WITH A TOP CLASS already expected for the 2008 version of the Elite Edge Hockey Showcase, eight players from the 2007 camp have been named to USHL draft lists.
Daniel Broussard (LA Jr. Kings), Joel Kern, Jan Kaminsky, Alex Larson, Michael Lant, Teemu Tiitinen (all TPH Thunder), Daniel Bernardi and Zach Bernardi (both Whitby Dunlops) have been named to the league’s central scouting prospect list.
“We are very excited that several players who were here last year and are returning have been named to the USHL list,” said Brandon Walker, Elite Edge Hockey Showcase program director. “We are working hard to attract the top players here to our camp. The more high end players that are here, the better experience it will be for visiting teams from the USHL, NAHL and other junior programs.”
It is anticipated that more USHL listed players will be attending this years Elite Edge program as more registrations are received.
Both Broussard and Zach Bernardi are also draft selections from the OHL Priority Draft. Broussard was a fourth round pick of Sarnia while Bernardi was selected in the ninth round by Belleville.
Well Represented
The 2008 Elite Edge program is still more than 60 days away, however early registration returns show the camp has hit new parts of the hockey map.
For the first time in four years, Elite Edge will feature players from Pennsylvania, Virginia and Ohio. This is in addition to players from Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Louisiana, Maryland and Kentucky who have signed up for the 2008 edition. Players already registered this year come from programs such as Team Maryland U18 AAA, Florida Jr. Panthers, Culver Academy, Soo Indians U18 AAA, TPH Thunder, Southern Flyers, Cushing Academy, Washington Little Caps and Avon Old Farms.
In four years Elite Edge has featured players from 24 states and three countries.
Vacation Time
An unexpected early vacation for the Cowichan Capitals of the British Columbia Hockey League has left coach Scott Robinson with more time on his hands than planned.
Robinson will again be visiting the Elite Edge Hockey Showcase after a very intriguing trip to Nashville last year.
“I was extremely impressed with the quality of players at last years camp and the professionalism of everything with Elite Edge,” he said. “It is an interesting recruiting opportunity for us and one I hope we can take advantage of in the future.”
Robinson had a player from last year's Elite Edge program visit his team this year and hopes to continue the relationship to have a full-time player on his BCHL squad in the future. Cowichan ended this season 27-28-2, four points from a playoff spot.
Top Leagues Come To Town
The 2008 Elite Edge Hockey Showcase will have teams from the four top Jr. A hockey leagues in North America have committed to visiting the camp this summer.
The Omaha Lancers (United States Hockey League), Springfield Jr. Blues (North American Hockey League), Cowichan Capitals (British Columbia Hockey League) and Weyburn Red Wings (Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League) will have coaches or scouts in attendance this June. All four of those programs are leaders in their respective leagues at sending players on to the NCAA Division I level.
“I am very happy to have programs of this caliber committed to attending our event so early in the process,” said Walker. “We have worked very hard in the first three years of the camp to get recognition like this and it is nice to see it recognized. I know that the quality of players we are attracting to Elite Edge is worth their visit.”
As well as the commitments from these programs, several other USHL and NAHL teams are expected to confirm their attendance in the coming weeks. Several college and Midget Major AAA programs are also expected to attend.
“We are starting to hear from these teams that this is a bit of an untapped market on their recruiting calendar,” said Walker. “There are players coming from this ‘non-traditional’ part of the country and they want to be the first to get a chance to see them and talk to them. Hopefully we can provide that.”
Now in its fourth year, Elite Edge has proven to be a top development and showcase camp in the Southeast for players born between 1989 and 1993. For more information check www.eliteedgehockey.com or call 615-673-6451. |
