Carrying On

Thought we might take a look at this year's National Hockey League Draft, given the fact that it's taking place in St. Paul at Xcel Energy Center.  A place our Mavericks are familiar with having played a trio of WCHA Final Five games there (1999-00 vs. Minnesota and 2002-03 vs. Minnesota and Minnesota-Duluth), along with a regular-season game vs. Minnesota in 2004-05 and again vs. the Golden Gophers in Nov. of 2008 in the WCHA Minnesota College Hockey Showcase.

While no current Mavericks are expected to be selected this year, a total of 12 former and/or current members of the purple and gold have been chosen, beginning with defenseman Tom Anderson when he was picked in the seventh round, 111th overall by the California Golden Seals back in 1974.

A few notables regarding MSU's draft history.  Of the 12 selections, four have played in the NHL (Tim Jackman, David Backes, Travis Morin and Jon Kalinski). Forward Tyler Pitlick owns the distinction as the highest MSU draftee at #31 and in Justin Jokinen, one is a current Maverick. Ten of the draftees were native Minnesotans and two were Canadians (Chad Brownlee and John Kalinski).

SIDEBAR - Brownlee's recently-completed video for his new single Carried Away is available here.

Here's a look at MSU's draft history over the years.

Name Yrs @ MSU Drafted By Year Round # Tom Anderson* 1975-77 California 1974 7th 111 Eric Burrill* 1990-92 NY Rangers 1987 9th 178 Dan Brettschneider* 1989-92 Washington 1987 12th 240 Tim Jackman 2000-02 Columbus 2001 2nd 38 Jake Brenk* 2000-05 Edmonton 2001 5th 154 David Backes* 2003-06 St. Louis 2003 2nd 62 Chad Brownlee* 2003-07 Vancouver 2003 6th 190 Travis Morin 2003-07 Washington 2004 9th 263 Jon Kalinski 2005-08 Philadelphia 2007 6th 152 Andrew Sackrison* 2007-11 St. Louis 2006 5th 124 Justin Jokinen* 2008-SA Buffalo 2008 4th 101 Tyler Pitlick 2009-10 Edmonton 2010 2nd 31 *selected while a member of high school or junior team

Lots of 2011 NHL Draft coverage available here.

Enjoy the weekend. It's great to be a Maverick!