MAINEiacs’ Gelinas Drafted by NHL’s New Jersey Devils

This past June, another Lewiston MAINEiacs player was drafted by an NHL team. This year it was defenseman Eric Gelinas, who was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the second round of the NHL Entry Draft in Montreal. The Devils selected Gelinas with the 54th overall pick. 
Gelinas finished last season as the MAINEiacs top scoring defenseman, posting 10 goals and 29 assists in 67 games. He participated in the CHL/NHL Top Prospects game last January, and was rated 38th among North American Skaters by Central Scouting.
“This feels awesome,” said Gelinas. “Being drafted into the NHL is a dream come true, this is the best day of my life.”
Gelinas joins a list of nearly 20 MAINEiacs players, who have been drafted by NHL clubs. The highly touted defenseman drew the attention of many scouts and teams.
“I talked to a lot of teams, so I was not sure where I was going to go. I am very happy to be a part of a great organization like New Jersey. I will be well taken care of there, and I am eager to get to work.”
 
MAINEiacs president and head coach Don MacAdam was on hand for the NHL draft, and was delighted to see his talented defenseman drafted by the Devils. 
 
“It was great to see the excitement on Eric’s face when he was drafted,” said MacAdam.  “Eric is going to a great organization. His work ethic and determination makes him a perfect fit for the Devils.” 
 
Gelinas will attend the New Jersey Devils training camp in September, before reporting back to Lewiston for the 2009-2010 season. In total, 23 QMJHL players were drafted in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

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