Inline players taken in NHL Draft

[EagleBC]

This year's NHL draft had a number of inilne players drafted as early as the first round, continuing a trend that has appeared the past few years.

Zach Hamill, Billy Sweatt, Mitch Fadden, Pat Maroon are just a few of the guys drafted this year.

Check out the attached link to see a list of NHL drafts from this year and earlier years.

http://www.niha.ca/nhlDraft.htm

In no way is this a complete list but it is a start, and it is a great way to show the critics that inline hockey does not hurt your ice hockey skills. There are probably a lot of other names that belong on this list, but it sheds some light on the high level of player that has enjoyed our great game.

[RichardGraham]

Hi EagleBC,

That's a great list. I think the forward-thinking ice hockey coaches get it. The others, not so much.

[rhhof]

I have seen numerous players, not only do both but succeed!!!

There are a number of players from D 1 college programs and professionals that play our sport, has been that way for years

Now seeing kids grow either from or with our sport and on the ice is great for everyone - I specifically look for players with in-line qualities...the in-line kids know how to move the puck!! For in-line, I look for the ice players that shoot....put the two together and youve got a pretty good player at either!!

[Jon Niola]

Gabe Gauthier who Rich and I gave the Inline Hockey Central award for Amateur Male Player of the Year in 1997 was signed by the LA Kings last year after having a solid career in Division 1 college.

There are a few inline players who make the jump to NHL or other pro ice. I think most players who go pro ice have always played ice as well as inline. The game is too different to just jump from inline to ice.

[thebenchman]

Nigel Williams teammate of Billy Sweats got drafted last year by Colorado Av's

[TULaw]

I think it would be cool if someone would get all of these Inline players together who were drafted and put on an Inline exhibition game (a kind of all-star type event) to promote the sport. It could be a joint NARCH and NHL event possibly.

[EagleBC]

Thanks to a number of people who have sent in additional inline players drafted by NHL teams over the years. The list is now reaching 40 players including 12 in 2007 (2 - 1st rounders).

There are 10 - 1st round picks on the list dating back to 1998. Pretty impressive.

NOTE: This list is only of players who were drafted by NHL teams and doesn't include players who signed as Free Agents (Gabe Gauthier). That's for another list