By Warren Kozireski —
The Boston Bruins selected Williamsville native Trevor Kuntar late in the third round (89th overall) in the 2020 virtual NHL Draft.
Kuntar was listed 143rd falling eight slots from the midterm rankings. The 5’11”, 197 lb. center, passed over in last year’s draft in his first year of eligibility, was in his third season with Youngstown in the USHL where he put up a career-best 28 goals and 53 points in 44 games.
“Literally no words,” Kuntar said via Zoom after being selected. “It’s a dream come true. I’m literally here with my mom and my dad and it’s one of the best moments of my life.”
“I’m a hard-working player, I love to compete, two-way power forward and I give it my all every night,
“Someone I compare myself too is either Jamie Benn or Matthew Tkachuk.
Originally committed to Harvard, he is now enrolled at Boston College awaiting the start of the season.
“With COVID, Harvard had their season postponed and switched to all online and they don’t give any athletic scholarships, so I thought it was best for me from a hockey standpoint to make the switch over.”
His father, Les Kuntar, a four-year goaltender at St. Lawrence University, played six games in the NHL with Montreal in a six-year professional career that also included three different minor leagues including the AHL with Rochester in 1996-97.
“All the hard work and sacrifices my parents made and everyone has made for me, it really shows that it was all worth it, but I couldn’t be more grateful for this opportunity and the work starts now so I’m excited.”
(Photo By Koz)
