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FILE - In this Dec. 8, 2020, file photo, Michigan s Owen Power (22) watches the puck while working against Minnesota s Cullen Munson (13) during an NCAA hockey game in Ann Arbor, Mich. Ann Arbor became a must-stop on the scouting trail because of a buzz-worthy Wolverines lineup featuring a trio of highly touted freshmen in defenseman Owen Power, and forwards Kent Johnson and Mathew Beniers. (AP Photo/Al Goldis, File) Credit: The Associated Press
The NHL draft turned Michigan maize and blue Friday night. And there’s a Hughes sibling reunion set to happen in New Jersey.
Whatever challenges the coronavirus pandemic presented scouts in grading prospects, many of whom played shortened seasons, was unable to put a dent on the Wolverines’ hold on the top rankings. Four players with ties to Michigan were taken among the top five selections.
Thunder Bay s Nick DeGrazia is hoping to hear his named called in the National Hockey League draft, which begin on Friday, July 23, 2021. (Leith Dunick, tbnewswatch.com)
THUNDER BAY – If and when Nick DeGrazia’s name gets called at this weekend’s National Hockey League Draft, there’s a good chance he’ll be standing over a putt, not staring at his phone.
The18-year-old Thunder Bay product, ranked 85th among North American skaters by the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau, is spending Saturday at Centennial Golf Course, playing in a tournament with his father.
An avid golfer, DeGrazia figures if he’s drafted, friends and family will let him know pretty quickly.
Sabres select Owen Power with No. 1 pick in 2021 NHL Draft
The Buffalo Sabres used the first-overall selection at the NHL Draft on defenceman Owen Power. | July 23, 2021, 8:23 PM
July 23, 2021, 8:23 PM
The NHL draft turned Michigan maize and blue Friday night. And there’s a Hughes sibling reunion set to happen in New Jersey.
The Buffalo Sabres opened the draft by selecting Wolverines defenceman Owen Power with the top pick, and were immediately followed by the expansion Seattle Kraken choosing Michigan centre Matthew Beniers at No. 2. It marked the first time since 1969 that teammates went with the first two selections.
Three picks later, the Wolverines became college hockey’s first program to have three teammates go in the first round after the Columbus Blue Jackets selected Michigan winger Kent Johnson fifth.
2021/07/24 13:29 FILE - In this Dec. 8, 2020, file photo, Michigan s Owen Power (22) watches the puck while working against Minnesota s Cullen Munson (13) during an NC. FILE - In this Dec. 8, 2020, file photo, Michigan s Owen Power (22) watches the puck while working against Minnesota s Cullen Munson (13) during an NCAA hockey game in Ann Arbor, Mich. Ann Arbor became a must-stop on the scouting trail because of a buzz-worthy Wolverines lineup featuring a trio of highly touted freshmen in defenseman Owen Power, and forwards Kent Johnson and Mathew Beniers. (AP Photo/Al Goldis, File) The NHL draft turned into a Michigan maize and blue affair Friday night. And there’s a Hughes sibling reunion set to happen in New Jersey.
Sabres select Mississauga defenseman Owen Power 1st in NHL draft
by The Canadian Press and The Associated Press
Posted Jul 23, 2021 8:36 pm EDT
Last Updated Jul 23, 2021 at 8:46 pm EDT
Canada s Owen Power controls the puck during the Ice Hockey World Championship semifinal match between the United States and Canada at the Arena in Riga, Latvia, Saturday, June 5, 2021. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)
The Buffalo Sabres have picked defenceman Owen Power first overall in the NHL entry draft.
The six-foot-six, 213-pound blueliner from Mississauga, Ont., played at the University of Michigan last season, scoring three goals and adding 13 assists in 26 games during his freshman season before being selected to Team Canada for the men’s world hockey championships in May. He was the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau’s top-ranked North American prospect.