Coyotes Pick Lessio in 2nd Round of NHL Draft
June 25, 2011 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Oshawa Generals News Release
St. Paul, Minnesota - Oshawa Generals forward Lucas Lessio has been selected in the 2nd round, 56th overall by the Phoenix Coyotes at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
Lessio, an 18-year old from Maple, Ontario is coming off a tremendous rookie season with the Generals this past season. The 6-foot-1 left winger posted 27 goals and 27 assists for 54 points in 66 regular season games this year and followed that up with a solid post-season where he scored 5 goals and 4 assists in 10 playoff games.
"We are happy for Lucas that he was selected by the Coyotes," said Generals Head Coach and General Manager Chris DePiero. "He came in here this season and made a seamless transition to the OHL and he has been rewarded for it."
"Lucas is a competitive guy and being selected in the NHL Draft will only further fuel his passion for the game."
Lessio was originally selected by the Niagara IceDogs in the 1st round (7th overall) in the 2009 OHL Priority Selection. He elected to play with the St. Michael's Buzzers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) while he weighed his options of playing in the OHL or going the NCAA route. That season with the Buzzers, Lessio posted 30 goals and 72 points in 41 games.
The Generals acquired Lessio's rights in a trade with the IceDogs in September of 2009 and he agreed to join the Generals in July of 2010.
Lessio had an impressive showing at the NHL Scouting Combine where he finished in the Top 10 in five of the different tests including in both strength and endurance.
Lessio also has previous international experience as he was part of Team Ontario's silver medal finish at the 2010 IIHF World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and also the 2010 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka Tournament where he won gold as part of Canada's Under-18 team.
He was also recently invited to Canada's National Junior Team Sport Chek Summer Development Camp, scheduled for August 3rd-7th in Edmonton and Fort McMurray, Alberta.
A strong student off the ice, Lessio won the Bruce Melanson Scholastic Player of the Year Award for the Generals and was also named the OHL's East Division's Academic Player of the Month for December.
Ontario Hockey League Stories from June 25, 2011
- 101 CHL Players Selected in The 2011 NHL Entry Draft - OHL
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- Binnington, Shaw And Fritsch Chosen in NHL Entry Draft - Owen Sound Attack
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- Generals Have Huge Weekend at NHL Draft - Oshawa Generals
- Four Spirit Selected in 2011 NHL Entry Draft - Saginaw Spirit
- Rieder Chosen by Edmonton Oilers in 4th Round - Kitchener Rangers
- Suellentrop Selected by The Philadelphia Flyers - Oshawa Generals
- Andreoff Selected by The LA Kings in The 3rd Round - Oshawa Generals
- Coyotes Pick Lessio in 2nd Round of NHL Draft - Oshawa Generals
- Jenner Selected by The Blue Jackets 37th Overall - Oshawa Generals
- CHL Ties Record with 21 Players Selected in the First Round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft - OHL
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