Flyers get a steal in Couturier

Just about every scouting service had center Sean Couturier ranked no worse than No. 4 in pre-NHL Entry Draft evaluations. So, when the Flyers found him still available with their No. 8 selection on Friday night in St. Paul, Minn., they couldn’t believe their good fortune.

They jumped at the opportunity, especially because they have to restock the position following the trading of centers Mike Richards and Jeff Carter on Thursday. In fact, by the time the draft concluded on Saturday, the Flyers had used three of their six draft picks on centers, also claiming Nick Cousins in the third round and Marcel Noebels in the fourth.

Couturier, a native of Phoenix, Ariz. who played for Drummondville of the Quebec Junior League this past season, registered a whopping 96 points in 58 games. He’s a skilled player but one who is defensively accountable.

“No,’’ general manager Paul Holmgren said when asked if he thought Couturier would still be available at No. 8. “But it’s something that we thought might be.’’

Both the International Scouting Service and The Hockey News had Couturier rated No. 4. He was ranked as high as No. 1 last year but his progress was slowed this season by a long case of mononucleosis.

“We’re excited, happy that we’re able to draft Sean,’’ said Holmgren, who acquired the No. 8 pick from Columbus in the Jeff Carter trade on Thursday. “We look forward to him coming to training camp. We’re going to be patient with him. Sean is a player who does a good job in his own zone for the number of points he puts up. He’s adapted well to the defensive work a center needs to handle.’’

Sean is the son of Sylvain Couturier, who played professional hockey for 14 years, including 33 NHL games with the Los Angeles Kings, as well as the Phoenix Roadrunners of the International League. That’s how Sean wound up growing up in Phoenix.

Not many 18-year-olds make it to the NHL their draft year, but who knows? He’s got a chance. He doesn’t lack for confidence.

“For sure this summer I’ve got to work hard,’’ Couturier said. “My main goal is to make the NHL next year. Once I get to camp I’ll be prepared. It’s up to the GM and staff to decide. I can’t really control that.

“I met the Flyers for the first time last night. It was a pretty good meeting. They seemed to have a lot of interest, but anything can happen in the draft. But now that the draft is over, I’m really glad to be a part of the Philadelphia Flyers.

Ledger-Enquirer.com | 06/26/2011 | SIFL: Fumbles doom Columbus ...

The Columbus Lions saw their dream of repeating as SIFL champions crushed by the Albany Panthers at the Columbus Civic Center on Saturday night.

The Panthers came from behind to post a 75-61 victory to advance to the league championship game against the Houston-Louisiana winner.

After a seesaw battle throughout the contest, the score was tied 54-54 with 5:52 remaining. The Lions took possession at their own 15, but were backed up to the 10 after a penalty. On the third play from scrimmage, the Panthers’ Demetrie McCray intercepted a Chris McCoy pass deep in the Lions’ territory. It was the first turnover by either team.

The Panthers took over on the Columbus 8 and it took only three plays to take the lead. Quarterback Cecil Lester lofted a 5-yard pass to Antwonis Cutts for the go-ahead score. Albany led 61-54 but the Lions still had a chance.

Columbus took possession with 1:50 left, but were penalized back to their own 14. After the one-minute warning, the snap sailed over McCoy’s head, all the way into the end zone. The Panthers recovered to go ahead 68-54 and seal the victory.

The offensive fireworks continued as the clock wound down on the Lions’ season. Each team scored another touchdown in the final 29 seconds of play.

The Lions and Panthers concluded a fierce season of competition in which each suffered its only loss to their instate rivals. The teams faced each other three times in the regular season, with Albany winning on April 2 and Columbus taking the last two meetings.

The playoff contest featured the biggest offensive totals for the two teams. They combined for 136 points in the SIFL semifinals, where their largest regular-season total was 116.

McCoy and wide receiver Anthony Merritt were the offensive stars for Columbus. The two hooked up on three scoring passes and Merritt added three on the ground.

Lions’ kicker Trey Crum converted 7 of 8 PATs and added three unos and a field goal, for a total 13 points.

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