Strome Drafted By The Islanders

Ryan Strome Selected 5th Overall By The Islanders

Islanders Press Release

ST. PAUL, MN, June 24, 2011 — The New York Islanders have selected Ryan Strome with the fifth overall pick in the 2011 National Hockey League Entry Draft. Islanders General Manager Garth Snow announced the pick Friday night at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN. Strome, a native of Mississauga, ON, finished third in Ontario Hockey League scoring with 106 points (33 goals, 73 assists) in 65 games, leading Niagara to a franchise best 45 wins and 96 points in 2010-11. The 18-year-old’s points-per-game average of 1.63 ranked first among qualifying OHL forwards this season. “We have set out a plan to build a young core of players that will consistently compete for the Stanley Cup and Ryan is another key addition to that core,” Snow said. “He is a highly skilled forward who’s been very impressive in first two OHL seasons. Ryan’s speed and creativity will help solidify our lineup for years to come.” The 6’0”, 175-pound center was voted Most Improved Player and Best Playmaker in the 2011 OHL Eastern Conference Coaches Poll. Strome also tied for the Best Stickhandler with Ryan Spooner of the Kingston Frontenacs. In two OHL seasons with Niagara and Barrie, Strome has totaled 133 points (41 goals, 92 assists) in 126 games. Strome is the sixth player in Islanders history to be selected fifth overall. Other Islanders drafted fifth overall in the NHL Entry Draft include Nino Niederreiter (2010), Raffi Torres (2000), Tim Connolly (1999), Eric Brewer (1997) and Darius Kasparaitis (1992).

PattyB Thoughts:
Once Adam Larsson was picked by the Devils, Ryan Strome became my most wanted player for the Isles to draft at that moment. Luckily it worked out exactly how I wanted and the Isles preceded to select Strome at the 5th overall spot. In the interview following the selection, I loved how Strome mentioned he was hoping to get drafted by the Islanders over any other team. That, for a team who usually gets a bad rep, is huge and is something encouraging. His skill is just incredible and once he hits the NHL and is ready I think the Isles are going to have their playmaker for Tavares. He skates so well and will provide an excellent complement to Michael Grabner, that along with his offensive ability are going to make him a special player.