Lightning's 7th-round choices and a surprise
With the 182nd overall pick, the first of the seventh round, Tampa Bay took right wing Matias Sointu. The 5-10, 154-pounder had 21 goals and 40 points in 41 games last season for Ilves Junior of Finland.
With its final pick, 203rd overall, Tampa Bay took defenseman David Carle. An interesting choice since Carle, the brother of San Joses's Matt Carle, withdrew from the draft after being diagnosed with a heart condition. But the son of prospective owner Oren koules attends the same high school, Shattuck-St. Mary's in Minnesota from which Carle graduated. Besides Koules said, "The kid worked his whole life to be drafted in the NHL, and I don't see a reason he shouldn't be."
It was quite a nice gesture.
Follow the Lightning through the season with beat writer Damian Cristodero and the Times sports staff. We invite your participation in the comments area.
I like that move also, and it shows some class.
Posted by: Lightning Rod | June 21, 2008 at 03:13 PM
Classy move by the Tampa organization. Makes me somewhat happy that they got Stamkos (although I'd still rather he be a Devil).
Posted by: Josh | June 21, 2008 at 03:38 PM
Oren Koules gets my vote. Its more than just wins and losses. Maybe some of the more critical fans here should lighten up and smell the rosies.
Posted by: db | June 21, 2008 at 05:47 PM
That is a class move.. Karma will remember this.. Put one in our "Plus" column..
Posted by: Tim | June 21, 2008 at 06:02 PM
OK made a lot of friends with that pick. I think he gained the respect of the other execs and owners in the league today as well as the players and fans. I am more that ready to give the guy a chance now. Go Bolts!
Posted by: Don in St. Pete | June 21, 2008 at 07:47 PM
Just awesome. I'd love to see this kid somehow heal up and get a shot in the pros, too... what a story that'd be.
Posted by: Bryan | June 21, 2008 at 10:12 PM
Classy move by the new owner down there.
Being an Alaskan transplanted here in Georgia, I wish the Thrashers ownership had half as much class as your new owner.
Posted by: Doug | June 22, 2008 at 08:10 AM
The class shown by the new owner Oren Koules is only matched by the class that David Carle has shown in dealing with this situation! Lets Go Tampa! Good Luck David
Rooster @ SSM
Posted by: Rooster | June 22, 2008 at 02:28 PM
As a sharks fan I would of thought that they would been the ones to make such a classy move. I have a new respect for the TB Lighting!! I believe in Karma too!! Great Gesture!
Posted by: Daniel Peters | June 22, 2008 at 08:56 PM