top five in overall shooting percentage! While most players would kill for accomplishments like this, for Adrian O'Rugg it's just another day at the office!

With a sparkling 22.09 shot percentage, Adrian is truly a gifted marksman who routinely haunts the dreams of opposing goaltenders! Add to that his stellar special teams play, (including a great knack for scoring short handed goals), and you have a top center that any franchise would be thrilled to build around!

Adrian is an adept stick handler who is strong on his skates and very responsible in his own end, (with a defensive game rating of 73). All in all, an excellent prospect with oodles of potential to become a truly great player in the S!

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Thanks for reading!

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