PAPILLION, NEBRASKA – For the ninth straight year a player with ties to the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) was selected in the first round. Kyle Palmieri, who currently plays with the United States National Developmental program, was selected 26th overall by the Anaheim Ducks and will attend Notre Dame in the fall. Palmieri had a solid season with the Under-18 U.S. Team scoring 30 points in 33 games (15G, 15A). The continued success of the CCHA has allowed a great conference the opportunity to improve its credentials yet again. In total, nine players were selected who have ties to the CCHA, including Palmieri. The second player selected was Palmieri’s teammate, Chris Brown, who has committed to play for Michigan, was selected 36th by the Phoenix Coyotes after turning in a solid 2008-09 campaign. With the 56th selection, the Columbus Blue Jackets selected yet another incoming Wolverine from the U.S. Developmental team, choosing Kevin Lynch who had a great season for the U.S. Under-18 team scoring 37 points on 18 goals and 19 assists. Incoming Miami (OH) freshman, Reilly Smith, had a stellar year in the Ontario Provincial Hockey League which earned him a selection by the Dallas Stars in the third round. Smith was chosen 69th overall. With the 83rd pick in the draft, the Vancouver Canucks selected defenseman Kevin Connauton of Western Michigan. The Broncos sophomore spent this past season elevating his game to new levels scoring 17 points from the blue line. RedHawk pride was burning white-hot throughout the NHL draft as four players with ties to Miami would hear their name called. Chris Wideman, a defenseman, would be the second RedHawk selected (fourth round, 100th overall) by the Ottawa Senators. Wideman had a wonderful season on the blue line scoring 26 assists. Incoming Miami freshman Curtis McKenzie heard his name called 159th overall by Dallas in the sixth round. The forward had a monster year in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) scoring 64 points in 53 games. The final player with CCHA ties was sophomore goaltender Connor Knapp of Miami, was selected by Buffalo 164th overall. Knapp platooned the University of Miami to the National Championship game posting a 2.09 goals against average in 23 games. You may contact the author at: john.strathman@prohockeynews.com
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