Latest news with #OwenMartin
New York Times
10 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
What are the Winnipeg Jets getting in their 2025 NHL Draft picks?
Winnipeg modernized its approach to the 2025 draft, while also staying true to its roots, and made all five of its picks. The Jets relied more heavily on analytical models to project draft outcomes, estimate other teams' draft lists, and identify specific skill sets. When the Jets selected Sascha Boumedienne in the first round, they made the decision instead of trading down, which was an option, when their projections told them Boumedienne would be available at 28. Advertisement Boumedienne was followed by centre, Owen Martin, from Oakbank, Man. Martin is a 200-foot centre who played for the Eastman Selects and the Rink Hockey Academy in Winnipeg before joining Spokane in the WHL. He's the third Manitoban the Jets have drafted, after Jordy Stallard (2015) and Jason Kasdorf (2011) and adds to this summer's theme of homecoming: Winnipeg's signing of homegrown star Jonathan Toews will become official on July 1. What are the Jets getting from Boumedienne and Martin? What about their three other choices: Viktor Klingsell, Edison Engle, and Jacob Cloutier? Here's our breakdown of Winnipeg's 2025 draft class — all of whom will be present at development camp this week — with insight from the people who know them best. Drafted: First round, No. 28 | Position: LD Age: 18 | Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 184 pounds 2024-25 stats: 40 GP, 3 G, 10 A, 13 pts (Boston University, NCAA) Boumedienne was the youngest player in NCAA hockey to start last season, relying on footspeed to escape pressure, move pucks, and add to Boston University's attack. He also fast-tracked his high school graduation, starting college at just 17 years old—a once-controversial decision that seems to be paying off. Winnipeg's Director of Amateur Scouting, Mark Hillier, sees a lot of room for the now 18-year-old to grow. 'As the youngest guy in college hockey, he was always in the lineup but had limited ice time for the first half of the year,' Hillier said. 'By the playoffs and the (Frozen) Four, he's playing 24, 25 minutes. There was really good progression all year.' Boumedienne needs to grow stronger, winning more physical battles, and critics point to decision-making as a weakness. One scout told The Athletic not to worry — that Boumedienne is a good bet to keep developing as a still-young college sophomore. Hillier says he views Boumedienne as a strong skater and a puck-mover who will probably play on a second power-play unit at the pro level. Advertisement Cheveldayoff spoke to Boumedienne's 'outstanding' U-18 tournament: Boumedienne was named the tournament's best defenceman, winning a silver medal for Team Sweden and setting a record for points by a defenceman with 14 points in seven games. 'His best plays were in the toughest moments,' Cheveldayoff said. 'He played big minutes down the stretch in all situations.' Boumedienne will return to Boston University this season, where he'll look to capitalize on a strong second half to this season by stepping into a bigger role. 'That's what the year's all about. You learn, you continue to grow, and you take advantage of it,' Cheveldayoff said. 'And he did … That's a testament to him. Going through the processes of learning and playing at a level where lots of players are much older than you, that's all part of the development that really intrigued us.' Sascha Boumedienne was just a child, living just down the road from his community rink. He had his hockey gear on, skates in his backpack, roller blades on his feet. It was the beginning of a beautiful dream. My feature story: ⤵️ — Murat Ates (@WPGMurat) June 29, 2025 Drafted: Third round, No. 92 | Position: C Age: 18 | Height: 6-foot-0 | Weight: 185 pounds 2024-25 stats: 39 GP, 13 G, 21 A, 34 pts (Spokane, WHL) Martin is lauded for his character, his work ethic, and his attention to defence as a junior player. He fought through injuries this season, blocking a shot and then battling through what he called a slight fracture and a partially torn tendon. He returned to game action in January, playing a shutdown role for Spokane on its way to the WHL Final. Most of all, Martin is a 'no cheat' player who plays hard, wins faceoffs, finishes checks and can be trusted to play against anyone in the WHL. It can be difficult to project defence-first players from junior to the NHL — the most successful defensive forwards in the NHL usually put up more points in their draft year than Martin did. One notable exception is the Jets' captain, Adam Lowry, who finished 10th in voting for the Selke Trophy this season. Advertisement You can bet that Martin is well aware of that fact: He grew up going to Jets games with his family. 