By Warren Kozireski (above photo of Bellows)
As four other teams did with their first round selection sin the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, the Islanders drafted the son of a former NHLer taking Kiefer Bellows—son of Brian—with the 19th overall pick.
The 6’1”, 194 lb. left wing and Boston University commit this fall netted 50 goals in 62 games with the U.S. National Development team last season and added 31 assists with 101 penalty minutes.
“I’m so happy to be a part of this organization; it’s a special moment,” Bellows said. “My dad has meant the world to me. He’s been there through everything and it’s been my mom and sisters and coaches and everyone around me.
“I just got off the phone with John Tavares, so it’s just a surreal moment right now being drafted by such a historic organization.
“It’s going to be one to two years at Boston University to most definitely be ready and I feel that’s when I’ll be ready to play in the NHL after that. I need to work on my explosiveness, just getting bigger and faster and I know BU will help with that.”
Father Brian was a first round pick of Minnesota and played 17 seasons in all with time also in Montreal, Tampa Bay, Anaheim and Washington.
