THUNDERBIRDS

Shea Theodore selected in first round by Anaheim Ducks

Jun 30, 2013, 8:18 PM | Updated: 8:18 pm

By Andrew Eide

For Shea Theodore Sunday’s NHL Entry Draft was a dream come true. The slick skating defenseman was selected with the 26th pick overall by the Anaheim Ducks. While he will still lace them up for the T-Birds next year this was the fist step towards him carving out an NHL career.

Theodore had been rated as a probable mid to late first round pick and the Ducks selected him within the range he had been rated at. When Theodore’s name was announced at the Prudential Center in New Jersey he was all smiles as he hugged his family before hitting the stage to slip on a Ducks sweater.

Ducks Executive Vice President/General Manger Bob Murray talked about Theodore on Anaheim’s web site. He said, “Shea is a great skater and can really move the puck,The way the game is played now, that is really important. You need players like that. We are really excited.”

Theodore was the only T-Birds player selected in the seven round draft on Sunday. There had been some hope that Jared Hauf, Jerret Smith, Connor Honey and Roberts Lipsbergs might also get selected but by the end of the day they had not heard their names called. As head coach Steve Konowalchuk told us last week, not getting selected is not the end of the road for these players. They still have plenty of time to impress the pro scouts and end up with an NHL contract.

The Everett Silvertips had two players selected as defenseman Mirco Mueller was picked 18th overall by the San Jose Sharks and Ben Betker was taken in the sixth round by the Edmonton Oilers.

The Portland Winterhawks had four players selected highlighted by Seth Jones being taken fourth overall by the Nashville Predators. They also had Nic Petan, Oliver Bjorkstrand and Brendan Burke selected in later rounds.

Follow Andrew on twitter @andyeide

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