Commitment From Greyhounds First Round Draft Pick

Greyhounds Statement…     Soo Greyhounds General Manager Kyle Raftis is pleased to announce the commitment from 2015 1st Round draft pick LIAM HAWEL.

The Arnprior, ON product was selected by the Greyhounds with the 22nd overall pick in this past April’s OHL Priority Selection.

“As a multi-sport athlete and a great student we are thrilled today to announce Liam’s commitment to our program” began Raftis.

“Liam’s game has taken tremendous strides over the last 12 months and with his combination of pro style size, speed and skill we are very excited to see where his potential can take him” he added.

The 6.02, 152-lb centreman played this past season (2014-15) with the Ottawa Valley Titans Minor Midget hockey club.  In 25 regular season games played he tallied 18 goals and 31 assists (49 points).

At the 2015 OHL Cup, Hawel led his team with 2 goals and 1 assist in 3 games played.

Later this month (July 29 to August 6), Liam will be among 111 players to take part in Canada’s National Under-17 Development Camp to take place at the Markin MacPhail Centre at WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park in Calgary. He will be among 63 forwards vying for a chance to represent Canada on one of three national teams at the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

“It’s an amazing feeling.  I couldn’t be more excited to play in Sault Ste. Marie, for the Greyhounds, and to get everything started” commented Hawel.

Liam, who visited Sault Ste. Marie along with other draft picks in April, will be in Sault Ste. Marie at the end of August for Training Camp 2015.