ROCHESTER, Minn. – During the NAHL’s Entry draft on Tuesday, three Rochester Grizzlies heard their names called. Dylan Schneider, Gavin Gunderson, and Hunter Wilmes were all chosen in the selection process by NAHL Central Division Teams.
First off the board on Tuesday was Dylan Schneider to the Minot Minotauros in the fifth round. The Rochester, MN, native played one game for the Minotauros in 2019-20 and caught the eye of new Minot Head Coach Shane Wagner. For the Grizzlies, Schneider played in seven games and averaged a goal per game with eight tallies, and nearly two points per game with 13 points.
Shortly after Schneider was taken, Gavin Gunderson was selected by the Grizzlies big-brothers, the Austin Bruins. Gunderson, another Rochester native, got in five games for the Grizzlies last season after finishing up his high school season with Rochester Century. In addition, Gunderson also competed with Team Northwest of the Minnesota High School Elite League in 2019-20. Overall, Gunderson tallied 11 points in 18 games for Team Northwest, a staggering 53 points in 25 games for Rochester Century, and two points in his five games in black-and-gold.
The final player taken in the NAHL Entry Draft from the Grizzlies was forward Hunter Wilmes to the Minnesota Wilderness with the 311th overall pick. Wilmes, 19, played 31 games for the Grizzlies last season and had great success with 25 total points. The St. Peter, MN, native began the season with the Austin Bruins of the NAHL and had one point in 9 games played.
For these players, getting drafted was just the next step to advancing their careers. They’ll each attend their draft teams’ respective main camps and try to earn a spot on the final roster. In the case of Gunderson, he’ll attempt to make the Bruins 40-man roster and compete in the July 31 All-Star Game at Riverside Arena. If you’re itching for some hockey and want to check out Gavin and another former and future Grizzlies get your tickets to the Bruins All-Star Game today. Many of the players competing in the All-Star Game who don’t land on the Bruins final roster can be added to the Grizzlies To get your tickets, call the Bruins front office at 507-434-4978.