Just wanted to pass along some news and links in the wake of yesterday’s NHL Draft and future Minutemen Jake Massie and Ivan Chukarov being taken by the Hurricanes and Sabres respectively.

Coach Micheletto was obviously happy to see two of his recruits taken in Sunrise.

He spoke with the Collegian staff for this story on recruits Jake Massie and Ivan Chukarov being selected.

Here’s the release from UMass Athletics on Chukarov being picked.  They cannot comment on Massie since he hasn’t signed his Letter of Intent yet.

Here’s a video of Sabres Director of Amateur Scouting Greg Royce talking about Buffalo’s picks.  Chukarov comments start at 4:30.

Tony MacDonald, Carolina’s Director of Amateur Scouting, talks about Jake Massie at 3:05 in this video.

Jim Clark, who covers Massachusetts High School Hockey for the Herald with his In The Slot blog, spoke with Kimball Union Academy and former Black Bear coach Tim Whitehead about the draft selections from KUA and passed along his comments on Massie:
“Jake Massie made huge strides in his game this year at KUA, and by the end of the season he had emerged as the top-rated NHL defenseman prospect in New England prep hockey. Offensively, Jake plays with his head up, he uses the net well on the breakout, and he gets separation from opponents with his exceptional skating ability. Defensively, Jake anticipates extremely well to force turnovers with his stick and body, especially on the penalty kill. Jake’s a strong shot blocker and he’s one of the few players I’ve seen recently who can effectively execute a hip check.”

Hockey East by far led all conferences with number of affiliated players taken: