Record 6 Stars Players Selected in 2018 NHL Draft
June 23, 2018 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Lincoln Stars News Release
DALLAS, Texas - Six players from the Lincoln Stars were selected in the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, setting a new team record for most players selected in a single year and leading all USHL teams in number of players drafted.
- Paul Cotter (F) - 115th overall - 4th Round -Vegas Golden Knights
- Alex Green (D) - 121st overall - 4th Round - Tampa Bay Lightning
- Jack Gorniak (F) - 123rd overall - 4th Round - Montreal Canadiens
- Josiah Slavin (F) - 193rd overall - 7th Round - Chicago Blackhawks
- Christian Krygier (D) - 196th overall - 7th Round - New York Islanders
- Cole Krygier (D) - 201st overall - 7th Round - Florida Panthers
"Hearing Paul's, Alex's, Jack's, Josiah's, Christian's, Cole's names called was awesome," said Stars GM Jon Hull. "What a day for these special individuals, their families and the Lincoln Stars. We are very proud of them and know they have earned this honor."
Cotter, 18, was selected 115th overall in the 4th Round by the Vegas Golden Knights, marking the first of three Stars players selected in that round. The Western Michigan University commit totaled 18 goals and 21 assists for 39 points with four power play goals and one shorthanded goal through 51 games during the 2017-18 season as well as four goals and four assists for eight points in seven postseason games. The Canton, Mich., product was named USHL All-Rookie First Team selection, finishing fourth among USHL rookies in scoring and fourth on the team in scoring.
Green, 20, followed next at 121st overall in the 4th Round by the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Chicago, Ill. native completed his first season at Cornell University in 2017-18, tallying two goals and eight assists for 10 points through 29 games. The 6-foot-2, 178-pound defenseman played two seasons for the Stars from 2015-17, posting one goal and 16 assists for 17 points through 72 career games and won a gold medal with the U.S. Select team at the 2016 World Jr. A Challenge.
Gorniak, 18, was drafted two spots later at 123rd overall in the 4th Round by the Montreal Canadiens. The West Salem, Wisc., product made his USHL debut with the Stars on Nov. 24-25, 2017 in Chicago and Muskegon after being selected by the Stars in the 2017 USHL Phase II Draft. The University of Wisconsin commit was named USAToday All-USA Hockey First Team and Wisconsin Mr. Hockey following his senior season at West Salem High School.
Slavin, 19, was selected 193rd overall in the 7th Round by the Chicago Blackhawks, also marking the first of three players drafted in that round. The Colorado College commit was named captain for the 2018-19 season on Wednesday after a successful second season in the USHL, notching 23 goals and 19 assists for 42 points with four shorthanded goals through 60 games with the Stars, leading the team in goals and shorthanded goals and sitting second in scoring. The Erie, Colo., product scored a hat-trick on December 16 and set a Stars record with a 10-game point streak from February 23 to March 17, grabbing 16 points in that span. He was acquired by the Stars on Oct. 4, 2017, just two days before the start of the regular season.
Christian Krygier, 18, was the first of the twins selected at 196th in the 7th Round by the New York Islanders. The Michigan State University commit played 48 games with the Stars this season, tallying eight assists with 137 penalty minutes and a +10 rating. Over his two-year career with the Stars, the Novi, Mich., native added two goals and 11 assists for 13 points through 98 games, capping off his stint with a 2018 USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game selection, a 2017 CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game appearance, and a U.S. Junior Select Team pick for the 2017 World Jr. A Challenge.
Cole Krygier, 18, was the final Stars player selected at 201st overall in the 7th Round by the Florida Panthers. The Novi, Mich., product boasted three goals and 14 assists for 17 points with 107 penalty minutes and a +12 rating through 58 games. In his two seasons with the Stars, the Michigan State University commit totaled six goals and 17 assists for 23 points through 95 games. He added an assist at the 2018 USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game and competed at the 2017 CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game.
All six players will be invited to their team's respective NHL Development Camp next week. Follow the Stars on social media to follow all Stars players at development camps.
All You Can Eat Hockey is coming to the Ice Box this fall! Get your 2018-19 Stars Full or Partial Season Membership, All You Can Eat Hockey and free parking by calling 402-474-7827 and speaking with a Stars representative!
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