UM hockey commit Blade Jenkins drafted by Saginaw Spirit – Detroit Free Press
Flint Firebirds select four players in first 41 picks of OHL Priority Selection draft
The first two players drafted by the Saginaw Spirit in the Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection draft today recently committed to play next season for the U.S. National Team Development Program based in Plymouth.
The Spirit drafted Compuware U16 forward Blade Jenkins (Jackson) with the fourth overall pick. Jenkins is not only committed to the NTDP but also to the University of Michigan.
Todd Jenkins, Blade’s father and coach, told the Free Press his son will report to the NTDP program next season.
Blade Jenkins (6 feet 0, 167 pounds) scored 15 goals and 21 assists for 36 points in 2 games for Compuware this season.
“We had a lot of calls from various teams,” Todd Jenkins said. “There was talk about first round with him. Obviously, when you’re not going to report the first year or even maybe the second year, usually that doesn’t happen.
The Spirit drafted Chicago Mission U16 defenseman Bode Wilde in the second round, 35th overall. Wilde has also committed to the NTDP, as well as Harvard.
“With Saginaw right now, if whatever happens down the road, they can be setting themselves up for a championship run,” Todd Jenkins said. “Did we expect to go four overall? Probably not. But we’re honored that it did happen, obviously.”
The Flint Firebirds, who had to forfeit the third overall pick in the draft due to owner Rolf Nilsen violating an agreement he made with the league not to be involved in hockey operations, had four of the first 41 picks in the draft.
The Firebirds selected Central Ontario Wolves defenseman Ty Dellandrea with the fifth overall pick. Dellandrea had 36 goals and 21 assists in 36 games this season.
With the 22nd pick, acquired from Sudbury, the Firebirds selected Niagara North Stars center Hunter Holmes (6-0, 168). Holmes had 22 goals and 12 assists in 35 games.
The Firebirds took Barrie Jr. Colts defenseman Dennis Busby (5-10, 169) with the 23rd overall pick. Busby scored six goals and had 17 assists in 23 games for Barrie.
With the final pick of the second round, 41st overall, the Firebirds took Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs forward Jack Wismer (6-1, 186). Wismer scored one goal in one game with the Ancaster Avalanche and 19 goals and 32 assists for 51 points in 35 games for the Bulldogs this season.
Contact George Sipple: [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter@georgesipple.
