Chicago, IL (CKLQ) -After a flurry of Wheat King related news on day one of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, a handful of current players were hoping that trend would continue into day two in downtown Chicago.
Winnipeg native, Stelio Mattheos was selected in the 3rd round (73rd Overall) by the Carolina Hurricanes.
Mattheos, who put up a career-high 61 points last year was taken moments after the Hurricanes took Strathclair, MB native Morgan Geekie at #67.
“This is a big day for my family and myself,” said Mattheos.
“I’m so happy to be drafted by a great organization like Carolina and I’m real excited to get started.”
Mattheos was the 2nd highest ranked Wheat Kings skater heading into this year’s entry draft. Nolan Patrick was ranked #1, while the former #1 overall WHL Bantam Pick finished in the #38 spot by NHL Central Scouting.
“Hearing my name called is really special…. my family has been huge in all of this and it’s not just a day for me, it’s a day for all of us,” Mattheos added.
Many in the building wondered if Mattheos’ hometown Winnipeg Jets would use their selection at #74 to take a local player, but instead he heads to the 2006 Stanley Cup Champions.
“They have a bright future ahead and I want to be a big part of that” Mattheos said about the Canes.
For the record, Mattheos was just seven years old when the Hurricanes won their only League Title.
Although dates for Hurricanes development camp haven’t been confirmed, Mattheos is expected to be in Raleigh, NC as early as next week.
Mattheos, who was all smiles in the media room is excited for the year ahead.
“I want to have a breakout season this year and I want to become a great player in the NHL one day. This season is going to be huge for me and I want to prove everyone wrong who didn’t select me today.”
Midway thru the 7th round, a third Brandon Wheat King heard his name called as the Boston Bruins used their 1st pick in the 7th round to select the Czech import.
Bukac had a solid rookie season, playing in all 72 regular season games while registering 17 points.
Day #2 Timeline
9:34am – Brandon born Keegan Kolesar is traded from the Columbus Blue Jackets to the Vegas Golden Knights.
9:48 am – Roblin, MB native Josh Brook has been selected by the Montreal Canadiens with the 56th overall pick.
9:50am – Wheat Kings prospect Ian Mitchell is selected by the Chicago Blackhawks. Mitchell spent last season with the AJHL’s Spruce Grove Saints.
10:01am – Straithclair, MB native Morgan Geekie is selected #67 overall by the Carolina Hurricanes.
10:07am – Wheat Kings forward Stelio Mattheos is selected #73 overall by the Carolina Hurricanes
10:36am – Portage, MB native Nick Henry is selected #94 overall by the Colorado Avalanche.
10:50am – Former Wheat King defenseman Travis Hamonic is traded to the Calgary Flames in exchange for a handful of draft picks.
12:25pm – Virden, MB native Wyatt Kalynuk is selected #196 by the Philadelphia Flyers.
12:34pm – Wheat Kings defenseman Daniel Bukac is selected #204 by the Boston Bruins.
