Vlasic, Ryder newest Rovers

Vlasic (left) and Ryder (right) join the Rovers prospect group

Iqaluit, NU (CP)

With two selections in the second round, the Rovers one defenseman and one forward to their prospect stable. First they tabbed Quebec Remparts defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic, who was an assistant captain on the Memorial Cup Champions, and then selected center Daniel Ryder of the OHL Champion Peterborough Petes. The championship pedigree was not lost of Rovers scouts. "We're really excited about both guys", GM Stringer said. "I think our scouts did a great job getting them at the end of the secound round. Both guys were key contributors to championship junior teams and we look forward to them being contributors to the Rovers in the future".

Vlasic was fourth among QMJHL defensemen in scoring with 73 points in 66 regular season games and led all defensemen (and was fifth overall) with 29 playoff points. Ryder finished the regular season with 38 goals and 82 points in 65 games, but added 31 points in 19 playoff games to win the Wayne Gretzky "99" award as OHL playoff MVP.

Ryder's Newfoundland roots were also not lost on the team owner, himself a native Newfoundlander. "Clarenville and Bonavista were always wicked rivals in high school hockey, so even though he's from the dark side [Bonavista], I won't hold it against him", Stringer said with a wink.