Locals Selected In GMHL Draft
Chatham Maroons goalie Bo Bessette was one of several local players selected in the 2015 GMHL Draft this past weekend – Photo by Helen Heath
Luc Knight, a St. Thomas resident, was selected in the first round of the GMHL Draft, 33rd overall by the London Lakers.
Knight joined the Chatham Maroons midway through last season after returning from the Maritimes Junior Hockey League, where he played for the Junior A Yarmouth Mariners. Knight, who spent the first seasons of his Junior B career with his hometown St. Thomas Stars, played 12 games with the Chatham Maroons last season scoring 10 points. Knight, a 1995 born player, is entering his final season of Junior B eligibility, but under GMHL rules, would have two seasons of eligibility in the Greater Metro Junior A Hockey League.
Bo Bessette, a 1994 born netminder, was selected in the 2nd round of the GMHL draft by the Halton Ravens.
Bessette, was Chatham’s starting goaltender last season, playing in 35 games, with a 22-8-0 record, including 4 shutouts. Prior to his season in Chatham, Bessette had three seasons of Junior A experience playing in the OJHL, as well as a short stint in the OHL.
Trevor Richardson was selected by the Komoka Dragons in round 2 of the GMHL draft, scored 30 goals and 30 assists after a long career in Chatham.
Gus Ford who scored 18 points in 14 games for Chatham was a first round selection of the Norfolk Vikings, 22nd overall.
Steven Beenackers, who had 61 points in 49 games for Chatham this season was a first round selection, 29th overall by the Bobcaygen Storm.
In the third round, GOJHL leading scorer Brennan Feasey was drafted by the Norfolk Admirals, while Alex Morgan was selected by the Parry Sound Islanders.
The GMHL is an independent Tier II Junior A hockey club, founded in 2006. The league now has 30 teams across Ontario and Quebec.