Tuesday, June 21, 2011
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Scott Mayfield
By Tom Williams
YOUNGSTOWN
Scott Mayfield said he is “more excited than anxious” in anticipation of this week’s NHL draft.
“It’s new chapter in new life and I am kind of ready for it,” said Mayfield in a telephone interview from his home in St. Louis.
On Wednesday the Youngstown Phantoms defensemen will travel to St. Paul, Minn., for the draft, which begins on Friday at 7 p.m. at the Excel Energy Center, the home of the Minnesota Wild.
Mayfield, who plans to play for the University of Denver this fall, is projected to be a middle-to-late first-round selection.
He’s not the only player with area connections hoping to hear his name called this weekend. Brandon Saad, who played for the Mahoning Valley Phantoms three seasons ago, is projected to be a first-round selection.
Last season, Saad played for the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League, scoring 27 goals and 29 assists in 59 games.
“I’m definitely excited but I admit that on the day of the draft the nerves will kick in,” Saad said in a phone interview.
J.T. Miller, who grew up in East Palestine before moving to Coraopolis, Pa., is projected to be taken in the second round. Miller played two seasons for the USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program.
This past season, Miller scored 15 goals and 35 assists in 56 games. His feisty play also earned him 86 minutes in the penalty box.
Mayfield will make the trip with goaltender Matt Mahalak, who was the Phantoms’ backup goalie during the 2009-10 season, the team’s first in the USHL.
Last season, Mahalak was a backup goalie for the OHL’s Plymouth Whalers. He had eight wins, eight losses, one overtime loss and one shootout loss.
In a NHL.com ranking of North American goalies eligible for the draft, Mahalak is eighth.
Also on the list is Michael Houser, son of Boardman allergist Dr. William Houser who completed his second season with the OHL’s London Knights. Houser posted a record of 30-19-4-1 and a goals-against average of 3.32. He’s ranked 19th.
Phantoms coach Curtis Carr said it’s awesome to have so many players with area ties being considered.
“I feel very lucky to be able to work with kids of this caliber and the future that they have,” Carr said. “It’s what this league is all about, it’s what our organization puts an emphasis on — developing and moving kids forward.”
Mayfield resumed regular skating two weeks ago in case he’s drafted by a team that holds a rookie camp after the draft.
“I have no idea what my summer will look like,” he said. “But if there is a camp, I know it won’t take up my whole summer.”
In 2008-09, Saad, of Gibsonia, Pa., played for the Mahoning Valley Phantoms when Carr was assistant coach.
“Brandon played here as a young player in our final year in the North American League,” Carr said. “He was the youngest kid in the league but was the rookie of the year for the entire year.”
Asked to describe Saad, Carr said, “Unbelievable natural ability, a very special player. He works hard he’s got a head on his shoulders, too; a good character guy.
“To see him having the success that he’s having … is not a surprise for us.”
When Youngstown joined the USHL for the 2009-10 season, the Phantoms traded Saad’s rights to Team USA. After one season there, Saad jumped to the OHL with the NHL in mind.
“I’ve always wanted to be a pro player and many feel this is the quickest way to make it to the NHL,” said Saad who explained that the pace of the offensive play was the biggest difference from the USHL.
Saad, who contributed three goals and nine assists in 12 playoff games, called his season with the Phantoms “a good experience, playing with my brother [George] and going against older players. It was a good stepping stone to the next level.”
Even though his classes won’t begin until mid-September, Mayfield plans to be in Denver a month early to get acclimated. He looks forward to using the trail bicycle he purchased.
And he won’t be far from family as his brother, Patrick, is at the Air Force Academy about 90 minutes south of Denver in Colorado Springs.
“My Dad went to law school in Denver, so we’re familiar with the city,” Mayfield said.
He’s undecided on his major but is leaning toward hotel and restaurant management, something he figures could come in handy once his playing days are over.