The Belleville Bulls selected German goaltender Philipp Grubauer in the first round, 25th overall in the 2008 CHL Import Draft. The Bulls acquired the 25th pick in Thursday’s draft from the Plymouth Whalers to select Grubauer to solidify their goaltending behind Mike Murphy. Belleville sent their first round import pick, 55th overall along with a conditional fourth round pick in the 2011 OHL Priority Selection in return to the Whalers.

Grubauer played the 2007-2008 season with the Rosenheim Star Bulls in the Deutsche Nachwuchsliga where he recorded a 3.27 GAA in 36 games played. He then posted a 1.71 GAA in seven playoff games. Grubauer turns 17 in November and is not eligible for the NHL Entry Draft until 2010.

Grubauer also represented Germany in two major international tournaments this past season. At the 2008 World U17 Hockey Challenge held this past January in London, Grubauer was named to the tournament all-star team after posting a 2-3 record with a 3.49GAA and .909SV%. He then represented Germany in April at the 2008 World U18 Hockey Championship in Russia where he recorded a 1-3 record along with a 4.16GAA and .877SV%.

Bulls General Manager and Head Coach George Burnett commented that he had spoken to Grubauer and indicated that “Philipp is excited to face the challenge of playing in North America next season.”

Philipp Grubauer Position: Goaltender Height: 5’9 Weight: 150 Nationality: Germany Birthdate: November 15, 1991 NHL Draft: Eligible 2010