By Tim Droogsma - Elite League Media Services
Several Will Be Chosen This Weekend in St. Paul
New Hope, Minn. – A dozen former players from the Upper Midwest High School Elite League are possible draft picks this weekend as the NHL conducts the 2011 Entry Draft at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.
Ten skaters and two goalies who competed in the Elite League are on NHL Central Scouting’s final draft rankings, led by Wayzata’s Mario Lucia, who is ranked #34. (A complete list, including the player’s Central Scouting ranking, is below.)
In last year’s draft, four Elite League players were taken in the first round – Derek Forbort, Nick Bjugstad, Emerson Etem and Brock Nelson – as part of a league-record 18 draft picks. While this year’s class does not have quite the same depth, UMHSEL Commissioner John Russo said it’s still an exciting time.
“It’s always a thrill to see these young men realize their dreams of being NHL draft picks,” Russo said. “As a league, we’re very proud to have been part of their development.”
The Upper Midwest High School Elite Hockey League is a non-profit hockey league designed to provide high-level competition supplementing the regular high school hockey season, and runs each fall from September to November. For more information, visit the league’s website at www.hselitehockey.com.
UPPER MIDWEST HIGH SCHOOL ELITE LEAGUE ALUMS IN 2011 NHL DRAFT
Player Rank Pos Birthplace 2010-11 Team
Mario Lucia 34 LW Fairbanks, Alaska Wayzata H.S.
Andy Welinski 48 D Duluth Green Bay (USHL)
Joseph LaBate 51 C Burnsville Holy Angels H.S.
Mike Reilly 52 D Chicago Shattuck-St. Mary's
Steven Fogarty 90 C Chambersburg, Pa. Edina H.S.
Max Everson 93 D Edina Edina H.S.
Neal Goff 165 D St. Paul Stillwater H.S.
Kyle Rau 177 C Hoffman Estates, Ill. Eden Prairie H.S.
Tony Cameranesi 178 C Maple Grove Wayzata H.S.
Tanner Sorenson 180 C Anchorage, Alaska Shattuck-St. Mary's
Goalie Rank Birthplace 2010-11 team
Peter Traber 18 Philadelphia Shattuck-St. Mary's
Alex Lyon 23 Baudette Lake of the Woods H.S.
