Two Cats picked in draft
Published Monday June 29th, 2009
Nicola Riopel, David Savard enjoy their moment in the spotlight
The third time proved to be the charm for Nicola Riopel.
After being passed over the past two years, the Moncton Wildcats star goaltender finally enjoyed the spotlight when the Philadelphia Flyers selected him in the fifth round of the 2009 National Hockey League draft on Saturday at the Bell Centre in Montreal.
"It was an incredible feeling when they called my name," he said. "It's an emotional experience and I think it's even more special for me because I went through disappointment at the previous two drafts.
"It was the perfect scenario with the draft being in Montreal and my family being there with me to celebrate. When I put on the Philadelphia jersey and hat, it really hit me hard that I'm one step closer to my dream. When they take a goaltender in the fifth round as a 20-year-old, it means they have confidence in you."
Moncton has had someone selected in every NHL draft since the franchise joined the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in 1995-96. The Wildcats claimed in this year's lottery were Riopel and defenceman David Savard, a fourth-round pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Savard had 44 points, including nine goals, in 68 games this season and led Moncton with a plus 29 rating. The 18-year-old sophomore was among the three nominees for the QMJHL's Best Defensive Defenceman.
"I think David was underestimated when he arrived in major junior," said Riopel. "This season, he really came into his own and everyone has a real appreciation now for what he can do.
"I'm happy for him because he deserves to be NHL drafted. He had an incredible season. Without him, our team's defence wouldn't have been the same. I don't think we would've finished first in our division without him."
Moncton surpassed all expectations by finishing third overall in the QMJHL and it set a league record with a 2.16 team goals-against average.
Riopel established a QMJHL record for best individual average at 2.01 and he was named the league's Most Valuable Player. He also boasted five shutouts, a .931 save percentage and 43-15 record.
It's unknown whether he will return to the Wildcats as a 20-year-old next season or turn professional.
"After having the door shut in my face the last two years, it's an incredible feeling to know that a team has the confidence in me to draft me," said Riopel. "People told me that I needed to prove myself as a winner and I took that personally.
"This season, I tried to make sure I wouldn't give teams any choice but to draft me. I really savoured the moment when they called my name and thought about all the work I had to do for this to happen.
"I want to thank (Wildcats president) Mr. (Robert) Irving and the coaching staff because without them I wouldn't have been drafted. I want to thank all the guys that blocked shots and sacrificed themselves during the season because without my teammates I wouldn't have been drafted."
Five other Wildcats who were on the 2009 NHL draft radar weren't selected: Defenceman Simon Jodoin and forwards Matt Brown, Ted Stephens, Randy Cameron and Scott Brannon.
Cameron and Brannon could return to the Wildcats as 20-year-olds next season, but both are now able to sign with any NHL club as a free agent.
"It didn't happen for them this time, but it's not the end of the road for them," said Riopel. "With their talent and work ethic and with another great season by the team, I'm sure their time is going to come. They just have to stay positive and keep working hard."
Twenty-three QMJHL products, including no New Brunswickers, were claimed in the 2009 NHL draft.
The QMJHL produced four first-round picks: 14. Drummondville defenceman Dmitri Kulikov (Florida); 25. Rimouski forward Jordan Caron (Boston); 27. Shawinigan forward Philippe Paradis (Carolina); 30. Saint John defenceman Simon Despres (Pittsburgh).
Here's where the remaining QMJHL content went:
* Second Round -- Shawinigan defenceman Charles-Olivier Roussel (Nashville) and Lewiston defenceman Eric Gelinas (New Jersey)
* Third Round -- Victoriaville forward Andrej Nestrasil (Detroit), Rouy-Noranda defenceman Nicolas Deslauriers (Los Angeles) and Rimouski defenceman Gleason Fournier (Detroit).
* Fourth Round -- Moncton defenceman David Savard (Columbus), Montreal goaltender Jean-Francois Berube (Los Angeles) and Shawinigan forward Nicholas Petersen (Pittsburgh).
Saint John now owns Petersen's QMJHL rights, but he may turn pro as a 20-year-old next season.
* Fifth Round -- Drummondville forward Mike Hoffman (Ottawa), Baie-Comeau forward Gabriel Bourque (Nashville), Cape Breton goaltender Olivier Roy (Edmonton), Drummondville forward Gabriel Dumont (Montreal) and Moncton goaltender Nicola Riopel (Philadelphia).
Saint John now owns Hoffman's QMJHL rights, but he may turn pro as a 20-year-old next season.
* Sixth Round -- Shawinigan forward Dave Labrecque (Philadelphia) and Shawinigan forward Ashton Bernard (New Jersey). Bernard was traded to Cape Breton earlier this month.
* Seventh Round -- Saint John forward Steven Anthony (Vancouver), Shawinigan forward Maxime Legault (Buffalo), P.E.I. forward Benjamin Casavant (Washington) and Quebec forward David Gilbert (Chicago).
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