June 25 - TI News - Team Illinois players drafted in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft!!!

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Team Illinois players drafted in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft!!!
Team Illinois News

Bill Sweatt and Scottt Darling, former TI players were drafted in the 2007 NHL draft. Bill Sweatt was a second round pick for the Chicago Blackhawks and # 38 overall in the draft and Scott Darling was a sixth round pick and #153 overall. Both players played their youth hockey at Team Illinois.

Bill Sweat is the highest drafted player in the NHL from Illinois since Al Montoya was drafted in the first round in 2004. Bill Sweatt played most of his youth hockey at TI and the last four years of his youth hockey for TI before joining the U. S. National Team Development Program, and Colorado College in the WCHA.

Bill last played for coach Jim Marchi at TI for the TI U18 team. “ We are very happy for Billy and proud of his accomplishments so far”, says Jim Marchi. “ Billy played a number of years for TI and for me his last year of youth hockey in Illinois. He was a pleasure to coach. His speed was obvious to everyone. However I saw a very determined young player with an outstanding work ethic. He had a true desire to be better. Whatever we asked of him he did for the team and to better himself as a player.” With his hard work and passion for the game I have no doubt that Billy will wear the Blackhawks jersey someday soon, and be very successful. “ Congratulations to Billy and his family on a great accomplishment.”

Bill Sweatt credits TI and coach Marchi for playing a big part in his development.  “TI was the right place for me to play. Playing for TI and a coach the caliber of Coach Marchi is an honor and was a pleasure. I wouldn’t be where I am today without TI and coach Marchi. Any player that has the opportunity to play for TI and coach Marchi should feel as grateful and honored as I do. Coach Marchi works hard to help his players develop and get opportunities to play at higher levels.” TI will always be a special place for me.”

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