5 WHL PLAYERS PICKED IN 1ST ROUND OF NHL DRAFT

By chlwebproduct June 24, 2011

Calgary, AB – The Western Hockey League is proud to announce that five WHL players were selected in the first round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft this evening at the Xcel Energy Center in Minnesota. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Duncan Siemens, Sven Bartschi, Mark McNeill and Joseph Morrow all had their names announced during the first round proceedings.

“The WHL would like to congratulate the Rebels’ Ryan Nugent-Hopkins on being selected 1^st overall in this year’s draft,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison, “We are very proud of the fact that the WHL continues to be one of the NHL’s leading suppliers of player talent.”

2011 NHL Entry Draft, WHL Players

1^st Round

#1. Edmonton Oilers – Ryan Nugent-Hopkins; Burnaby, B.C.; Red Deer Rebels
#11. Colorado Avalanche – Duncan Siemens; Sherwood Park, AB; Saskatoon Blades
#13. Calgary Flames – Sven Bartschi; Langenthal, SUI; Portland Winterhawks
#18. Chicago Blackhawks – Mark McNeill; Edmonton, AB; Prince Albert Raiders
#23. Pittsburgh Penguins – Joseph Morrow; Sherwood Park, AB; Portland Winterhawks

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins selected by Edmonton Oilers round 1 – 1^st overall

Red Deer Rebels’ forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was selected first overall in the 2011 NHL Draft when the Edmonton Oilers used their first pick to select the 18-year-old (1993) Burnaby, B.C. product this evening in Minnesota at the Xcel Energy Center, marking the first British Columbia born player to be selected first overall at the NHL Draft. The stand-out forward led the Rebels and finished tied for third in the WHL in scoring with 106 points, including a League-leading 75 assists. He was the top-ranked North American skater in NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings of draft-eligible players. He becomes the first B.C.-born player to be selected first overall in the NHL draft. Nugent-Hopkins is the first player from the WHL to be selected with the first pick in an NHL draft since 1996 when Prince Albert Raiders’ defenseman Chris Phillips was chosen first overall by the Ottawa Senators. The first overall pick from the 2008 WHL Bantam Draft, Nugent-Hopkins was named the WHL’s Rookie of the Year in 2009-10 after scoring 24 goals and 65 points for the Rebels as a 16-year-old.

CLICK HERE to watch Nugent-Hopkins’ WHL Web TV Top Prospect Profile

Duncan Siemens selected by Colorado Avalanche round 1 – 11^th overall

Duncan Siemens, of the Saskatoon Blades, was selected 11^th overall by the Colorado Avalanche. The 17-year-old Sherwood Park, AB, product scored five and 43 points to help the Blades finish in first place overall during the 2010-11 regular season with a franchise record 115 points. A two-way, physical defender who can skate very well, Siemens possesses all the elements that make for a strong NHL defensive prospect. A 6’ 3”, 200-lb frame and a competitive, hard-nosed attitude make him a physical force on the ice. His physical presence, particularly his ability to dole out punishing checks, his skating and mobility, and his intelligence in the defensive zone make Siemens incredibly tough for opposing forwards to play against. As strong and imposing as he is in his own zone, Siemens also boasts good offensive instincts, puck moving ability and skill to make him an effective player in the attacking zone.

CLICK HERE to watch Siemen’s WHL Web TV Top Prospect Profile

Sven Bartschi selected by Calgary Flames round 1 – 13^th overall

The Calgary Flames used their 13^th overall pick to select Swiss forward Sven Bartschi of the Portland Winterhawks. The 18-year-old from Switzerland was the Western Conference nominee for the WHL Rookie of the Year award after posting an impressive 34 goals and 85 points during the 2010-11 season. Though not much was known about him prior to the start of the season, Bartschi opened plenty of eyes with his skill, offensive ability and his willingness to battle and compete for the WHL Western Conference Champion Winterhawks. His vision, puck skills and offensive instincts led him to become one of the top scorers on an offensively talented the Winterhawks team during the season. A good shot quick release coupled with strong passing skills make Bartschi a threat as a scorer and playmaker. The 5’ 10” left winger also showed he’s not averse to the physical side of the game, and is more than willing to go to the tough areas of the ice to score or make plays. Bartschi also showed steady improvement on the defensive side of the game throughout the season.

CLICK HERE to watch Bartschi’s WHL Web TV Top Prospect Profile

Mark McNeill selected by Chicago Blackhawks round 1 – 18^th overall

Prince Albert Raiders forward Mark McNeill was selected 18^th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks. The 18-year-old from Edmonton, AB, finished second on the Raiders in scoring with 32 goals and 81 points in 70 games, helping the Raiders earn a playoff spot for the first time since the 2006-07 season. A strong, talented power forward, McNeill has evolved into a player who can play a complete game. With good speed and agility for a big player, McNeill boasts strong offensive instincts, playmaking ability and a heavy shot. Though he has good puck skills, McNeill can do a lot of offensive damage by using his size and powering towards the goal. His 6’ 2”, 210lb frame enables him to win puck battles and makes him very effective along the boards and in the faceoff circle. A responsible and hard-working player, McNeill is very reliable in the defensive zone, and is used in every situation by the Raiders.

CLICK HERE to watch McNeill’s WHL Web TV Top Prospect Profile

Joseph Morrow selected by Pittsburgh Penguins round 1 – 23^rd overall

Joseph Morrow of the Portland Winterhawks was selected 23^rd overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins. A two-way, puck-moving defenseman from Sherwood Park, AB, Morrow’s biggest strengths are his tremendous skating, his passing skills and his shooting ability. The Sherwood Park, AB, product boasts terrific speed and agility that help him carry the puck out of the defensive zone and join the offensive rush. An offensively gifted rearguard, Morrow’s hockey sense and vision enable him to make good first passes and move the puck effectively in the offensive zone. Morrow also possesses a heavy and deceptive shot that makes him a threat to score or create scoring chances for his teammates from rebounds. Morrow’s offensive abilities make him a particularly effective anchor on the power play. As good as he is offensively, Morrow is also a solid player in the defensive zone who uses his strength and mobility to push opposing forwards off the puck.

CLICK HERE to watch Morrow’s WHL Web TV Top Prospect Profile

——————————————

2011 NHL Entry Draft, WHL Players

1^st Round

5 WHL PLAYERS PICKED IN 1ST ROUND OF NHL DRAFT

More News