The Sioux City Musketeers have added defenseman Alex Velischek and Troy Hesketh to its roster.
The 20-year old Velischek was a 2009 5th round draft pick of the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins. The 6’0”, 200 pound, left shooting blueliner most recently played for the Providence Friars of Hockey East. In total, the Kinnelon, NJ native played 43 games for the Friars, accumulating two goals, 14 points, and 46 penalty minutes. Velischek is the son of former NHL player Randy Velischek.
“Alex is a two-way defenseman who has great offensive instincts,” said Musketeers Head Coach and General Manager Luke Strand. “He’s got the ability to skate up and down the rink. I see him running our power play. At the same time, he’s so competitive and strong in his own end that he can also shut down the opposition defensively.”
Troy Hesketh was acquired in a trade with the Chicago Steel. The 19-year old Hesketh was a 3rd round draft pick of the Edmonton Oilers in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. The 6’2”, 178 pound, left shooting defenseman has zero points and 30 penalty minutes in 22 games with the Steel of the USHL. Hesketh is a Minnetonka, Minnesota native.
“Troy is a great skater. He has good instincts, and again he’s a nice two-way defenseman that can get around the rink,” said Strand. “He makes a very good first pass, he’s a competitive kid, and he’s got a very bright future ahead of him. We want to give him a fresh start here and we’re confident in the idea that surrounding him with the talent we have here will make him a better player and in turn make us a better team.”
The Musketeers now have four NHL draft picks on its roster as Velischek and Hesketh join current Musketeers Max Gaede (San Jose) and Caleb Herbert (Washington).
