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Oliver Wahlstrom has been on hockey’s radar since he was nine-years-old. So a little thing like a rookie scrimmage in front of a standing room crowd at the Northwell Health Ice Center did nothing to faze the 11th overall pick in last week’s draft.
The 18-year-old scored two goals in the first 20-minute, 4-on-4 game, including a highlight reel one, where he skated around three players to bring the crowd to its feet. Wahlstrom added another goal in the second game.
What do you think? #SCTop10?? @WahlstromOliver @SportsCenter #IslesMiniCamp pic.twitter.com/gTmYCuCqNb
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) June 29, 2018
Wahlstrom was not the only Massachusetts native to shine. Bobo Carpenter matched Wahlstrom’s three-goal effort. The undrafted forward, who is entering his senior year at Boston University, opened some eyes Thursday night. Carpenter got the night started with the game’s first goal, his second goal with under five minutes left in the first game, tied the score at 4-4.
Carpenter, whose first name is Robert, scored 20 goals in his junior season at BU. His father, Bobby, played 18 seasons in the NHL, including six under Lou Lamoriello.
Some players of note
- Ben Mirageas, 2017 third-round pick, netted a couple of assists. The defenseman is a strong passer from the point.
- Robin Salo, 2017 second-round pick, registered a multi-point night. Very strong skater. The defenseman will play in Finland next season.
- Otto Koivula, 2016 fourth-round pick, had a strong night. The winger will begin next season in Bridgeport (AHL).
- Michael Dal Colle is a veteran of this game and was pretty much invisible.
- Eamon McAdam, 2013 third-round pick, struggled throughout the night. The goalie got beat glove side most of the night. He will likely bounce between Bridgeport and Worchester (ECHL) next season
- Josh Ho-Sang, Linus Soderstrom and Parker Wotherspoon were all held out of the game for precautionary reasons. It did give Ho-Sang some time to sing Wahlstrom’s praises.
@WahlstromOliver take a bow, wow this kid is the real deal
— Josh Ho-sang (@66jhosang) June 28, 2018
We will find out later today if John Tavares will play with any of these prospects.