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U.S. National Team

Six Players with NTDP Ties Selected in First Round

June 22, 2018 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
U.S. National Team News Release


PLYMOUTH, Mich. - Six players with USA Hockey National Team Development Program connections were selected on Friday in the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft, held at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

Brady Tkachuk (St. Louis, MO, NTDP 2015-17) was taken fourth overall by the Ottawa Senators. A left wing, Tkachuk scored 8 goals with 23 assists for 31 points in 40 games for Boston University last season.

"It's an awesome feeling," Tkachuk told NBCSN after being selected. "I'm shaking right now. All the credit goes to my parents (Chantal and Keith). It's a huge goal of mine to get to the NHL as soon as possible, but if not, I've got another year to develop."

The Vancouver Canucks selected defenseman Quinn Hughes (Orlando, Fla., NTDP 2015-17) with the seventh overall pick. Hughes scored 5 goals with 24 assists for 29 points in 37 games for the University of Michigan last season.

"I've very proud," Hughes said with a smile. "I've heard great things about Vancouver and it's obviously a great hockey market. I'm really excited. This is a dream come true."

Forward Oliver Wahlstrom (Quincy, Mass., NTDP 2016-18) was taken with the 11th overall selection by the New York Islanders. Wahlstrom led all players eligible for the 2018 NHL Draft in scoring 48 goals with 46 assists for 94 points, and was +37 in 62 games for the NTDP U18s last season.

"I'm so thankful to be in this position." Wahlstrom said. "The Islanders are an unbelievable organization. I am happy and ecstatic."

The Philadelphia Flyers selected left wing Joel Farabee (Cicero, N.Y., NTDP 2016-18) with the 14th overall selection. Farabee scored 33 goals with 43 assists for 76 points and was +41 in 62 games for the NTDP U18s last season.

"It's awesome," Farabee said of his selection. "I really don't have any words right now - I'm just soaking it (the moment) in. I'm just honored to be part of the organization. It's a really special time to share this moment with my family."

A player with NTDP ties - Jay O'Brien (Hingham, Mass.) - was selected 19th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers. A center, O'Brien played in seven games for the NTDP U18s early last season and scored a goal and an assist. He played the bulk of last season with Thayer Academy in the U.S. high school ranks and scored 43 goals with 37 assists for 80 points in 30 games.

Originally slated to selected 26th in the first round, the New York Rangers made a trade with Ottawa to move up to 22nd overall to select defenseman K'Andre Miller (Minnetonka, Minn., NTDP 2016-18). Miller recorded 9 goals with 20 assists for 29 points, and was +23 in 58 games for the NTDP U18s last season.

"To have an organization like that (the Rangers) come to you to really want you is awesome," Miller said. "It's shows all the hard work and dedication pays off in the end. To spend this time with my family and friends is special."

The draft continues on Saturday with rounds 2-7 in Dallas (11 am, NHL Network).

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