By Warren Kozireski–
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) sophomore-to-be Will Reilly was drafted by the Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins and three other New York State college commits were also selected in the 2017 National Hockey League Entry Draft in Chicago.
Reilly was taken in the seventh round, 217th overall. He was the top scoring rookie blueliner for the Engineers last season playing in 35 games with 15 points.
Two Union recruits were taken with Parker Foo, brother of recently departed Dutchmen Spencer, chosen in 5th round by Chicago and John Adams in the 6th round by Detroit.
Foo finished with 66 points in 60 games last season in the AJHL for the Brooks Bandits. Adams played for the U.S. Hockey League’s Fargo Force. He was the team’s third-leading scorer with 37 goals and 23 assists in 56 games.
Clarkson to-be freshman Nick Campoli was selected in sixth round by the expansion Vegas Golden Knights. The 5’11”, 190 lb. forward and North York Rangers (OJHL) product scored 32 points last season in 20 games played and added four points in five playoff contests.
Cornell commit Morgan Barron was taken by the New York Rangers in the seventh round. The 6’2” center averaged more than a point per game in 2016-17 with St. Andrew’s College prep school in Canada.
“It’s an exciting moment; it’s something you work toward your whole life, so it was definitely a little bit of a relief in there when I heard my name,” Barron said moments after being selected.
“I think I’m a big two-way centerman and I try to play a 200-foot game. I like to chip in defensively and offensively, so I just want to be your prototypical NHL centerman who plays both ends of the ice.”
Prior to the first round of the draft, a press conference was held to announce they will partner with the University of Illinois to evaluate the possible addition of hockey as a varsity sport. In an effort to support the growth of collegiate hockey, the NHLPA and NHL will fund feasibility studies exploring the potential of adding NCAA Division I men’s and women’s hockey programs at five institutions across the United States. Illinois is the first university to participate in the study.
“Where high-level hockey is established, youth hockey interest and participation often follows,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “By expanding the footprint of elite hockey at all levels, we can inspire new players and parents to join the hockey family. By working to add programs at the Division I level, we hope to grow the game of hockey, both on and off the ice.”
“Today’s announcement is a direct result of the Industry Growth Fund, which is a very important aspect of the CBA to the players,” said Mathieu Schneider, NHLPA Special Assistant to the Executive Director. “Along with the Learn to Play program, this initiative encouraging the expansion of college hockey, both men’s and women’s, is part of a much bigger picture focused on the continued growth of hockey in North America.”
This feasibility study will analyze the many factors necessary for Illinois to start and maintain a hockey program, including, but not limited to, one-time and annual expenses, funding opportunities, facility needs, and community support. The study will be funded by the Industry Growth Fund, which is a joint venture by the NHL and NHLPA created to help grow the game of hockey and enhance fan experience. All studies will be performed by Collegiate Consulting, Inc. No deadline has been set for completion of the study.
While there has been no announcement yet who the other four institutions are for the feasibility study, there have been growing rumors over the years about Syracuse University, which already has a Division I women’s program playing in the College Hockey America conference, along with the University of Buffalo which has had club hockey for many years, joining the Division I hockey ranks.
