USHL Waterloo Black Hawks

Three Waterloo Black Hawks Taken in NHL Draft

Published on June 27, 2009 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Waterloo Black Hawks News Release


Waterloo, Iowa-Two picks among the highest ever for the Waterloo Black Hawks organization highlighted the second day of the NHL Draft in Montreal Saturday. In all, Craig Smith, Patrick Wey, and Jordan Samuels-Thomas were chosen by National Hockey League franchises.

"I could not be happier for these three young men," said Waterloo Black Hawk Head Coach P.K. O'Handley. "Craig, Patrick, and Jordan were all veteran members of our team last season. They were all major contributors to what we were able to accomplish, and I expect they will each have an opportunity to make a living in this game."

Smith was the first to be drafted. The third-year Black Hawk and 2008-2009 team captain was called by the Nashville Predators in the fourth round with the 98th overall pick. The only Waterloo players ever selected sooner were Peter Ferraro (24th) and his twin brother Chris (85th) by the New York Rangers in 1992.

Just 17 slots after Smith, the Washington Capitals secured the rights to defenseman Patrick Wey, also in the fourth round, with the 115th overall pick. Following the Ferraro's and Smith, the only other Black Hawks who have been taken as early are Nick Larson (108th in 2008 by Calgary) and Andrew Thomas (109th in 2005 by Washington).

With time ticking down on the draft, the Atlanta Thrashers found Jordan Samuels-Thomas still available and used the 203rd overall pick to put his name on the board in the seventh round. Former Black Hawk Joe Pavelski climbed to the NHL after being a seventh round selection by the San Jose Sharks with the 205th pick in 2003.

The 2009 NHL Draft marks the seventh consecutive season at least one player with ties to the Waterloo Black Hawks has been picked. In that time, 13 prospects who had previously played, were playing, or would later play at Young Arena have been drafted.

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United States Hockey League Stories from June 27, 2009


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