July 2nd, 2009
Screaming Eagles select a Russian and a Swede at CHL Import
With the first selection, 49th overall, the Screaming Eagles selected defenseman Nikita Pivtaskin from Avangard-Omsk Juniors. The 5'9", 175 lb. rearguard will turn 18 on July 23. According to General Manager and Head Coach Mario Durocher, the Screaming Eagles didn't expect him to available.
“We were surprised that he became available to us and we have to credit the work of his agent Sergei Bogdan. Once we knew he would be coming to us we decided to move down in the draft.”
The Screaming Eagles were scheduled to select 40th overall, but they made a deal with Shawinigan. The trade saw Shawinigan receive Cape Breton’s 40th pick in the Import Draft in exchange for Shawinigan’s 49th pick in the Import Draft and a 6th round selection in the 2010 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Midget Entry Draft.
Pivtaskin was a member of Russia’s team at this year’s World Under-18 Hockey Championships held in Fargo, North Dakota. Screaming Eagles Assistant General Manager Richard Liboiron and Head Scout Bob Johnson saw him play while at this tournament and recommended him to Durocher.
“Richard and Bob said although he is not big he’s not afraid to play physical and is a solid all-around player. He will play as an 18 year-old and should be with us for at least the next two years.”
Cape Breton also completed another trade on the day this time to move up from 100th position in the second round to number 61, a position held by the Halifax Mooseheads. The Screaming Eagles dealt their seventh round pick in next year’s QMJHL’s Midget Entry draft in exchange for Halifax’s second round selection, 61st overall in the\is yearβs Import Draft and a ninth round pick in the 2010 QMJHL’s Midget Entry Draft.
They used that pick to select 18 year-old right-winger Victor Hertzberg. The 6β0β, 180 lb Herztberg played for Frolunda, Sweden last season.
βI have been in contact with him almost every day in the last week. His English is really good and he is excited to be coming over here,β Durocher said. βFrom all of the reports we have he is a very good skater and had good stats in a very good league in Sweden. Hopefully he will be able to play on our first two lines.β
Durocher will now begin finalizing the necessary paperwork for both players and is looking forward to having both in Cape Breton for the opening day of Training Camp on August 18th at Centre 200.
