The Oklahoma City Barons signed forward Taylor Hall to an American Hockey League contract, Barons general manager Bill Scott announced today.
Hall, a 5-11, 190-pounder from Calgary, Alta., was the #1 overall selection in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by the Edmonton Oilers. He made an immediate impact, playing in the NHL at the age of 18. For his NHL career, he has played in 126 games over two seasons, scoring 95 points (49 goals, 46 assists).
Hall joins fellow first-rounders Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Magnus Paajarvi, Alex Plante, Colten Teubert and Jordan Eberle on the Barons’ roster. Nugent-Hopkins and Eberle were assigned to Oklahoma City by the Oilers in mid-September.
“The addition of Taylor Hall to the lineup is boost to the roster,” said Prodigal CEO Bob Funk Jr. “Having two athletes drafted #1 overall playing in Oklahoma City has never happened before. They join a lineup of fantastic athletes our coaches have the opportunity to work with on a daily basis. I believe the sports fan in Oklahoma can relate to the outstanding athletic ability our players have and will increase the value of our games for our fans.”
“Taylor Hall is a very competitive player who has had success in the NHL for two seasons,” said Barons GM Bill Scott. “With Taylor coming off his shoulder injury from last season, it is important for him to continue to play hockey as he is still in his prime development years. We know that he will be a great fit here in OKC and we look forward to adding him to our lineup.”
Hall and Nugent-Hopkins are the seventh and eighth athletes that have been selected #1 overall in their particular sport and played professionally for a team in Oklahoma City. They will join baseball players Josh Hamilton, Adrian Gonzalez and Kris Benson and hockey players Barry Gibbs, Rick Pagnutti and Bob Neely as #1 overall selections to play professionally in Oklahoma City. The pair will be the first to play on the same team at the same time.
