Montreal, PQ – The Kingston Frontenacs Hockey Club is proud to announce that forward Ethan Werek has been selected by the New York Rangers in the second round (47th overall) at the 2009 National Hockey League Entry Draft in Montreal, Quebec.

For Werek, the Goodwood, Ontario native, ever since playing minor hockey for the Toronto Marlboros, he has been a top prospect among junior and professional scouts, which is why the Frontenacs selected him 11th overall in the 2007 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.

Since being selected by the Frontenacs, Werek has used his 6.02, 195-pound frame to his advantage, making him an offensive catalyst in key areas around the net. In 66 games during his rookie OHL season, Werek posted 32 goals and 32 assists for 64 points in 66 games played. After adjusting to life away from home during the first half of the season, Werek continued to elevate his game even further and finished the season strong, scoring 24 points in the final 19 games of the season.

He represented the Eastern Conference All-Stars at the 2009 Ontario Hockey League All-Star Classic in Windsor, Ontario, where he scored two goals. He also participated in the 2009 Top Prospects Game, playing for Team Cherry.

At the conclusion of the Frontenacs season, Werek, along with Taylor Doherty and Erik Gudbranson, was invited to play for Team Canada at the 2009 IIHF World Under-18 Championship in Fargo, North Dakota. In six games, he recorded four goals and two assists.

At the recent NHL Combine in Toronto, Ontario, Werek went through extensive medical and fitness tests and was interviewed by 28 of the 30 NHL teams, including the New York Rangers.
Hockey’s Future identifies Werek as having “... excellent size and reach, and has shown an aptitude at using both at both ends of the ice. He's a solid two-way player who has shown a willingness to do the little things that help teams win. He's excellent in front of the crease, a capable forechecker, and can be opportunistic around the net. In addition to playing with an edge, Werek has displayed superlative passing abilities. He finished the season scoring at almost a point-per-game rate and projects as a solid third-line prospect with an ability to chip in offensively.” Werek resembles his game after former OHL Alumni and current Philadelphia Flyers Captain, Mike Richards.

Based on his current resume and proven ability to advance his game and level of play at every stage of his young career, it comes as no surprise that Werek, previously ranked 32nd among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, was highly touted by the Rangers organization.
The York Region Media Group recently had the opportunity to interview Werek about his thoughts on the then, upcoming NHL Draft. Click here to watch his interview with Jim Mason.

With files from Hockey’s Future and the York Region Media Group. Photo Credit: Aaron Bell/OHL Images.