The Colorado Avalanche have selected Duncan Siemens with the 11th overall pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

Modeling his game after former New Jersey Devils great Scott Stevens, Siemens hasn’t shied away from throwing devastating open ice hits for the Saskatoon Blades. Like Stevens, the Sherwood Park, AB. native isn’t shy to make his presence felt to his opposition, playing a chippy, rough-and-tumble game that irritates and intimidates opposing forwards. Needless to say, the gritty blueliner is miserable to play against.

Siemens possesses a quality offensive game as well. Criticized for being part of a Blades team that led the WHL in scoring, many feel Siemens’ production of 43 points in 72 games was the product of his defensive partner, Stefan Elliott of the Colorado Avalanche. Still, the six-foot-three, 190-pound defenseman is mobile, has poise with the puck and is always encouraged by head coach Lorne Molleken to join the rush.

Not bad for a prospect who, had he been born eight days later, been a member of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft class.

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