Sarnia Sting defencemen Lukas Fischer is among 23 OHL players to participate in the NHL combine this week ahead of the NHL draft later this month in Las Vegas.
“It’s very deserved,” said Sting assistant General Manager Mark Glavin. “Lukas was a horse for us this year and played a ton of minutes, nothing but an incredibly bright future for him.”
The combine is the last showcase event for draft eligible players to make an impression on NHL teams ahead of this year's draft. Players take part in a series of interviews as well as fitness and medical tests, as NHL teams get a last look at this year's top prospects, in order to solidify their picks.
Fischer, the son of former NHL’er and Stanley Cup champion, Jiri Fischer, scored six goals and had 38 points in 68 games this season, and has been ranked 45th among North American skaters.
Glavin says he expects Fisher to be a huge part of the team moving forward, especially with the experience he gained this past season.
“The experience he took from last year with the minutes that he played, are just going to help us moving forward, and what he is about to experience at the combine and the NHL draft, we’re thrilled for Lukas,” Glavin told the Journal, pointing to Fischer’s professional attitude and hard work.
“We are striving towards the winning culture that has been started with our program and our current team.”
He adds that the Sting are excited to see what happens over the next few NHL drafts with the talent they have now.
“Winners get drafted,” said Glavin. “We’re starting with Lukas this year.”
Next year, players like Hughston Hurt and Carter Kostuch will be eligible, and two years from now, Ryan Brown and first round pick of this year’s OHL Priority Selection, Alessandro Di Iorio, will also be eligible for the NHL draft.
“We’re very excited about what it’s going to be like over the next few drafts for the young men on our team,” said Glavin. “That’s going to be part of a winning culture that they will bring to our group.”
The San Jose Sharks won this year's draft lottery and will have the first pick.
The combine continues to the end of this week, before the NHL draft which is scheduled for June 28-29. This will be the 62nd NHL draft, and will take place at the Sphere in Las Vegas Nevada.
Fans can catch the first round of the NHL draft on Sportsnet beginning June 28th at 7pm est. Rounds 2-7 will be on the 29th starting at 11am est.