Floris Goes First In 2005 Jr."A" Draft
By Mike McAuley
Wednesday January 19, 2005
TORONTO -- The Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA) today announced the
results of the 2005 OLA Junior “A” Draft.
Kevin Floris of Niagara on the Lake, Ontario was selected first overall
by the St. Catharines Athletics. Floris, a member of last years St.
Catharines Jr. A squad was midget age, but played up thanks to his
talents. Scoring 36 points (17g,19a) in 18 games, St. Catharines was
impressed with his talents, and ensured he stuck around by drafting him
first overall. Kevin now joins St. Catharines along side seventh overall
pick Matt McLeod of Owen Sound.
Other early first round selections were Garrett Ince of Oakville picked
second by Orillia; Brian Learn of Fonthill picked third overall by
Burlington; Justin Gibson of Rockwood selected fourth by Mississauga and
Dustin Deleary of London picked fifth by the Burlington Chiefs.
According to OLA Junior “A” Commissioner Dean McLeod, the Junior “A”
Draft was initiated in 1976 as a vehicle to provide the top graduating,
non-affiliated Midget players with an opportunity to showcase their
skills at the Junior “A” level. “Additionally,” says McLeod, “the draft
helps create parity among league members by establishing selections
based on reverse order of finish from the previous season. A significant
number of draft choices over the years have participated in NLL, Mann
Cup and Minto Cup championships.”
At the 2005 OLA Junior “A” Draft, the Athletics continued to build for
the future. With only two picks in the draft, St. Catharines felt they
got the most of their efforts. In a surprise, Matt McLeod of Owen Sound
wasn’t chosen until the Athletics picked him up at the seven spot in the
first round. Once again, Orillia made the most selections with six.
Expansion Ottawa did not make a pick with their only choice 24th pick
overall.
In all, nineteen players were selected. A complete Draft list follows.
-END-