In addition to Joel Lowry (L.A. Kings) and Josh Manson (Anaheim Ducks), the only players taken who played in the BCHL last season, the 2011 NHL Entry Draft saw four former and one future BCHLer chosen.
Penticton Vees recruit Mike Reilly was selected in the fourth round, 98th overall, by the Columbus Blue Jackets from the Shattuck St. Mary's high school program in Minnesota. The slight defender (5-foot-11, 160 pounds) showed plenty of promise and, along with his twin older brothers Ryan and Connor, will suit up for the Vees this coming season.
The twins played for the Sioux Falls Stamped of the United States Hockey League this past season. All three brothers have already secured commitments to the University of Minnesota.
The players with a BCHL background who were chosen are Garrett Noonan, Laurent Brossoit, Nathan Lieuwen and Dennis Robertson.
Noonan, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound former Vernon Viper who won a national championship with the team last year, was selected by the Nashville Predators in the fourth round. The Norfolk, Mass. native played for the Boston University Terriers in the most recent campaign and scored four goals and 11 assists while accumulating 89 penalty minutes.
Brossoit, a goalie with the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL, was taken by the Calgary Flames in the sixth round. The 6-foot-2, 193-pound netminder played the season prior with the Cowichan Valley Capitals.
Another goalie, Nathan Lieuwen, was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres from the WHL champion Kootenay Ice three spots after Brossoit. The 6-foot-5, 192-pounder played part of the 2007-08 season with the Westside Warriors.
The final player with BCHL ties selected was Dennis Robertson out of Brown University. The 6-foot, 195-pound blueliner played two seasons with the Langley Chiefs before going to school.
