We're into the second half of the hockey season, and the push for the playoffs begin!

Colts Drafted by NHL Clubs

Written by: Tyler Bodman on 30th June 2009

PHOTO BY SCOTT VANKOUGHNETT

Barrie forwards Alex Hutchings and Kyle Clifford were selected on the second day of the NHL Entry Draft | read this item

Montreal, QC — Two Barrie Colts came one step closer to reaching their dreams of playing in the NHL this past weekend in Montreal.

Forwards Kyle Clifford and Alex Hutchings, both former second round picks in the OHL draft, were selected on day two of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

It was size before speed as the first to hear his name called was the six-foot-one, 200-pound Clifford. The L.A. Kings used their second pick and selected him 35th overall.
Clifford plays a physical game. The Ayr native, scored 16 goals, added 12 assists and racked up 133 penalty minutes over 60 games with the Colts this past season.

Even though Clifford was over looked for both the CHL Top-Prospects game and the Draft Combine he had met with several teams and knew his name was going to be called.

“I had a pretty good idea that L.A. would be one of the teams involved,” said Clifford shortly after he was drafted.
“I met with them earlier like most other kids do and had a good idea that they were a possibility.”

He knows that he has some work to do over the next year to make the step up to the NHL.
“I need to improve my skill development and stick to my bread and butter, my tough physical game,” he said. “I think that should help me make the jump [to the NHL].”

It was a different story for Hutchings who had attended both the Top-Prospects game and Draft Combine.

The five-foot-10, 173-pound Hutchings had to wait another 58 picks before the Tampa Bay Lightning used their fourth pick, selecting him 93rd overall.

The speedy left-winger admitted he was starting to get a little nervous but was just happy to have his name called over the loud speakers. The Burlington native, lead the Colts in both goals, with 34 and assists with 34 in 63 games this past season.

“This is a dream come true,” said a relieved Hutchings. “Obviously it could be the number one birthday present. Wearing this jersey is going to be pretty exciting.”

Both players gave a lot of credit to the Colts’ coaching staff for their development.

“The coaching staff has a lot of NHL experience, mostly Jeff Beukeboom and Drake Berehowsky,” said Clifford. “And, with Jeff [Beukeboom] winning a few Stanley Cups and Marty [Williamson] who has won a few championships too it really helps.”

“Even the players on the [Colts] that have already been drafted have helped a lot,” added Hutchings.
Hutchings feels that this is going to bring the Colts another step closer to winning a championship.

“It’s a great organization, great fan support,” he said. “I am thrilled to play there and hopefully we’ll be a lot stronger next year to make a solid run at the Memorial Cup.”

With nine of the top 10 scorers returning to the Colts again next fall, Clifford agrees that it’s going to be a good season for them.

“Next year is going to be our year for sure, we’re all going for it,” he said. “We have big name players like Hutchings and Della Rovere to help us make a strong move for [the Memorial Cup].

The most players ever selected in the NHL Entry Draft from the Barrie Colts were six, back in 1999, when Brian Finley, Denis Shvidki, Sheldon Keefe, Ed Hill, Andre Lakos and Scott Cameron were all drafted.

From the Barrie Advance

Topics: 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Alex Hutchings, Atlanta Thrashers, Barrie Advance, Barrie Colts, Kyle Clifford, Los Angeles Kings