'It's just super cool to be drafted by the hometown team,' he said on Saturday. 'It's just an unbelievable experience.' And those point totals? Hillier says he expects growth. 'He had a really strong playoff this season,' Hiller said. 'We expect those offensive numbers to even pop more next year.' More like O-win, amirite? The @NHLJets are shopping local by selecting Owen Martin from nearby Oakbank!@spokanechiefs | #GoJetsGo | #nhldraft25 — Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) June 28, 2025 Drafted: Fifth round, No. 156 | Position: LW/RW Age: 18 | Height: 5-foot-10 | Weight: 187 pounds 2024-25 stats: 43 GP, 17 G, 22 A, 39 pts (Skellefteå, Sweden J20) Klingsell is a Swedish forward who came through the same Skellefteå as Jets prospect, Elias Salomonsson. He was ranked much higher than where Winnipeg took him: 72nd by Scott Wheeler, 113th by Corey Pronman. 'Hopefully, he's a steal. We really liked him all year long,' Hillier said. 'He's not the biggest guy in the world at 5-foot-10 (but) he has a real solid frame on him. He's a thick and solid 5-foot-10.' Klingsell is one of the top offensive players at his age group in Sweden, combining speed with great hands and creativity. He'll need to keep developing in those regards, finding ways to produce more points in Sweden's U20 junior league after excelling at the under-18 level. He also led the 2024 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup with 12 points as Sweden won bronze. There are questions about whether he has the dynamism or size to produce in a middle-six capacity in the NHL, but the Jets took him 156th overall. Klingsell has more than enough talent and upside to justify the bet. 'He plays in a really good program at Skelleftea,' Hillier said. 'He has good offensive upside, he has some grit to his game, he's a dog on a bone on pucks.' Every year, I find myself on an island with some players, liking them a lot more than everyone else. This year, it's Viktor Klingsell. At some point in the draft, you just can't pass on a guy like him (#9). The skill level is out of this world. — Jérémi Plourde (@jeremiplourde_) June 24, 2025 Drafted: Sixth round, No. 188 | Position: LD Age: 18 | Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 174 pounds 2024-25 stats: 54 GP, 2 G, 15 A, 17 pts (Dubuque, USHL) Edison Engle is heading from the USHL to the OHL next season and is committed to Ohio State University for college. The circuitous route buys him time to keep developing; Hillier says Engle could be a value pick at 188 if he can add to his offensive game. Advertisement 'Using our analytics a little bit, too, he's one of the best skaters that we thought was in the draft. So it's a good opportunity for us to take him late. We think there's more offensive ability to come from him in the future … Sort of like Boumedienne, Engle really gets back to pucks quickly, separates from the forecheck and moves the puck quick.' Drafted: Seventh round, No. 220 | Position: RW Age: 18 | Height: 5-foot-10 | Weight: 171 pounds 2024-25 stats: 67 GP, 23 G, 24 A, 47 pts (Saginaw, OHL) Cloutier scored 47 points in 67 games in the OHL and is Winnipeg's first pick from the Saginaw Spirit since Cole Perfetti in 2020. He's a smaller player with grit at the junior level — perhaps a bit like an OHL version of Parker Ford. 'Similar to Klingsell, there's lots of speed to his game, lots of quickness and lots of skill,' Hillier said. 'And he competes. He's 5-foot-10, but he plays bigger than his size.' (Top Photo: Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)
CTV News
21 hours ago
- Sport
- CTV News
Oakbank's Owen Martin drafted by Winnipeg Jets
