what's his story?!? I love the cool story players.. I.e mckensie stewart and his perseverance story with deafness and a late start in hockey....
What's this kid's story?
Born in a Columbus suburb, learned to play hockey through CBJ programs in the early 2000's at the Chiller ice rinks, played his way up through the CBJ U16 and U18 teams in the T1EHL league. Finished off last season playing in Youngstown, Ohio for the Phantoms of the USHL. Was draft-eligible and GM Jarmo Kekalainen reportedly made offers to acquire an additional 7th round pick in order to draft Kole but was unable to get the pick. When he went undrafted the CBJ front office promptly invited Kole and his brother to the prospect development camp where Kole (and his brother, Keifer) really stood out among our best prospects. After touring the London Knight's facilities earlier this week he decided to sign a contract with Columbus and play in the OHL rather than go to the NCAA.What's his story?!? I love the cool story players.. I.e McKensie Stewart and his perseverance story with deafness and a late start in hockey....
What's this kid's story?
Was eligible to be drafted in '15, went undrafted, got invited to CBJ prospect camp, did well, got signed directly to an ELC becoming the first AAA Blue Jacket, and first Columbus born player to sign contract w/ CBJ.
Born in a Columbus suburb, learned to play hockey through CBJ programs in the early 2000's at the Chiller ice rinks, played his way up through the CBJ U16 and U18 teams in the T1EHL league. Finished off last season playing in Youngstown, Ohio for the Phantoms of the USHL. Was draft-eligible and GM Jarmo Kekalainen reportedly made offers to acquire an additional 7th round pick in order to draft Kole but was unable to get the pick. When he went undrafted the CBJ front office promptly invited Kole and his brother to the prospect development camp where Kole (and his brother, Keifer) really stood out among our best prospects. After touring the London Knight's facilities earlier this week he decided to sign a contract with Columbus and play in the OHL rather than go to the NCAA.
It's significant because he's the first homegrown player that Columbus has signed. Other players born in the area like Cole Cassels, Connor Murphy, Jack Roslovic, etc. didn't play in the CBJ system past the U16 team and ended up getting drafted by other NHL teams.
Thanks!
Congrats to the kid and congrats to the Jackets for breaking ground like that.
Should be a good boost to promote development for Columbus hockey.
Waiting for Nashville now.. They have developed a great minor hockey system there since their arrival...