3 Blades Picked in 08 NHL Entry Draft

The Saskatoon Blades wish to congratulate Jyri Niemi, Braden Holtby, and Teigan Zahn. The three Blades players were drafted in the 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th rounds respectively in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Niemi, the 6’3”, 190 lbs. defenseman was picked up by the New York Islanders in the 3^rd Round, 72^nd overall. Thanks to his booming 97 mile per hour slap shot and continual improvement throughout the season, Niemi was the highest Blade selected in this year’s NHL Entry Draft.

Holtby, the Blades starting goaltender for the past two seasons, was taken by the Washington Capitals in the 4^th Round, 93^rd overall. The 6’1”, 198 lbs. tender has become well known around the Western Hockey League for his quick glove and overall speed between the pipes.

Zahn, a product of Bethune, SK, evolved into one of the Blades top defenseman during the 2007/08 campaign where he was eventually awarded when named as an Assistant Captain with the club. The 6’1”, 217 lbs. defenseman didn’t shy away from the physical play last year as he recorded a 104 penalty minutes in 69 games played.

This year’s draft is the second consecutive year that 3 Blades have been chosen in an NHL Entry Draft and the first time since 1999 that 2 defenseman have been selected.

Jyri Niemi and Braden Holtby’s game worn jerseys from 2007/08 are currently up for auction on Ebay. To view and bid on the jerseys use the links below:

Jyri Niemi Jersey: Click Here
Braden Holtby Jersey: Click Here

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