For the second year in a row the Brampton Thunder had first pick at the annual CWHL draft. For the second year in a row, Lori Dupuis stood before the group of general managers and assorted players waiting to hear their fate and announced that the player the Brampton Thunder were pleased and excited to select as their first round pick would be a defensemen, Sarah Edney.
Last year, Dupuis selected the high profile National Team defensive stalwart Laura Fortino, who is noted for her offensive skills as well her work on defense.
The difference is Sarah Edney is highly regarded as a "stay at home defender" who can serve as an anchor in the defensive zone.
Having National Team aspirations, Edney will fit in well with the already highly skilled Brampton defensive corps. General Manager Dupuis feels that Sarah will fit in well and that the selection of Edney is part of her plan "to build from the back end forward."
As for her selection to the Thunder, Sarah expressed her happiness in being drafted by the Thunder. She was glad to have the "opportunity to play close to home" and she is excited to play with former rivals like Howe, Rattray and Carly Mercer. Sarah also added, "I have never been more ready to play at this level."
Thunder players are looking forward to having Sarah on board as she has been working out with Jamie Lee Rattray and Erica Howe since the beginning of June.
Howe feels that Sarah is a great addition to the team.
Dupuis also went for some size up front, selecting Rebecca Vint and Jenna McParland who show promise on the front end of the Brampton attack.
Dupuis said that Vint is "hard to play against and has a real mean streak". Her aggressive play will fit in nicely with the Brampton offense. McParland comes to Brampton with size. Standing 5' 10" she will make life difficult for opposing defenders.
Brampton also went for some international talent as well adding Moeko Fujimoto of the Japanese National Team. "Fujimoto is small but she is speedy and hardworking" said Dupuis about her international selection. That is something that will certainly compliment the size that they have drafted.
