The Anaheim Ducks have called for Shea Theodore.
The Duck selected the 17-year-old in the first round, 26th overall, in Sunday’s NHL Draft.
“Shea is a great skater and can really move the puck,” said Bob Murray, Anaheim’s executive vice-president and general manager, on the team’s website.
“The way the game is played now, that is really important. You need players like that.”
Theodore, who played with the Aldergrove Minor Hockey Association, plays in the Western Hockey League with the Seattle Thunderbirds.
Proud to be apart of the @anaheimducks organization, can’t wait to meet everyone and attend my first pro camp!
— Shea Theodore (@stheodore17) June 30, 2013
Theodore, who turns 18 in August, had 19 goals and 50 points in 71 games for Seattle this past season. He also represented Canada at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament and at the under-18 world championships, helping Canada win gold at both.
He was ranked 11th heading into the draft among North American skaters.
The Ducks used their first pick to grab him.
“We love the way he thinks the game, his mobility and his ability to bring offence from the point on the power play,” said Anaheim’s director of amateur scouting, Martin Madden.
Theodore went right about where he thought he would.
“I had a pretty good feeling I was going to go in that range, from what my agent had told me,” he said the team’s website.
He attended the draft in New Jersey with his family.
“I was a little jittery when (Anaheim) walked up to the stage, and they ended up picking me, so I’m very excited right now.”
Theodore is currently in Anaheim with the team for their prospects’ development camp.
