This year there are four new hockey players who were drafted by the NHL and who may revive DU’s hopes for another national title.
Matt Donovan
Donovan was drafted in the fourth round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft at No. 96 overall. The 19-year-old freshman enters DU as a New York Islanders’ prospect. The Edmond, Okla. native is currently ranked as the Islanders’ No. 16 best prospect.
“A very offensively gifted defenseman and he probably will play a role in running one of our power plays and will be looked at to create offense not only in that situation but at even strength as well,” said George Gwozdecky, head coach.
Paul Phillips
Phillips, who is from Darian, Ill., was taken in the seventh round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks at No. 195 overall and now enters DU as an 18 year-old freshman. Phillips is a physical player, a strong defensive-minded player and “very tough,” said Gwozdecky.
William Wrenn
Wrenn was taken in the second round at No. 33 overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Born in Anchorage, Alaska., this 18 year-old freshman is ranked as the No. 8 best prospect in the San Jose Sharks organization.
“He is gifted both ways, he’s got some pretty good offensive skills, but he is also a very gifted defensively so he is going to be more of a two-way type of defenseman,” said Gwozdecky.
Drew Shore
Shore, from nearby Littleton, is an 18-year-old freshman who was drafted by the Florida Panthers in the second round, one pick after Wrenn, at No. 44 overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. He is a talented forward prospect.
Currently ranked as the No. 6 best prospect for the Panthers, he will be looked at to fill many roles this season.
“He is as equally gifted in the defensive zone as he is in the offensive zone. He can score. He is a very good play maker. He is good on the draws and he can play on the power play. He can kill penalties, so I think he is going to have a multi-faceted role as a forward,” said Gwozdecky.
These four join the nine players on the team who are already drafted to set a new school-best 13 NHL draftees on the 2009-10 roster. This breaking the old record of 11 on the 2006-07 team.
