CONTENTS
Index
Preview
Round-by-Round
Individual Teams
Player Profiles
Transactions
Photo Gallery
Notes
Review
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1997 NHL Entry Draft
Review
On June 21, 1997 the hockey world focused on Pittsburgh as the NHL Entry Draft rolled into town.
Here are a few notes from the event:
- Prior to the draft three Penguin players, Ron Francis, Kenny Wregget and Alex Hicks, signed
autographs outside of the Civic Arena. Other fans opted to hang out around the player entrance to
obtain autographs of ex-players, such as Lanny McDonald or Phil Esposito.
- New Penguin coach, Kevin Constantine, was formally introduced to the fans of Pittsburgh prior to the
start of the draft. After receiving a loud ovation, Constantine spoke... here's what he had to say.
"Thanks so much for having me, and I can't wait to get going."
- Gary Bettman was greeted with a chorus of boos when he made his way to the podium to begin the
draft. Bettman tried to make light of the situation with a witty remark, "Good Morning, it's not
that bad." If fans continue to boo him around the league, I recommend that Gary learn some better one-liners.
If the guy didn't appear so stiff, people may actually like, or at least not despise, him.
A nice personality still won't win over all the fans in Pittsburgh. Many blame him for the current
state of the NHL and for the early retirement of Mario Lemieux.
- As expected, the Boston Bruins selected Joe Thornton with the number one overall selection in the
draft. During an interview, Thronton mentioned that he will likely wear number 6 with the Bruins. His
current number (19) is being worn by Rob Dimaio.
- Prior to the draft it was expected that the New York Islanders would try to trade one of their
first round picks (No. 4 and No. 5). The Islanders selected goaltender Roberto Luongo with the fourth
selection and then called a time-out prior to their next pick. Isles GM Mike Milbury met with Tampa Bay
GM Phil Esposito but failed to reach an agreement. As a result, the Islanders selected defenseman
Eric Brewer with the fifth pick.
The NY Islanders also turned down an offer from the Edmonton Oilers that would
have given the Oilers the fourth and fifth selections in the entry draft in exchange for Jason Arnott
and the Oilers' first round pick (14th overall).
- History was made when the NY Islanders selected goaltender Roberto Luongo. Selected fourth overall,
Luongo became the highest drafted goaltender in NHL history. Prior to his selection, three goaltenders
have had the honor of being selected fifth overall, Tom Barrasso (1983), John Davidson (1973), and Ray Martiniuk (1970).
- The Dallas Stars selected Steven Gainey with the 77th overall pick of the draft. Steven
Gainey is the son of Dallas GM Bob Gainey.
- The Vancouver Canucks debuted their new jerseys for draft day. Despite the wacky logo, the jerseys
featured a simple, yet sharp, design. (i.e. no wacky stripes)
The Carolina Hurricanes did not have a jersey ready for the event and their first-round selection,
Nikos Tselios (cousin of Chris Chelios), had to wear a plain white jersey with an NHL logo.
- The 1998 draft will be held in Buffalo.
A complete draft review will be published in Issue 76 of LCS: Guide to Hockey. The publication date
is June 30, 1997.
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