On June 24 and 25 in Buffalo, New York, three Denver Pioneers hockey players were selected in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, further displaying the program’s ability to recruit high-level athletes. It was the 15th straight year of at least one Denver player being selected in the draft.
Incoming freshman forward Henrik Borgstrom was selected No. 23 overall in the first round by the Florida Panthers. The top prospect played center for HIFK Jr. (Finland) in his home country last season. At 6’3 and 176 lbs., Borgstrom posted 55 points (29 goals, 26 assists) in only 40 games last season, good for No. 11 overall in league scoring.
As an 18-year-old, Borgstrom projects as a lanky, playmaking center. He will become the first first-round pick to attend DU since winger Beau Bennett suited up for the Pioneers in 2010. Borgstrom also became the fourth Finnish player drafted in the first round, marking a memorable day for the hockey powerhouse.
With their first pick in the NHL draft, the San Jose Sharks selected DU center Dylan Gambrell in the second round with the No. 60 overall pick. In 41 games as a freshman last year, Gambrell racked up 47 points (17 goals, 30 assists). He also produced during the season’s most crucial moments, posting five points (two goals, three assists) in two West Regional games en route to a Frozen Four appearance, along with earning Regional All-Tournament honors.
Gambrell will enter his sophomore season seeking a new linemate after winger Danton Heinen departed to join the Boston Bruins’ organization, breaking up the Pacific Rim Line.
Defenseman Blake Hillman was selected in the sixth round with the No. 173 pick by the Chicago Blackhawks. In 39 games, he scored 11 points (three goals, eight assists) and came on strong late in the season. Hillman recorded five points (two goals, three assists) in the NCAA tournament.
A two-way defenseman, Hillman will enter his sophomore year looking to make a larger impact in all three zones for the Pioneers.
These three draft picks illustrate DU’s ability to attract high profile prospects to their program and help facilitate their development en route to a professional career.
