News Release

WHALERS SIGN 2007 FIRST ROUND DRAFT CHOICE BEAU SCHMITZ

Head Coach Greg Stefan shakes hands with 2007 first round pick Beau Schmitz, who signed with the Whalers for the upcoming season

PLYMOUTH – Plymouth Whalers President and General Manager Mike Vellucci has announced the signing of 17-year-old defenseman Beau Schmitz, who was selected by the Whalers in the first round (19th overall) of the 2007 Ontario Hockey League Draft. 

Schmitz - from Howell, MI - played last season for the National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, scoring six goals with nine assists for 15 points in 59 games for the NTDP’s Under-17 Team. Schmitz led both the Under-17 and Under-18 Teams with 108 penalty minutes.

“Beau’s an exceptional offensive talent,” Vellucci said. “He will be one of the best skaters in our league. He’s a very tough defenseman and can play any aspect of the game that we ask. I compare him to (former Whalers captain and current Chicago Blackhawk) James Wisniewski, but a better skater.  

“He was the best defenseman in his age group and definitely the best American defenseman of his age group. He’s tough, hates to lose and is the complete package. He plays a very in-your-face style of hockey, what I call Whaler hockey. I couldn’t be happier in signing Beau today.

“What’s best about this for Beau is that he will get the best of both worlds – a great education, while developing for the National Hockey League.”

“Coming to Plymouth is a great opportunity,” Schmitz said. “It will help me out with the schooling they offer and the NHL Draft. I like to get up into the play offensively, but play a good defensive game, too.” 

In 2006-07, Schmitz played with current Whalers RJ Mahalak (Monroe) and Tyler J. Brown (Westland) on the Belle Tire Under-16 team that won State and National championships.

“They both have been talking to me,” Schmitz said. “They encouraged me, told me how much fun it was and what a nice place Plymouth is.”

Speaking of first round picks, the Whalers are preparing for Saturday’s OHL Draft, held this Saturday starting at 9 a.m., where they will select 9th overall. The Draft – known formally as the OHL Priority Selection – is conducted over the internet and can be followed on line at http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/events/index.php?step=1&sub=2&id=121.

Whaler fans can follow Plymouth’s progress online on www.plymouthwhalers.com. 

About the Plymouth Whalers

The Plymouth Whalers are the only Metro Detroit team in the Ontario Hockey League, a developmental league for National Hockey League players. The Whalers all range in age from 15-21 years-old and are consistently one of the top teams in the OHL. In 2006-07, the Whalers won the OHL Championship and had seven players sign NHL contracts. www.plymouthwhalers.com

About Compuware Arena

Compuware Arena is home to the 2007 Ontario Hockey League Champion Plymouth Whalers, the Major Indoor Soccer League’s Detroit Ignition, the Compuware Arena Drive-In Theatres, the MHSAA Boys State Hockey Championships and eight AAA Compuware Hockey youth teams. Compuware Arena serves more than one million patrons each year, and is located in Plymouth, Michigan. www.compuwarearena.com

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