FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, June 2, 2014
JACKALOPES SEND FIRST OVERALL PICK TO JANESVILLE; RECEIVE JUNTTILA AND DRAFT PICKS
Jacks wheeling and dealing, acquire Division I commit Jesse Junttila, a first round pick, and a third round pick in Tuesday’s NAHL draft
ODESSA, TX – The Odessa Jackalopes made their third trade in the past week on Monday, acquiring Northern Michigan University commit Jesse Junttila along with a first round pick (5th overall) and a third round pick (50th overall) in exchange for the first overall pick in the 2014 NAHL Draft to take place on Tuesday, June 3rd.
Junttila, a 1995 birth year from Marquette, MI, spent the last two seasons in the NAHL’s North Division with the now defunct, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings and last season with the Janesville Jets. The 5’9 161 lbs. defenseman uses his speed and puck-moving abilities to make up for what he lacks in size. The skill this defenseman possesses is certainly what caught Director of Scouting Craig Sarner’s eye.
“Jesse is one of those special guys who is a hybrid player,” Said Sarner. “Much like a (Jake) Kreutzer last season, Junttila can play forward if needed but is a defenseman by trade,” “We like his speed, skill and puck-moving ability. He is going to be a huge asset come next season”
“It was also big for us to pick up a third round pick. We weren’t slated to pick in the third round in the draft so we are excited about that too.” Finished the third year Scout for the Jacks.
The Jacks will now pick fourth and fifth in the first round of the NAHL Draft that takes place Tuesday, June 3rd at 1 pm Central Time.
Here is a list of the how the teams will pick tomorrow in the 1st round:
- Janesville (from ODE)
- Brookings
- Corpus Christi
- Odessa (from MNM)
- Odessa (from JNE)
- Minot
- Sault Ste. Marie
- Springfield
- Johnstown
- Coulee Region
- Kenai River
- Wentachee
- Wichita Falls
- Bismarck
- Janesville
- Michigan
- Rio Grande Valley
- Keystone
- Aberdeen
- Austin
- MN Wilderness
- Topeka
- Amarillo
- Fairbanks
In 2014-15, the Odessa Jackalopes will embark upon their fourth season in the North American Hockey League and 18th in the Permian Basin. Season tickets are on sale now! To reserve your seats, contact the Jackalopes’ ticket office today at 432-552-7825 or log on to www.jackalopes.org for more information.
Be sure to follow the Jackalopes on Twitter @LetsGoJacks all year long and don’t forget to ‘Like’ the official “Odessa Jackalopes” fan page on Facebook.
— ODESSA JACKALOPES —
