Antropov is Gens’ top pick

By Joel Wittnebel/The Oshawa Express

The Generals wanted to add size and skill to their roster with the Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection, and they accomplished both in a big way, selecting Danil Antropov sixth overall in the first round.

In an interview prior to the draft, general manager Roger Hunt told The Oshawa Express he wanted to bulk up the size of the roster, and if it came down to a 50/50 split between size and skill, skill would win out.

Antropov, the 16-year-old son of former Toronto Maple Leaf Nik Antropov, played minor midget this season with the Toronto Marlboros, tallying 36 goals and 36 assists in 56 games. The six-foot-one, 181-pound winger could have an opportunity to play three solid seasons with the Generals.

“He’ll have the chance to come in and contribute like we think he can, using his smarts, size and skill to develop into a really solid player,” states Hunt in a news release issued following the draft.

The Gens had a bevy of picks throughout the draft, sticking with bigger players through the majority of the rounds. Save for the drafting of goalie Nathan Torchia in the fourth round, Oshawa didn’t select a player under six-feet until the 11th round.

Following the selection of Antropov in the first round, Oshawa selected Nepean native Serron Noel 25th overall in the second round. Noel, a six-foot-two, 172-pound winger, comes from the Brockville Braves.

Also selected in the second round was Jack BeBoer of Madison, New Jersey, a six-foot-two, 170-pound centreman.

The third round saw Oshawa pick up their first defenseman of the draft, selecting William Ennis 46th overall.

With a wide selection throughout the draft, Oshawa selected:

• Jospeh Rupoli:  6’2, 193lbs, defenseman with the Toronto Red Wings, selected 87th overall in the fifth round
• Dante Fantauzzi: 6’0, 173lbs, , defenseman with the Toronto Marlboros, selected 99th overall in the fifth round
• Mitchell Hewitson: 6’3, 205lbs, winger with the Halton Hills Hurricans, selected 127th overall in the seventh round
• Grant Spence: 6’0, 155lbs, centreman with the C-K Cyclones, selected 147th overall in the eighth round
• Isaac Taylor: 6’0, 205lbs, winger with the Hamilton Huskies, selected 167th overall in the ninth round
• Mitchell Pellarin: 5’11, 178lbs, centreman with North Central Predators, selected 207th overall in the 11th round
• Owen Cole: 5’9, 153lbs, centreman with the Southern Tier Admirals, selected 227th overall in the 12th round
• Eric Gibb: 5’11, 173lbs, defenseman with the Huron Perth Lakers, selected 247th overall in the 13th round.
• Antonio Pirone: 5’6, 164lbs, goalie with the Toronto Red Wings, selected 267th overall in the 14th round.