Tagged: Sarnia Sting

Nickolas Latta

Undrafted, German-born rookie center Nickolas Latta(39) takes an interesting route to starting his pro career.

After 4 years in the OHL with Sarnia Sting, under the watchful eye of New York Rangers he signed an ato with minor league affiliate Hartford Wolf Pack late last season.

In 11 AHL games he scored 1 goal, added one assist and held a +1 rating.

He was the team captain and a point-per-game player in his last campaign of junior hockey.

The 5’11” 195 lbs. skater plays a bit bigger on the ice than his size might indicate and could definitely develop into a form of a power forward style.

He was an invite to the Blueshirts‘ training camp but released early to the Pack where he would potentially signed a contract with the farm team.

A week later the 21-year old decided he was going back to Germany and signed with Kolner Haie of DEL.

His Canadian father Kenneth Latta spent the majority of his playing time in the country and still coaches.

Charles Sarault2

Anaheim Ducks‘ undrafted rookie center Charles Sarault(17) is having himself a decent first year on a Norfolk Admirals‘ team that’s stocked with talent both young and old.

In 40 AHL games he has 6 goals and 7 assists with a -5 rating on a team that’s 13 games over .500 but only has a +10 goals for/against differential.

The 5’11” 181 lbs. forward played in 11 contests with the team after his overage junior season was completed, notching 6 assists.

He led the OHL in assists for his last two campaigns with the Sarnia Sting, putting up a phenomenal 67 then 86 helpers.

Signed to a three-year entry level deal that keeps him in the system through 2015/2016, the 22-year old has plenty of time to develop but there’s no time like the present to start impressing.

The only knock on his play that can easily be spotted is the number of shots he puts on the cage, which should easily be double what he has.

Reid Boucher1

New Jersey Devils‘ 4th round pick in the 2011 draft (#99 overall) left wing Reid Boucher(14) has been an impact player at 5’11” 195 lbs. ever since turning pro for the end of the 2012/2013 regular season with minor league affiliate Albany Devils.

He managed to skate in 11 AHL games and put together 3 goals and a pair of assists in his debut.

To start his rookie season he’s already struck for 10 goals and 8 assists in only 21 match-ups with a +4 rating.

The 20-year old only played a couple of campaigns in the OHL with Sarnia Sting; he scored 62 goals and 33 assists in 68 games last season, but already had two years in American junior USHL under his belt to give him a start.

He is American-born: Lansing, MI.

Signed to a three-year entry level deal, it would be easy to see him make the jump permanently into the NHL quickly. He possesses that kind of determination out there.

His efforts have earned him a first recall from the farm team on 12/4. He made his debut skating 19 shifts for 12:30 of ice time, including :57 on the power play no less. That was likely earned as he had his first point, an assist in the game and subsequently was chosen as the first shooter in the shootout and scored.

He was also credited with 2 shots and ended the 4-3 shootout loss a +2 plus/minus.

We see a bright future.