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McArdle drafted 20th overall
Kenndal McArdle of Burnaby was taken 20th overall by the Florida Panthers in Saturday's NHL junior entry draft in Ottawa.
The 18-year-old former Burnaby Winter Club product was picked up right where the pundits predicted the 5-11, 200-pound left winger would go.
"The draft is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most, and it was something I really didn't know what it was like going in, but it was an exciting experience for me," said McArdle Monday.
Described as a "solid prospect, with strength, persistence and resiliency," McArdle has two years to reach a deal with the Florida club, which gave up a second-round pick in 2006 with Philadelphia to trade up to the 20th spot.
Coming into the Western Hockey League 2004-05 season with the Moose Jaw Warriors, McArdle said he did not have expectations for the upcoming draft, nor for the breakout season where he scored 37 goals and 74 points in just his second year in the Dub.
"I wasn't quite sure I'd be recognized like I have, but now that I am, I'm definitely quite happy with it and how the draft went," McArdle added. "There is still a lifetime of things I want to accomplish. This is a little step on the way and there is lot more to go. _ But I can't let up just because of a draft selection. It's just a step through the door and now I have to step through it, you might say."
Another Burnaby product, Brock Bradford, was picked up in the seventh round by the Boston Bruins, with its 217th pick.
Jonathan Sigalet, a defenceman, went in the fourth round, 100th overall, also to Boston.
Last year, Burnaby's Kris Chucko was drafted in the opening round, 24th overall, by the Calgary Flames.
published on 08/03/2005
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