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FIVE FORMER JR DUCKS MAKE CALIFORNIA RUBBER MAGAZINE'S ALL JUNIOR TEAM

By AAHA, 06/01/17, 9:00AM PDT

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When Anaheim Jr. Ducks players move on, they’re making an impact in the junior hockey world.

Five players with ties to the club have been selected to California Rubber Magazine’s third annual All-California Junior Team.

The five include: goaltender Garrett Nieto, defenseman Slava Demin and Rourke Russell and forwards Sasha Chmelevski and Shane McMahan.

Nieto, who committed to play college hockey at Lake Superior State during the 2015-16 season, split his season between Wenatchee of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) and Springfield of the North American Hockey League (NAHL). Between the two circuits, he won two thirds of his decisions and had a goals-against average under 2.60. It is the second consecutive season the 1998 birth year has made the squad, which is selected by California Rubber senior writer Chris Bayee with input from junior coaches and college and pro scouts.

Demin, a 2000 who committed to the University of Denver this past season, was an impact rookie with Wenatchee of the BCHL, finishing with 32 points. He played the previous three seasons in the Jr. Ducks organization.

Russell, a 1998 who committed to Miami (Ohio) University this past season, was a rock solid defender for Green Bay of the United States Hockey League (USHL). Russell managed a plus-15 on a losing team.

Chmelevski, a 1999, is considered one of the top 60 prospects in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft in June. He had 23 goals and 47 points for Ottawa of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

McMahan, a 1996, committed to Minnesota State in his overage season for Fargo of the USHL. The burly center was one of the USHL’s top faceoff men and penalty killers, and six of his 18 goals were game-winners. None of his goals came on the power play.

- Chris Bayee