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FARIBAULT, MINN.- The 2024 NHL entry draft was a momentous one for the Shattuck-St. Mary’s Hockey Center of Excellence as 12 players who honed their skills in Faribault heard their names called during the two-day event in Las Vegas, Nev. on June 28-29. This marks the most players with SSM ties selected in a single draft year in program history.
A program-record four former Sabres were drafted in the first round, including the No. 1 overall pick Macklin Celebrini, who was selected by the San Jose Sharks. Macklin is now the third SSM hockey alum to be chosen first overall, joining Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh - 2005) and Nathan Mackinnon (Colorado - 2013). With the eighth pick, the Seattle Kraken chose Berkly Catton, and California native Zeev Buium will be returning to Minnesota as the Wild snagged the defenseman with the 12th overall pick. Rounding out the Sabre selections in the first round was forward Cole Eiserman, who was chosen 20th overall by the New York Islanders.
The second day saw eight more Sabres selected, starting with a pair of second-round picks in 2024 graduate Colin Ralph (48th Overall - St. Louis) and Will Skahan (65th Overall - Utah). Brodie Ziemer and Will Zellers ’24 were taken in the third round, by Buffalo and Colorado, respectively. Columbus added Tanner Henricks to its depth chart, while John Whipple was chosen by Detroit. Philadelphia picked up a pair of former Sabres by selecting Noah Powell and Austin Moline ’24 to cap off the day.
Director of Hockey Ben Umhoefer voiced his excitement about the draft results. “Being selected in the NHL Draft is a tremendous accomplishment. All 12 of these players have worked hard to get to this point and know there is still a long way to go. We are excited to continue to track their development and look forward to the next wave of Sabres in the NHL.”
SSM has now had at least one former player drafted in each of the last 22 years and the Sabre hockey program lays claim to 115 total NHL draft picks.
- Hockey