Saginaw, MI – Spirit GM Dave Drinkill has announced the signing of forward Kyler Lauder to a Scholarship and Development Agreement.
The Spirit took Lauder (LAW-durr) with their first selection of day two at the OHL Priority Selection. Lauder led the Central Ontario Wolves U16 AAA team with 69 points (35-34–69) in 32 games and played as an alternate captain. He is a left-shot forward standing at 5’9.75”, 156lbs, and was named the OMHA East’s Player of the Year. In the playoffs, Lauder added 16 points (7-9–16) in eight games.
“I was a little nervous because the first day of the draft didn’t go my way, but things ended up okay, and I got to go to a great organization,” said Lauder. “It’s been a great ride so far, and I’m grateful to my parents for getting me to this point.”
Bate signed alongside fellow draft pick Drew Bate, and Drinkill was enthusiastic about adding both players to the organization.
“To have them here in Saginaw for the start of development camp and get them integrated with our returning players is huge,” he said. “I didn’t think we’d be able to land both of them in the draft, so I’m really excited to have them here today, signing with us. These are players we truly believe can develop into professionals and achieve their dream of playing in the NHL.”
