With the first overall pick in the NHL draft the Islanders pick... John Tavares!

The New York Islanders picked John Tavares with the first overall draft pick in the NHL Draft. According to numerous scouts Tavares was the top prospect available in the draft. The 19 year old phenom has very good numbers from his days in the OHL with 433 points in four seasons (215 goals and 218 assists). Mr. Tavares has also won two gold medals with Team Canada at the 2008 and 2009 World Junior Championships. This guy has some great talent and incredible potential, and I have to raise this question: Is there any chance at all that Tavares will play with the Jacks some this season? I guess it is a possibility since the Jacks are the AA affiliate of the Islanders, but the Utah Grizzlies are another of the Islanders AA affiliates while the Bridgeport Sound Tigers are the Islanders AAA affiliate. On the other hand, will Tavares go straight to the AAA Sound Tigers, or will he go straight to the NHL and play with the Islanders? I think it would be amazing if he were to play with the Jacks some this season, but that is definitely a long shot to happen. I guess I can always dream can't I? Wherever Tavares spends his time in the upcoming season, I wish him nothing but the best and hope that he has a fantastic career. You can read the full article about Tavares at the Jackalopes website which can be viewed at http://www.jackalopes.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=242:06story15&catid=69:newstory&Itemid=119

In other CHL news:

• Perhaps the biggest signing of the offseason so far (aside from the Jacks bringing back the reigning CHL MVP in Sebastien Thinel) was announced the other day as the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees snatched up high-scoring forward Daymen Rycroft. I have to admit that I am a bit envious as I was hoping and praying that the Jacks would sign him and bring him to Odessa, but hopefully the Jacks can bring in one of the other quality players from the now dark Rocky Mountain Rage. You can read the full article at the league website which can be viewed at http://www.centralhockeyleague.com/pressroom/news/index.html?article_id=3517


• The Texas Brahmas also made a big acquisition by signing winger Anders Strome. This guy has played with the Brahmas in the past and has put up big numbers throughout his career. He played in Denmark last season, and has now decided to return to the Brahmas to try and bring another championship to North Richland Hills. If the Jacks have their way, it will not matter who the Brahmas sign as the Jacks plan to bring home the cup to Odessa next season. You can read the full article on Strome at the league website which can be viewed at http://www.centralhockeyleague.com/pressroom/news/index.html?article_id=3516.


• After waiting for weeks and weeks, the new Independence team finally has a team name and logo. The team out of Independence, Missouri will be known as the Missouri Mavericks, with their logo supposed to be an angry stallion. To me it looks more like a constipated donkey, but hey that is just my opinion. I am not too fond of the color scheme either as they have chosen orange and a dull, powder blue to be their primary colors. You can read the article about the Missouri Mavericks at the league website which can be viewed at http://www.centralhockeyleague.com/pressroom/news/index.html?article_id=3514.

Until next time Jack fans all I have to say is GO JACKS GO!!!