Owen Martin from Oakbank, Man., has been drafted by the Winnipeg Jets—making his debut with the National Hockey League. The 6-foot 18-year-old was selected in the third round as the 92nd overall pick. 'It's just been an unbelievable experience,' said Martin during a media conference on Saturday. Growing up in Oakbank, he said he played hockey in town with his friends before progressing to the Eastman Selects and heading out to RINK Hockey Academy Winnipeg. During the last two years, the right-handed centre played for the Spokane Chiefs, an American major junior ice hockey team that plays in the Western Hockey League (WHL). Oakbank, Manitoba's Owen Martin is a Winnipeg Jet ✈️ — Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) June 28, 2025 In his 94 WHL games, he posted 58 points with 27 goals and 31 assists. Martin said that he blocked a shot with his foot in November 2024, resulting in missed games after a slight fracture and partially torn tendons. 'I was out for two months with that, so that really sucked, but yeah, it was still a great year,' he said. The head coach of the Spokane Chiefs is Brad Lauer, former assistant coach of the Winnipeg Jets. 'It's just super cool to be drafted by the hometown team,' he said, adding that he grew up going to Winnipeg Jets games regularly. With the Winnipeg Jets 2025 Development Camp starting on June 30, Martin said he's looking forward to showing his teammates parts of Manitoba. 'It would be cool sometime soon if they get to see Oakbank, that would be pretty cool to me,' he said. 'Just heading into next year, it's just tuning those things in even more, you know, keep my development going. Keep improving as a player, just overall, offensively and defensively.'
Style Blueprint
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Style Blueprint
15 Louisville Events in June 2024
You know summer has arrived when pools are open, outdoor activities are in full swing, and al fresco dining options are abundant. Whether you're into beer, bites, plays, or parades, June in Louisville offers something for everyone. Here's a roundup of some of our favorite upcoming local events. June 1 – 30, 2025: NuLu Sites and Bites Walking Tour Explore the flavors and stories of Louisville's East Market District on the NuLu Sites and Bites Walking Tour, a new offering from Louisville Historic Tours. This three-hour guided experience dives into the area's dynamic food, art, and cultural scene. Enjoy sips and bites from local favorites like Parlour Pizza, Goodwood Brewing, Biscuit Belly, and Muth's Candies, plus a bourbon tasting and local brews. Tours run Friday through Sunday at 11 a.m. Tickets are $129 per person. June 4, 2025: Whiskey Files featuring Owen Martin of Angel's Envy Sip and learn at Hermitage Farm's next Whiskey Files event. Held in the historic Stud Barn, this evening features Owen Martin, Master Distiller at Angel's Envy, sharing insights during an intimate bourbon tasting and discussion panel. Guests can enjoy curated pours, stories from the distilling world, and time with resident horses. Tickets are $68 and space is limited. June 6 & 7, 2025: Louisville GreekFest Experience a taste of the Mediterranean at Louisville's only Greek festival, a lively celebration of food, music, and culture. Enjoy authentic Greek dishes, pastries, and desserts while enjoying live performances. Shop from Greek vendors, explore cultural demonstrations, and soak in the festive spirit. June 7, 2025: St. Matthews' 75th Anniversary Celebrate 75 years of St. Matthews with a full day of family fun at Brown Park. The festivities kick off with Rise & Shine Yoga at 10 a.m., followed by live music, food trucks, a beer garden, kids' activities, storytelling, and cooking demos. From zip lines to a silent disco, there's something for everyone. The night ends with a dazzling drone show. Admission is free, with food and drinks available for purchase. June 7, 2025: 2nd Annual Rollin' on the River Craft Beer Festival From 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., raise a glass at the Howard Steamboat Museum in Jeffersonville, IN. Enjoy tastings from local, regional, and international breweries, plus live music from Runaway Souls. VIP tickets offer early entry and exclusive perks inside the Carriage House. Proceeds benefit the Howard Steamboat Museum. General admission is $65; VIP is $80. June 7 & 8, 2025: Butchertown Art Fair Stroll through tree-lined streets and discover handcrafted works at the Butchertown Art Fair on the 800 block of East Washington Street. Featuring over 70 juried artists, this vibrant event also offers live music, food trucks, and local beer, wine, and cocktails. Admission is