By Rich Palzewic
Sports Editor
SUAMICO – First learning to play hockey in Phoenix, Arizona, Quinn Finley, a freshman at Bay Port High School, was recently selected first overall in the United States Hockey League (USHL) Phase 1 Draft by the Madison Capitols.
Phase 1 of the draft was for players born in 2004.
“When I was young in Phoenix, it was hot outside, so we decided to go to the rink because it was cool inside,” said Finley, who played for the Green Bay Junior Gamblers last season and was the MVP of Bantam Elite League last August for Team Wisconsin. “I picked up a stick, and the rest is history.”
Finley said his mom got a job in Marinette before the family eventually settled in Suamico.
The USHL, widely considered the best junior hockey league in the country, has a wide range of ages on the ice.
The 5-foot-11, 160-pound Finley, who won’t turn 16 until Aug. 8, could be playing against 20-year olds if he chooses to play next season in the USHL and the Capitols need him.
He could also remain in the area and play with the Junior Gamblers for another year.
“A lot depends on the organization and what they decide to do with you,” Finley said. “The COVID-19 pandemic is a big factor in what will happen, but my family needs to make a decision as well. If I would go to Madison, I’d probably live with a host family.”
Finley said his long-term goals are to play in the USHL, get a Division I college scholarship and get drafted into the National Hockey League.
“I need to get stronger if I’m going to possibly play against 20-year olds in the league,” he said. “I need to get more explosive to gain that extra step. It would be a good challenge to play against older guys, and it motivates me to work harder.”
Finley said his strengths as a player are his hockey IQ, scoring capability and creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Evan Hunter, also a member of the Junior Gamblers, was selected in the eighth round by the Chicago Steel.
Overall, there were 10 rounds and 150 players selected in the Phase 1 draft.
Quinn is the son of Ingrid and Michael Finley.