FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CALGARY, AB — Future Considerations Hockey today announced Barrie Colts captain Aaron Ekblad as the Franchise Hockey Manager draft eligible Defenseman of the Year.
The 18-year-old Belle River, ON native was exceptional through the 2013-14 campaign, recording 23 goals and 30 assists with a plus-7 rating in 58 games. His 53 points were third amongst Canadian Hockey League draft eligible defensemen behind Anthony DeAngelo of the Sarnia Sting and Julius Honka of the Swift Current Broncos.
The top-ranked prospect for the 2014 NHL Draft was named Future Considerations’ draft eligble defenseman of the month in both January and March.
“The 2014 NHL Draft’s undisputed top blueliner blends all the elements NHL teams covet when drafting defensemen,” Future Considerations’ scouting director Dan Stewart said. “He’s a big, right-handed shooting, physical defenseman that has leadership qualities and the analytical smarts to read the developing play both offensively and defensively. He has a booming point shot that he gets on net and the constant desire to improve his overall game.
“Ekblad is willing to put in the work to make himself a top pairing blueliner at the next level.”
The 6-foot-4, 217-pound rearguard also received the Max Kaminsky Trophy awarded annually to the Ontario Hockey League’s Most Outstanding Defenceman of the Year, becoming just the third 18-year-old in the past 20 years to collect the honor.
Ekblad represented Canada at the 2014 IIHF World Junior Championship and captained Team Orr at the 2014 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Calgary.
He was also recognized by Eastern Conference teams in the annual Coaches Poll finishing first in four categories, including Hardest Shot, Best Shot, Best Offensive Defenseman, and Best Defensive Defenseman.
Franchise Hockey Manager (“FHM”) is the deepest, most immersive, and most customizable hockey management game in the world. Choose one of 19 leagues and select a team to guide to glory. Sign free agents, trade players, draft the next crop of superstars, and much more!