free, with proceeds supporting local nonprofits and the preservation of Butchertown's historic charm. June 8, 2025: Buy Local Fair Support local at the Buy Local Fair at Lynn Family Stadium's Fan Zone from noon to 6 p.m. This family-friendly event features a vibrant mix of local businesses, food and drink vendors, artists, and makers. Don't miss the Kidpreneur Market from noon to 3 p.m., and catch the high-energy cooking competition at 2 p.m. between Chef Devon Rosenblatt and Chef Tabitha Criswell. Admission is free, with $10 stadium parking supporting Louisville Independent Business Alliance and the Buy Local movement. June 9 – 15, 2025: National Bourbon Week in Bardstown Take a day trip to the Bourbon Capital of the World for exclusive tastings, cocktail classes, culinary events, and more from world-class distilleries. New this year is The Mash Up, a one-night event pairing distillers with local chefs. On June 14, head downtown for National Bourbon Day festivities, complete with family fun, free samples, and live music. June 13, 2025: 9th Annual Dream Maker Awards Gala Join Amped from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Progress Park Airstream Resort for this ninth-annual soirée. The picnic-style evening honors graduates of Amped's Music Academy and changemakers in tech and entrepreneurship. Enjoy live music, local bites, craft cocktails, a silent auction, and dancing under the stars. Tickets are $150 and include all food and entertainment. June 13 – 22, 2025: Gender Play, or what you Will Honor Pride Month with Gender Play, or what you Will at Actors Theatre of Louisville. Co-created by Will Wilhelm and Erin Murray, this genre-bending production invites audiences to a mystical evening of laughter, tarot, and self-discovery. Performed by Will and directed by Emily Tarquin, the play uncovers the queer brilliance within Shakespeare's works. Tickets start at $12.50. June 14, 2025: Spring Wing Fest Spice things up at the annual Spring Wing Fest from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Spring Street Bar & Grill. This free, family-friendly outdoor bash features live music, kids' activities, outdoor games, and the return of the crowd-favorite hot wing eating contest. Proceeds benefit local food and beverage workers in need. June 21, 2025: Kentuckiana Pride Festival & Parade Celebrate love, identity, and community at the Kentuckiana Pride Festival & Parade, taking place from noon to 11 p.m. on the Big Four Lawn. Performers include Natasha Bedingfield, Saucy Santana, The Scarlet Opera, Tanner Adell, and Molly Grace, to name a few. General admission starts at $12. You can also keep the party going all weekend long with the Love & Pride '25 Neon Fantasy Drag Brunch and Pool Party the following day. June 21, 2025: Juneteenth Fest Commemorate the heritage and legacy of African Americans at Kentucky's official Juneteenth event, held from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Attendees can expect mouthwatering food, soulful live music, and activities for all ages. June 21, 2025: Downs After Dark Experience Churchill Downs like never before during one of Louisville's favorite summertime traditions. The historic track extends its hours, with gates opening at 5 p.m. and the final race running as late as 11:10 p.m. Enjoy live music, festive fashion, and signature cocktails under the lights. General admission is $24.95. June 28, 2025: Kentucky Craft Bash Raise a glass at Kentucky Craft Bash on the Brown-Forman Lawn at Waterfront Park. With over 50 breweries and more than 175 craft beers to sample, this is the biggest beer festival in the Bluegrass. Sip everything from tried-and-true favorites to bold experimental brews while mingling with the makers behind them. Whether you're a seasoned beer lover or just beer-curious, this one-day event is your chance to taste what Kentucky is brewing. General admission starts at $55. Have a sizzling summer, Louisville! ********** For the best of the South — delivered to your inbox daily — subscribe to StyleBlueprint! About the Author Lennie Omalza Originally from Hawaii, Lennie Omalza is a Louisville-based freelance writer of over 18 years. Lennie is a yoga-loving foodie who travels as often as she can and enjoys writing about food, homes, and weddings. You can find more of Lennie's work at Eater, Hawaii Home & Remodeling, and The Louisville Courier-Journal.
