Colorado’s growing reputation as a hotbed for hockey was solidified Sunday as several players with area ties were selected in the NHL draft.
Headlined by Seth Jones, who was picked fourth overall by Nashville and spent eight years in Denver growing up, six players with area ties were chosen, with Colorado College and the University of Denver well represented.
Defenseman Gustav Olofsson, who signed to attend Colorado College in the fall, was chosen by the Minnesota Wild with pick No. 46 in the second round. Olofsson previously played with the Colorado Thunderbirds and is a graduate of Broomfield High School.
Defenseman Teemu Kivihalme, another Colorado College commitment, was drafted in the fifth round at No. 140 by the Nashville Predators.
Goaltender Evan Cowley, an Evergreen High School graduate who played at Ralston Valley and the Arvada Hockey Association, was taken by the Florida Panthers in the fourth round with pick No. 92. He recently committed to the University of Denver.
Defenseman Will Butcher, who will play for DU this fall, was chosen by the Avalanche at No. 123. Butcher spent the last two seasons with the U.S. national team development program.
DU sophomore forward Quentin Shore, who was passed over in last year’s draft, was chosen in the sixth round by the Ottawa Senators at No. 168.
DU has had at least one player selected in every draft since 2002. The Pioneers have six NHL draft picks on their roster.
Caitlin Swieca: 303-954-1297, cswieca@denverpost.com
Local players selected
Seth Jones, No. 4 pick to Nashville Predators
Former member of the Littleton Hawks and Colorado Thunderbirds
Gustav Olofsson, No. 46 pick to Minnesota Wild
Colorado Thunderbird, 2010-12
Broomfield High School graduate
Colorado College commit
Evan Cowley, No. 92 pick to Florida Panthers
Evergreen High graduate
Played at Ralston Valley and the Arvada Hockey Association
DU commit
Will Butcher, No. 123 pick to Colorado Avalanche
DU commit
Teemu Kivihalme, No. 140 pick to Nashville Predators
Colorado College commit
Quentin Shore, No. 168 pick to Ottawa Senators
Colorado Thunderbird, 2006-2010
DU sophomore
