PLYMOUTH – Plymouth Whalers President and General Manager Mike Vellucci announced today the signing of 16-year-old center Tyler Seguin, who was selected by the Whalers in the first round (ninth overall) in this spring’s Ontario Hockey League Draft. Seguin (pronounced SAY-gann) scored 39 goals and 47 assists for 86 points in 51 games last season for the Toronto Young Nationals.

“We are very fortunate to sign Tyler,” Vellucci said. “He was a top-five pick in this year’s OHL Draft and had several NCAA school offers. In the end, Tyler decided that he would play in the top developmental league in the world and at the same time receive a great education.”

“I’m just glad to get the opportunity to come to this great hockey club,” Seguin said. “I can’t wait to suit up in August. Plymouth is an unbelievable town with unbelievable fans. I got to meet all the rookies on the team from last year. Everyone's a bunch of great guys. I can’t wait to play. The summer’s going by so slow.”

Central Scouting describes Seguin as "a very skilled, offensively minded forward who plays a very prominent role in the success of his team. He is a very good skater that possesses quickness, agility and a great start. He plays the game at top speed and is always moving his feet while handling the puck. He is a great puck handler and an equally adept passer. He displays great vision and the ability to get his teammates the puck anywhere on the ice."

Whaler fans saw flashes of Seguin’s skill at Plymouth’s Rookie Orientation camp in May when he scored a goal with four assists over two sessions.

As Vellucci said, Seguin considered going to college. His dad, Paul, played from 1984-88 for the University of Vermont.

“All my life, I thought that was the path (college hockey) that I was going to take,” Seguin said. “But two or three weeks before the (OHL) Draft, I came to Plymouth, found out about the program, found about the school packages and fell in love with the place. So that’s (Plymouth) where I see myself playing for the next couple of years.”

Seguin – from Brampton, ON – will report to Plymouth’s training camp in late August and will attend school at the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park during the 2008-09 school year.

Vellucci also announced the signing of goaltender Scott Wedgewood, who was taken by Plymouth in the 7th round (130th overall) in the 2008 OHL Draft. Wedgewood, who turns 16-years-old next month, compiled a 2.17 goals against average and recorded two shutouts in 29 games last year for the Mississauga Senators.

Wow - good for both of them; we shall be watching, and wishing them both great success.

Loved watching Seguin play all year, the kid is tallented. Good luck indeed.

I agree Sequin probably one of the best sets of hands at this level. Probably under appreciated by his coaches but a good kid and player.

under appreciated? yeah thats why they never took him off the ice. They must really not like him.

Wedgewood is very deserving and it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.

how good is this wedgewood, just wondering?

wedgewood is unreal

not that good, great hype