WAKEFIELD, Mass. - The Hockey East Association saw 17 current players and recruits selected in the 2021 National Hockey League Entry Draft, representing seven of the 11 Hockey East member schools. Hockey East’s 17 selections were once again the most of any college hockey conference and represent nearly one third of the 56 NCAA players and recruits chosen. A full list of Hockey East players taken can be found below.

Of the 17 players, reigning Pro Ambitions Co-Rookie of the Year Josh Lopina (Minooka, Ill./Massachusetts/Anaheim) was the lone skater who spent the 2020-21 season in Hockey East. In total, Hockey East had seven forwards, nine defensemen, and one goaltender chosen. Massachusetts led all member schools with four players chosen for the second consecutive year, while Boston University and Vermont each boast three, Boston College, New Hampshire, Providence claim two, and one future UConn Husky was picked.

In total, 13 of the current 32 NHL clubs selected at least one current or future Hockey East player in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. The selections were highlighted by one pick in each of the first two rounds, five third-round selections, three picks in the fourth and sixth rounds, and four choices in the seventh round. From picks 88 - 101, seven current or future college hockey players heard their name called by NHL clubs, all from Hockey East.

The impressive showing at the 2021 NHL Entry Draft concludes a record-breaking 2020-21 NHL season for Hockey East alumni. The Hockey East Association was once again the most well-represented college hockey conference in the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs, as 108 league alumni, including 54 players, entered the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. Each of the 16 NHL clubs that qualified for the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs boasted at least one Hockey East alumnus on roster. Last season nearly 100 Hockey East alumni appeared in at least one NHL game, comprising nearly a third of the over 300 NCAA alumni who appeared in the NHL this season.

The 2021 Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning won with the help of three league alumni, including Vermont forward Ross Colton (2016-18), who scored the championship-winning goal. In addition, the Lightning employ Boston College’s Stephen Gionta (2002-06) as a pro scout and New Hampshire’s Brian Putnam (1993-97) as an amateur scout in its front office.