Colts' Aaron Ekblad Selected First Overall in 2014 NHL
June 27, 2014 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL) News Release
Philadelphia, PA - The Canadian Hockey League is proud to announce that defenceman Aaron Ekblad of the Barrie Colts has been selected first overall in the 2014 NHL Draft by the Florida Panthers.
Ekblad becomes the eighth straight CHL player to be chosen first overall following the Colorado Avalanche's selection of Nathan MacKinnon of the Halifax Mooseheads last season, the Edmonton Oilers' picks of Nail Yakupov of the Sarnia Sting in 2012, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins of the Red Deer Rebels in 2011, and Taylor Hall of the Windsor Spitfires in 2010. John Tavares of the London Knights was selected first overall by the New York Islanders in 2009, following the Sting's Steven Stamkos chosen by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2008, and the Knights' Patrick Kane picked first overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2007.
The 18-year-old Colts' captain from Belle River, ON, earned OHL Defenceman of the Year honours with 53 points in 58 games and represented Canada at the World Junior Championship. The first overall pick in the 2011 OHL Priority Selection, Ekblad followed Tavares as just the second player ever to be granted exceptional player status by Hockey Canada and in 175 career OHL games has recorded 116 points including 40 goals.
The 2014 NHL Draft continues with first round selections on Friday night, followed by rounds two through seven on Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center home of the Philadelphia Flyers.
• Discuss this story on the Ontario Hockey League message board...
Ontario Hockey League Stories from June 27, 2014
- Sting Well Represented in Round 1 of NHL Draft - Sarnia Sting
- 1st Round, 24th Overall - McCann Selected by Canucks - Soo Greyhounds
- Ho-Sang Taken #28 by New York Islanders - Windsor Spitfires
- Michael Dal Colle Selected by the New York Islanders, 5th Overall - Oshawa Generals
- Michael Dal Colle Selected by the New York Islanders, 5th Overall - Oshawa Generals
- Colts' Aaron Ekblad Selected First Overall in 2014 NHL - OHL
- Celebrate Canada Day with the Bulls - Belleville Bulls
- Season Ticket Renewal Deadline Monday - Sudbury Wolves
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
