Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Whalers sign first-round pick Dempsey

The Plymouth Whalers have announced the signing of 16-year-old left wing Mitchell Dempsey, who was selected by the Whalers in the first round (11th overall) of the 2011 Ontario Hockey League draft.

Dempsey, from Cambridge, Ont., scored 38 goals with 34 assists for 72 points and 76 penalty minutes in 55 games for the Cambridge Hawks last season.

He participated in the Whalers rookie orientation in May, scoring twice over two scrimmages.

“We’ve had success in developing power forwards – guys who play with skill and strength,” Plymouth coach-GM Mike Vellucci said. “It may take a little time, but Dempsey has the chance to be a player in the mold of James Neal (now with the Pittsburgh Penguins) or Jared Boll (Columbus Blue Jackets).”

After seeing Plymouth during rookie orientation, Dempsey is ready to get going during Whalers training camp, which begins with players reporting back to the area in late August.

“It was great coming in and meeting everyone at rookie camp,” Dempsey said. “It was a little nerve-wracking at first, but we were able to see everything and get settled. I can’t wait to get started.”

Photo courtesy of the Dempsey family

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