USHL Boasts Six Selections in the First Round of the 2023 NHL Draft
Published on June 28, 2023 under United States Hockey League (USHL) News Release
The United States Hockey League (USHL) had six players selected in the first round of the 2023 National Hockey League Draft Tuesday night at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.
The six selections bring the USHL's all-time first round total to 123 and marks the 15th year in-a-row with multiple first-round selections, 19 consecutive Drafts with at least one selection and a combined 23 picks in the last three first rounds.
Former Chicago Steel forward Adam Fantilli, who won the Hobey Baker Award this year in his freshman season at Michigan, was selected by Columbus third overall. Fantilli spent two seasons with the Steel, totaling 55 goals and 55 assists for 110 points in 103 games. This past year the Toronto, Ont., native led the nation in scoring in 36 games with Michigan with 30-35- 65. He also won a gold medal with Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championship and a gold medal at the IIHF Men's World Championship.
Going fourth overall to San Jose was USA Hockey NTDP forward Will Smith. Smith registered 29 goals and 41 assists for 70 points in 56 USHL games over the course of his two seasons in Plymouth. A Boston College commit, Smith help the U.S. win gold at this year's IIHF U18 Championship where he led the tournament in scoring and was named the Most Valuable Player.
Fellow NTDP forward Ryan Leonard was selected eighth overall by the Washington Capitals. The Amherst, Mass., native who will play at Boston College next year, had 21 goals and 14 assists for 35 points in 50 games in the USHL the last two seasons. He helped lead Team USA to a gold medal at this year's IIHF U18 Championship.
NTDP Forward Oliver Moore, who's hails from Mounds View, Minn., and will play at the University of Minnesota next year, was picked 19th overall by Chicago. Moore had racked up 20 goals and 31 assists for 51 points in 55 USHL games over the course of the last two seasons.
Center Charlie Stramel, who played the 2022-23 season with the University of Wisconsin after spending the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons in the USHL with the USA NTDP program, was chosen with the 21st overall selection by the Minnesota Wild. The Rosemount, Minn., native, who helped Team USA to a bronze medal at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, had 8-15- 23 in 38 games in the USHL.
Another NTDP forward had his named called when Gabe Perreault was selected by 23rd overall by the New York Rangers. Perreault posted 29 goals with 43 assists for 72 points in 63 USHL games in his two seasons with the NTDP. He helped lead Team USA to a gold medal at this year's IIHF U18 Championship where he was named one of the top three players on his team.
The NHL Draft continues Thursday with Rounds 2-7 beginning at 10:00 a.m. CST. Be sure to follow the USHL on Twitter (@ushl) for the most up-to-date information.
United States Hockey League Stories from June 28, 2023
- USHL Boasts Six Selections in the First Round of the 2023 NHL Draft - USHL
- Matty Berniers Earns Calder Memorial Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year - USHL
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