OHL Well Represented at the NHL Draft

Nashville – 18 OHL players were selected in the first three rounds of the National Hockey League Entry Draft today at the Gaylord Entertainment Centre. Rounds four through nine will be held on Sunday beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Eric Staal of the Peterbrough Petes was selected second overall by the Carolina Hurricanes after the Pittsburgh Penguins traded up to draft goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL) with the top pick.

Staal was the top rated North American skater in the NHL Central Scouting rankings and was happy to be selected by the Hurricanes. “It was unexpected, but I’m very happy about where I’m going and I’m excited about the fall,” said Staal, who is looking forward to his first pro training camp in September.

Nathan Horton (pictured) of the Oshawa Generals was selected third by the Florida Panthers. “It’s an amazing feeling,” said the Dunnville native. “It was something I will never forget.”

Jeff Carter of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (11th overall to Philadelphia), Dustin Brown of the Guelph Storm (13th overall to Los Angeles), Brent Burns of the Brampton Battalion (20th overall to Minnesota), Mike Richards of the Kitchener Rangers (24th overall to Philadelphia), Anthony Stewart of the Kingston Frontenacs (25th overall to Florida) and London Knights forward Corey Perry (28th overall to Anaheim) were also
selected in the first round.

Carter, who led the Greyhounds with 35 goals and 71 points last season, was ranked 27th among North American prospects but improved his stock with a strong second half. “I didn’t pay much attention to the rankings,” said the 18-year-old London native. “What happened today is the important thing.”

2003 NHL Entry Draft Saturday’s Results (Rounds 1-3)

Round 1

2. Carolina – Eric Staal (Peterborough Petes)

3. Florida – Nathan Horton (Oshawa Generals)

11. Philadelphia – Jeff Carter (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)

13. Los Angeles – Dustin Brown (Guelph Storm)

20. Minnesota – Brent Burns (Brampton Battalion)

24. Philadelphia – Mike Richards (Kitchener Rangers)

25. Florida – Anthony Stewart (Kingston Frontenacs)

28. Anaheim – Corey Perry (London Knights)

Round 2

37. Nashville – Kevin Klein (Toronto St. Michael’s Majors)

38. Florida – Kamil Kreps (Brampton Battalion)

46. Columbus – Dan Fritsche (Sarnia Sting)

54. Dallas – B.J. Crombeen (Barrie Colts)

56. Minnesota – Patrick O’Sullivan (Mississauga IceDogs)

63. Colorado – David Liffiton (Plymouth Whalers)

Round 3

73. Pittsburgh – Daniel Carcillo (Sarnia Sting)

82. Los Angeles – Ryan Munce (Sarnia Sting)

94. Edmonton – Zach Stortini (Sudbury Wolves)

97. Calgary – Ryan Donally (Windsor)