Thursday, May 19, 2005

Spirit ink top three 2005 draft picks

The Saginaw Spirit have signed forwards Zack Torquato, Anthony Soboczynski and Thomas Craig to OHL contracts. Torquato was Saginaw's top pick, third overall, in the May 7 draft while Soboczynski and Craig were selected in the second round.

Torquato, a 15-year-old native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, signed last week and has his new head coach excited.

“We feel he’s a great fit for our club and has the character and determination that we hope to see in every Saginaw Spirit draft pick," Bob Mancini said.

Torquato, 6-foot and 185 pounds, played with the Stratford Cullitons Junior B team during the 2004-05 season and had 34 goals and 75 points in 47 games while being named the Midwestern Junior Hockey League's rookie of the year. He was also fourth in league scoring.

“Anthony and Thomas are great additions to our roster," said Mancini on his second-round picks. "They both bring the much needed elements of size, skill, skating and hockey sense to the future of the Saginaw Spirit.”

Soboczynski was chosen 21st overall and is a 15-year-old, 6-foot-1, 185-pound winger from London, Ontario. Craig was chosen 23rd overall. He is a 16-year-old, 6-foot-2, 215-pound forward from St. Louis, Missouri.

All three are expected to attend Spirit training camp this fall.

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