Based on bloodlines, Casey Fitzgerald seems destined to be a NHL player.
He is the son of long time NHL player (an now assistant GM of the Pittsburgh Penguins) Tom Fitzgerald. His brother Ryan was drafted two years ago by the Boston Bruins. His cousins include Jimmy Hayes, Kevin Hayes, Keith Tkachuk and Keith's son Matthew, is a prospect for next year's draft. He also has an uncle, Scott, who is a scout for the Bruins.
The 5'10" defenseman is actually a bit of a long shot, because of his size. He is projected to be a late round pick. He was born in Boca Raton, Florida, but raised in Massachusetts. The right hand shot has a good head for the game.
Then there's the case of Adam Musil. He is the son of former NHL defenseman Frantisek Musil and brother of Edmonton prospect David Musil. Their mother is Andrea Holikova, the former Czech tennis star.. Adam is also the newphew of former NHLer Bobby Holik, who is a decent comparable in terms of playing style for young Adam.
Interestingly, Adam Musil plays internationally for Canada, while the rest represent the Czech Republic. Perhaps we will have to watch for that storyline in future NHL events.
Here's some other NHL family relations among this year's draft prospects:
- Rasmus Andersson - father is former NHLer Peter Andersson. Brother Calle Andersson was drafted by the New York Rangers in 2012. All are/were defensemen.
- Parker Wotherspoon - brother of Calgary Flames' prospect Tyler Wotherspoon
- Ryan Pilon - Nephew of former NHL defenseman Rich Pilon
- Adam Marsh - son of Peter Marsh, who played 278 games with the Jets and Hawks.
- Dylan Strome - Brother of New York Islanders star Ryan Strome
- Fredrik Forsberg - brother of Nashville breakout star Filip Forsberg
- Chase Pearson - son of former NHLer Scott Pearson
- Jansen Harkins - son of Todd Harkins, nephew of Brett Harkins
- Travis Konecny - second cousin of Bo Horvat
- Jake Debrusk - son of former NHL tough guy Louie Debrusk.
- Luke Stevens - son of Kevin Stevens
- Anthony Brodeur - Unless New Jersey surprises with a contract offer, Martin Brodeur's son is expected to re-enter the draft this year.
1 comment:
Genetics and exposure to a sport early on gives you a real leg up on other kids. It is not surprising when you consider that minor hockey is now ruled by money and politics to a level we have never seen. It is who you know to get those coveted spots on teams. I have seen players on teams that have no business being on a AAA team, but are there because their father is "fill in the blank". The other part is money. It is so expensive to play travel AAA hockey, that many really talented kids are forced to play high school. High school is not the place to be seen any more. You once in a while see a Glendening or a Knubble that played high school hockey and makes it. Brodeurs kids went to Shattuck St. Mary's at $48,000 a year. You have to have your "sweet 16" exposure to get on the right teams or have a chance to be scouted. Hard work is a must, but there is a lot less chance of rejection if your parent was a NHL player. They automatically think that you are good and if not, like having a kid with a pro father on the team. Welcome to Hockey 2015.
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