1989 PHL Expansion Draft

The PHL held its first expansion draft in 13 years on June 7, 1989 to stock the rosters of its newest teams, the Kansas City Twisters and the Miami Stingrays. Each existing team was allowed to protect one goalie, three defensemen, and four forwards from their twelve-man roster. Teams also had the option of protecting two goalies, as long as they made a second defenseman available. One a team lost on player, they could not lose any more. The draft went twelve rounds, with goalies selected first, defensemen next, followed by forwards. Kansas City was given the first pick and selected sophomore goaltender Jason Lind from the St. Louis Spirits.  Next up, another second-year goaltender, Patrick Grevais from the Long Island Concordes, became the first player in Miami Stingrays history.

For the most part, the teams were stocked with tough, gritty veterans who had served as depth players on their former teams. Among the highlights, Washington’s starting goaltender Don Lapin, Dawson Robb, a key depth defenseman in LA’s dynasty during the 70s, and Dave Farris, a key veteran from the Pittsburgh Stingers, were selected by Miami. Most analysts felt that Kansas City “won” the draft, particularly with the selection of Roni Laukkanen, an important depth player from the Philadelphia Redshirts who would be counted on in a starring role in KC. Some other key players taken by the Twisters included former star defenseman and 15-year veteran Brian Trask, Vancouver goaltender Chris Withrow, and Nova Scotia enforcer James Russell. “It sounds bold but I think we can even push for a playoff spot” said Twisters GM Bill Truman. “I’m very happy with the core we have here.” Of course, Kansas City and Miami will have their chance to select their first true franchise players on June 20 at the PHL entry draft.

Kansas City

G - Chris Withrow, VAN

G – Jason Lind, STL

D – Reijo Rantala, SEA

D – Jim Ward, MIL

D – Svell Pahlsson, EDM

D – Brian Trask, CGY

F – Roni Laukkanen, PHI

F – James Russell, NS

F – Joe Gaines, NYC

F – Filip Holmgren, OTT

F – George Dickerson, WPG

F – Louis St. Laurent, MTL

Miami

G – Patrick Grevais, LI

G – Don Lapin, WSH

D – Marcus Ekman, CHI

D – Elliot Andrews, DET

D – Dawson Robb, BOS

D – JP Leclerc, QUE

F – Kevin Trainor, LA

F – Dave Farris, PIT

F – Brett Flores, MIN

F – Pasi Villanen, TOR

F – Rod Skelton, CAL

F – Kevin Jones, DEN