Anaheim Select Petes Defenceman Konnor Smith 97th Overall in the 2023 NHL Draft
June 29, 2023 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Peterborough Petes News Release
(Nashville, TN) - On Thursday, June 28 the Anaheim Ducks selected Peterborough Petes defenceman Konnor Smith in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft in Nashville, Tennessee. The Ducks selected Smith with the first pick in the fourth round, 97th overall.
"It feels amazing," exclaimed Smith. "My OHL draft felt like it was just yesterday, and to be sitting here right now is surreal. I'm very fortunate to be selected by a team like the Ducks. I'm so grateful for my time in Peterborough that helped me get to this point."
Smith, a 6'6" defenceman from Windsor, Ontario, had a career year for the Petes in 2022-23. In 65 games, Smith scored three goals and added 12 assists. Smith added another two assists playing in all 23 playoff games for the Petes, helping lead them to an OHL Championship. In the 2023 Memorial Cup, Smith picked up an assist playing in all five games.
"I speak on behalf of the entire Petes organization when I say I'm thrilled for Konnor", noted Petes General Manager Mike Oke. "It's an amazing accomplishment to hear your name called at the NHL Draft. We're all very proud of him and look forward to being a part of his continued development."
Smith was originally selected by the Petes in the ninth round of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection out of the Windsor Jr. Spitfires program. He scored four goals and added eight assists in 52 games in his rookie season in 2021-22.
Official 2023 OHL Champion hats and shirts are on sale now through the Petes store.
Ontario Hockey League Stories from June 29, 2023
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- Anaheim Select Petes Defenceman Konnor Smith 97th Overall in the 2023 NHL Draft - Peterborough Petes
- Ducks Select Defenseman Dionicio with 129th Overall Pick - Windsor Spitfires
- 67's Forward Luca Pinelli Selected 114th Overall by Columbus Blue Jackets - Ottawa 67's
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