Mark McNeill Selected 18th Overall by the Chicago Blackhawks
June 25, 2011 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Prince Albert Raiders News Release
Prince Albert SK- Prince Albert Raider's centre Mark McNeill was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks, 18th overall, in the first round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft today in St. Paul, Minnesota.
McNeill was the Raiders first round, 5th overall selection in the 2008 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft and in the 2009-10 season, as a 16 year old, notched 9 goals and 15 assists for 24 points in 68 games. He increased his point total by 57 in the 2010-11 campaign by picking up 32 goals and a team leading 49 assists to finish second on the team in scoring with 81 points in 70 games.
The 6'2" 210 lb centre was ranked 22nd overall amongst North American skaters in Central Scouting's Midterm Report on January 11th. He improved eight spots to finish 14th in Central Scouting's final ranking on April 11th which made him the 5th highest ranked player from the WHL.
The last Raider drafted in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft was Kyle Chipchura who was selected 18th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 2004. McNeill becomes the 14th Raider since 1983 to be selected in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft and is the 2nd Raider to be drafted to the NHL in the past six seasons.
"We are extremely proud of Mark," said Raiders Head Coach and General Manager Bruno Campese. "He has worked very hard for this opportunity and he is the type of player that will continue to work hard to make that next step into the NHL."
Western Hockey League Stories from June 25, 2011
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- Historic Day for Oil Kings at 2011 NHL Draft - Edmonton Oil Kings
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- Ty Rattie And Tyler Wotherspoon Selected in Second Round of NHL Draft - Portland Winterhawks
- Ruopp Goes in 3rd Round of NHL Entry Draft to Phoenix - Prince Albert Raiders
- Mark McNeill Selected 18th Overall by the Chicago Blackhawks - Prince Albert Raiders
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