North Bay Battalion first round pick in the OHL priority selection Pacey Schleuting says he’s excited about playing for the team.

The 6′ 1″ defenseman who is from North Bay was chosen 9th overall last Saturday.

He told baytoday he’s been told the Troops like a lot about him.

“I know they really liked my feet, my size and my speed. They said I was a good package and would be a great fit for the team. I can’t wait to show them what I can do and bring what I got to the team,” he says.

Head coach Stan Butler says there will be pressure playing for the home town OHL team but if the player can handle it there’s no better place to play than home.

Schleuting comes from the North Bay Trappers Minor Midget team. He says he’s excited about playing at home.

“It’s great to stay. I get to be around my family and friends and in front of the home town crowd. I know everyone will be behind me and have my back and I’m really excited about that,” Schleuting says.
The Troops had two picks in the second round and with the first, 29th overall, chose centre Cameron Peters from the Toronto Marlboros minor midgets and with the 31st pick chose goaltender Joe Vrbetic of the Don Mills Flyers minor midgets.

Butler says pleased with his two 2nd round picks starting with Peters.

“Anytime you get a centreman in the 2nd round who was a first line center on the best team in Ontario is quite good. Cameron did come up here before the draft and is excited about playing here,” Butler says.

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