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Islanders Pick Tavares
The New York Islanders selected center John Tavares, an 18-year-old junior star with the London Knights, with the first overall pick in the 2009 NHL entry draft.
Next came Swedish defenseman Victor Hedman, the top-ranked European prospect, who was selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning with the second overall pick.
"Our goal was to find the best player in this draft that will become an integral piece to us winning a Stanley Cup," Islanders GM Garth Snow said. "John has been a game-breaking type of player at every level he has played and will add a scoring touch to our lineup.
"He's an offensively-gifted hockey player. "Whether it's shooting the puck or distributing it, he sees the puck at a different level than any other young player that I've seen in this draft."
"To finally have this come true and be part of the National Hockey League, and especially in Long Island, where the building process with a young team is starting, to join a group of players there and the community and the fans, I can't wait to get started," Tavares said.
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News & Stuff:
2009 NHL Entry Draft
2009 NHL Awards
2009 NHL Playoffs
NHL Calendar 2008-09
April 15
Stanley Cup Playoffs begin.
June 15
Last possible day for Stanley Cup finals.
June 26-27
NHL draft, Montreal.
July 1
Free agency signing period begins.
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"Goaltending is a normal job. Sure! How would you like it in your job if every time you made a small mistake,
a red light went on over your desk, and 15,000 people stood up and yelled at you?"
Jacques Plante
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