Petes 60th Season - "Jordan Staal Makes a NAME for Himself"
- AlwaysHockey Staff
- Jul 29, 2015
- 2 min read
Photo Credited - Petes Website
In 2004, Petes General manager Jeff Twohey had the 3rd overall pick in the OHL Priority Selection Draft. Jeff Twohey selected Jordan Staal with the pick. Jordan is the brother of former Peterborough Pete Eric Staal. Jordan started his OHL career with the Petes in the 2004-2005 season. In his rookie season, Jordan showed the type of player he could become. He showed he's a strong defensive skilled forward that has a scoring touch that makes him a threat on the penalty kill. He finished his rookie campaign scoring 28 points in 66 games with a plus 1 rating. The 2004-2005 playoffs for Staal is where his talents were truly showcased. He scored 10 points in 14 playoff games but the Petes were swept in the 3rd round by the Ottawa 67's.
The Thunder Bay native came back more determined to have a great sophomore season with the Petes. Staal brought the edge he played with in the playoffs for the 2005-2006 season. He finished his second and final OHL season, tallying a point per game performance. He finished the year with 68 points in 68 games. The Petes would finish second overall with 99 points.
The 2005-2006 season also marked the 50th anniversary of the Petes organization. "It's inspiring when you see all the names who played for the Petes," said Jordan Staal, "You don't want to let the organization or the fans down. You know what they expect because of their history." That season the Petes would make their fans proud, by advancing to the Memorial Cup. The Petes beat first place powerhouse the London Knights in the OHL finals and captured the J. Ross Robertson Cup. The Petes lost in the round robin at the Memorial Cup, adding to their long list of failed attempts at capturing the trophy.
After winning the J. Ross Robertson Cup, Jordan Staal was eligible for the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. Jordan was ranked one of the top OHL prospects at the draft. He was selected second overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins and was huge part of the 2009 Penguins team that won the Stanley Cup. He is regarded as one of the NHL's top premier penalty killers with a offensive upside. He currently plays for the Carolina Hurricanes along side his brother and former Pete, Eric Staal.
Jordan saw Peterborough as a great organization with a rich history of all-stars. He still believes the Petes are one of the top franchise in the league, but need to return to their past of winning and making the playoffs every season.
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