The Spruce Grove Saints of the AJHL’s North Division had two big reasons to celebrate on Draft Day 2013 – Blueliners Carson Soucy and Michael Williamson were both selected in the 2013 NHL Draft on Monday in Newark, NJ.
Carson Soucy (Irma, AB) was drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the 5th round, 137th overall. Soucy has committed to the University of Minnesota Duluth (Division I). Soucy immediately garnered attention from the scouting community with his solid defensive play and opportunistic offensive ability during his first full season with the Saints in 2012-2013. Alongside his time with the Saints this season, Soucy also represented Canada at the World Junior Fastball Championships.
Michael Williamson (Leduc, AB) was drafted in the 6th round, 175th overall, by the Vancouver Canucks. Williamson has committed to join the Penn State Nittany Lions. Williamson has played two full seasons with the Saints and was a skilled leader on the Saints defensive end.
Carson and Williamson were both listed in the NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings in April 2013. Soucy was ranked at 137th while Williamson was ranked as 183rd amongst North American Skaters.
Since 1980, 81 players have been drafted directly from the Alberta Junior Hockey League, including four in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Joe Colborne of the Camrose Kodiaks is the highest drafted AJHL player in League history after being selected in the first round and 16th overall by the Boston Bruins in 2008.
In total, 12 players from the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) were selected in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft on Sunday.
