2009 NHL Draft: Philadelphia Flyers select G Nicola Riopel with 142nd pick

by Travis Hughes on Jun 27, 2009 12:26 PM EDT in 2009 NHL Draft

The Philadelphia Flyers have selected another goalie with the 142nd pick -- Nicola Riopel from the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL. He won two awards in the Q this past season: the Jacques Plante Memorial Trophy for the league's lowest GAA and the Michel Briere Memorial Trophy for player of the year.

Riopel compiled a 2.05 GAA and a .930 save percentage in 59 games with Moncton this past season.

Wildcats head coach Danny Flynn told Sportsnet the following early in the 08/09 season.

"From what I've seen my last few years at camp, he's right there with all the goalies I've played against and played with at NHL camps. There's no doubt in my mind he has what it takes to be an NHL goalie or an NHL prospect. He's very focused, he's very dedicated, he's very committed to being the best he can be and it's great to see someone who puts so much into something get his just rewards. If Nic continues to improve, and I know how committed he is, I think he has a chance (of playing in the NHL)."

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How good is this kid????

Does your staff here no anything about this kid. With those stats and awards how come he fell so far in the draft. I always thought the QMJHL was the best of the junior leagues and if he is the best goalie in the league how did he drop to where he did. He also is a goalie from Quebec they usually come out with the "next Jacques Plante or " next Patrick Roy" stigma attached to them, could someone provide more info on this guy.

by chrislanci on Jun 28, 2009 5:11 AM EDT reply actions

I've seen him a lot of times

Moncton had a really good season last year and he is the only good player on the team, I think he can be really good.

by MathB on Jun 28, 2009 5:47 PM EDT reply actions

Junior hockey

Is there a way to Junior games here in Philly or to get TSN? I hate hockey coverage on ESPN and VS and would love to watch our prospects play in juniors.

by chrislanci on Jun 29, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions

I was just wondering about this. Wikipedia says the NHL Network shows ECHL games and some NCAA games along with the NHL and AHL, and we’re all getting it before the start of the season but that’s more or less useless… I wish we could get TSN.

by Ben Feldman on Jun 29, 2009 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions