Stars pick quickly in USHL draft

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BY BRENT C. WAGNER / Lincoln Journal Star

Those following along with the United States Hockey League Draft on Wednesday couldn’t fall behind.

While the NFL Draft carries on for days, in the USHL Draft, teams had only two minutes per selection.

“If you don’t know who you are going to take by now, you’re in trouble,” Stars coach Jimmy McGroarty said.

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After previously trading draft picks away for current players, Lincoln didn’t have a selection until the fifth of 18 rounds. Still, the Stars drafted 13 players. Those 13 will join 70 others at tryout camp in June. Only about 25 will make the preseason roster.

But just like players that sign million-dollar contracts, there are no guarantees. For example, Lincoln’s top pick last season, Jeff Ceccacci, was released following the preseason.

USHL player of the year Jason Gregoire, meanwhile, was a 13th round pick in the 2006 Draft. Also keep in mind that eight of the Stars’ best players last season were not acquired via the draft.

“This May draft is hit or miss,” McGroarty said.

That said, here are a few players that could maybe, possibly, have a chance of helping the cause next season:

Top pick

Richard Manley, forward, Burnaby Express (British Columbia Hockey League)

“Richard Manley is the guy I envisioned drafting first, even if our first pick was in the first round or the fifth round,” McGroarty said.  “For him to be around in the fifth round, I have to admit I was pretty ecstatic.”

“He’s not going to be the big-time goal scorer, but he’s going to chip pucks in the net, brings size (6-foot-5, 235 pounds) and skates well for a big guy. He might have an opportunity to get drafted (in the NHL).”

Instant impact

Nielsson Arcibal, forward, Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL)

“I hated playing against him, and I tried to trade for him at the trade deadline back in February, and they weren’t willing to part with him,” McGroarty said. “Now I got him with the draft, so it’s even better.”

Fan favorite

Sebastian Geoffrion, forward, Culver (Ind.) Military Academy

“He’s a kid the whole coaching staff loves,” McGroarty said. “His brother played for the world junior team, and his grandpa’s number is retired by the Montreal Canadiens.”

For a complete list of Lincoln’s picks and draft reaction, visit the Blue Line Blog.