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THE CANADIAN STATESMAN, MAY 9,2001 PAGE 13 Clarington players among top picks Three taken within first 50 choices at OHL draft BY BRAD KELLY Sports Editor . CLARINGTON - The first-ever online online draft conducted by the Ontario Hockey League was memorable for four local hockey players. Jeff Larsh, twins Tyson and Jesse Gimblett and Colin Baker were selected during the 15-round computer draft on Saturday. Larsh and Tyson Gimblett were the highest of the Clarington connection to be picked, taken in the second round by Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and the Toronto St J Michael's Majors respectively. respectively. Jesse Gimblett was snatched up in the third round by Owen Sound Attack, Attack, while Baker was drafted by Sarnia Sting in the 15th round. The only player of the four who did not play for a Provincial Junior League team last season was Larsh. Ironically, the Clarington Toro Triple A major bantam bantam was the highest of the four players drafted, taken 23rd overall by the Soo. The Grade 10 student at St. Stephen's Secondary School was watching watching the draft via the Internet in his family's family's living room when his named appeared appeared on the screen. "I was really happy. I just said 'Oh my God, there's my name.' I couldn't believe it." The i 6-year-old had 29 goals and 38 assists this season, and describes himself himself as à power forward who can deliver big hits. The six-foot, 180-pound ccnlrenian will be entering a unique situation in the Soo, where the hockey club recently went through an overhaul of staff. Former Former NHL defenceman Craig Hartsburg is the new Director of Hockey Operations Operations and head coach, for the team. While Hartsburg admits he obviously didn't do a lot of the scouting for the draft, his staff is very high on Larsh. "1 asked a lot of questions and gave the scouts the parameters to follow in what to look for and (Larsh) fit all of them," said Hartsburg. "The scouting staff think he has a chance to be one of the top players in the league. He's offensively offensively gifted and a character kid." Larsh said that the Soo and Kitchener Kitchener showed the most interest in him but he had "no idea where I was going." Tyson Gimblett, 16, the oldest of the Newtonville twins by six minutes, was taken 36th overall by St. Mike's. The six-foot-two, 205-pound defenceman said he was "shocked" to be taken by the Toronto-based team because "they didn't didn't show much interest at all." In 45 games with the Cobourg Cougars of the Provincial Junior League last season, the Grade 10 student at Clarke High School had 3-4-7 totals and 92 penalty minutes. His size and ability to move the puck were a couple of attributes that attracted St. Mike's to him, said Director of Hockey Operations and head coach Dave Cameron. "When (Tyson) was available there was no hesitation on our part to draft him. Our scouts feel he will be an excellent excellent OHL player and has ri good chance at playing pro. "With a second round pick you want as close to a complete player as you can get and we feel we got him." Not far behind in the pecking order was twin brother Jesse, who was selected selected in the third round, 50th overall, by Owen Sound. "He was really a logical choice for us," said general manager Dan Halliburton. Halliburton. "With his size and skill level he can step right in and contribute next year." Last season with Cobourg, the six- foot-two, 205-pound left-winger finished finished sixth in team scoring as a rookie with 13-17-30 totals in 49 games. "I'm as happy as anything just to gel drafted," he said. 'The pressure is off and now I can relax. The draft was always always there in the back of my mind and I always wondered where I would go and will I be able to play? "It's a good situation (in Owen Sound). It's a small town and they like their hockey." Baker was the last of the four Clarington Clarington players taken, selected in the 15th and final round, 286th overall by the Samia Sting. In 48 games with the Bowmanville Eagles this past season, the five-foot-eight, 150-pound centre- man had 3-20-23 totals in 48 games. When asked about Baker's chances of making the team, Samia general manager Terry Doran said the 15-year- old "possesses the qualities to be able to make our team. "It's not where you draft someone that matters, it's what they do after getting getting drafted that matters." A total of 300 players were drafted by 20 teams on Saturday. OSHAWA GENERALS HAPPY WITH DRAFT PICKS See page 14 Bowmanville's Jeff Larsh (above) was selected in the second round, 23rd overall by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in Saturday's OHL draft. He played for the Clarington Triple A major bantam bantam Toros last season. Hampton's Colin Baker (left), who played for the Bowmanville Eagles last season, season, was taken in the 15th round by the Sarnia Sting. CUFF MILLS MOTORS 4 PAYS ONLY! Wed. May 9th - Sat. May 12th 2000 PONTIAC GRAND AM Is ■ Money Down 6 cylinder, loaded, low, low kms. The Gimblett twins from Newtonville were selected at Saturday's OHL draft. Jesse ( left) was Jselected in the third round by Owen Sound Attack, while brother Tyson was taken in the second second round by Toronto St. Michael's Majors. RO G E RS Presents most inspirational Women's Seminar to visit Durham Region is set for May 15th at the Holiday Inn, Oshawa" An Inspiring and stimulating discussion about the challenges of juggling private and business commitme Tuesday, May 15,2001 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Holiday Inn, 1011 Bloor St. Oshawa, ON L1H7KP GROUP Or. Carolyn Bennett Joan Fisk Julie Rusciolelli, MP SI. Pauls President & CEO Tiger President & Founder Brand Knitting Co. 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