Saturday, June 24th was a big day for two Bronco players as the National Hockey League held their annual Entry Draft.
Broncos 18-year-old forward Levi Nelson was selected in the 6th round, 158th overall by the Boston Bruins. Nelson, who was a rookie last season for the Broncos, finished the season 4th in team scoring with 38 points (21G; 17A) and was one of the most consistent Broncos all season long. Nelson was named the teams Rookie of the Year at the Broncos Annual Awards Banquet in March.
Also drafted on Saturday was 19-year-old defenseman Dane Crowley. Crowley, who was acquired by the Broncos via a trade deadline deal on January 10th, was selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 6th round, 168th overall. Crowley led all Bronco defenseman last season with 21 points (1G; 20A) in 71 games and was named the teams Top Defenseman in 2005/06.
Boltprospects - I have been impressed with Crowley since we stole him from Saskatoon. He is a solid two way defensman, that plays a strong physical game, and will drop the mitts. He ended up with 12 pts in 29 gms (2pts in 4 playoff gms) with Swift on a team that had trouble putting the puck in the net. Once he got to Swift, he really blossomed with an increased role. He has really improved and could develope into a solid NHL d-man. What really impressed the crowd in Swift, was his first game as a Bronco, when he absolutely took Wacey Rabbits head off with a huge hip check, because they had been teammates the day before. (Swift played Saskatoon the day after the trade deadline.)