The world order of college hockey was partially restored on Saturday morning when the second round of the NHL Entry Draft kicked off at Scotiabank Place, just outside of Ottawa.
One day after just four collegians were selected in the opening round of the NHL Draft, down from 11 last season, nine college or college-bound players became NHL property in Saturday’s second round.
Wisconsin was the most prominently represented college team Saturday. A day after incoming Badgers’ freshman Jake Gardiner was taken 17th overall, three more Badgers’ players heard their names called in Saturday’s second round, including current Badger Cody Goloubef, as well as incoming recruits Patrick Wiercioch and Justin Schultz. Goloubef was selected 37th overall by Colorado, while Wiercioch went 42nd to host city Ottawa and Schultz was grabbed a pick later at 43 by Anaheim.
Wiercioch said that being selected by the host city certainly made his trip north of the border all the more special.
“Ottawa was already memorable just for coming here for the first time,” said Wiercioch. “This just makes it so much more so.”
Boston University recruit Corey Trivino, who played last season for Stouffville of the Ontario Provincial league, was the top collegian picked on Saturday, heading to the New York Islanders with the 36th overall selection.
Trivino said he looked forward to the chance to play with Colin Wilson, the top overall collegian selected in the draft, picked seventh overall on Friday by Nashville. When told Wilson may not return, Trivino said that he would love to change his mind.
“I’d love to convince him to stay [at Boston University],” said Trivino. “He’d be a great addition to next year’s team.”
Minnesota freshman-to-be Aaron Ness was picked by New York Islanders’ General Manager Garth Snow, despite Snow publicly criticizing Gophers’ coach Don Lucia for what he deemed an inability to properly develop players at the college level. Snow may have seemingly put those ill feelings behind, picking Ness at 40.
Others taken in Saturday’s second round included Zac Dalpe, who was the subject of rumors earlier this week that he may not head to Ohio State as planned next season and instead head to Major Junior. Dalpe confirmed on Saturday that he plans to honor his commitment and head to Columbus next year. He was picked 45th overall by Carolina.
North Dakota incoming freshman Danny Kristo, who played last season for the U.S. National Team Development Program, was the 56th overall selection of Montreal, and Boston College recruit Jimmy Hayes rounded out the second round collegiate selections, heading to Toronto with the 60th pick overall.
Hayes admitted that he was hoping to be selected higher, but didn’t feel he had the best season last year and that may have played a part in his stock dropping.
“I didn’t have the season I wanted to have,” said Hayes. “I was a pretty high prospect. I still think I’m a pretty high prospect, but I’m glad to have been able to end up with the Maple Leafs.
“I was a Boston Bruins fan growing up; now I’m a Maple Leafs fan.”
Seven additional players with college ties were selected in the Draft’s third round. All are incoming recruits at their respective schools. They include: Justin Daniels (Northeastern, 62nd overall to San Jose), Robert Czarnik (Michigan, 63rd overall to Los Angeles), David Toews (North Dakota, 66th overall to New York Islanders), Corey Fienhage (North Dakota, 81st overall to Buffalo), Steve Qualier (Northeastern, 86th overall, Montreal), Scott Winkler (Colorado College incoming for 2009, 89th overall to Dallas) and Max Nicastro (Boston University, 91st overall to Detroit).
A complete list of draft selections with college ties can be found by clicking here.
