University of Minnesota Athletics
Rau, Ambroz, Boyd Selected in NHL Entry Draft
6/25/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Hockey
Incoming freshmen Kyle Rau, Seth Ambroz and Travis Boyd were selected on the second day of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn.
Rau was taken in the third round by the Florida Panthers with the 91st overall pick. He joins sophomore Nick Bjugstad as property of the Panthers.
"Kyle is a fierce competitor," said Minnesota coach Don Lucia. "He seems to always score the big goal in the big game at that critical moment. He is not the biggest guy, but he is as competitive as anybody as I have seen. He has a real knack for scoring goals and making plays. I think he is going to be a real exciting college hockey player."
Ambroz was selected in the fifth round by the Columbus Blue Jackets with the 128th overall pick. Ambroz joins senior Jake Hansen as property of the Blue Jackets.
"Seth is a prototypical power forward," said Lucia. "He is big, strong and has an exceptional presence in front of the net. He has a heavy shot and is good along the walls. He is not afraid to get involved physically, which is something that we need in our program. I think he has a chance to be an outstanding college player at Minnesota and will grow tremendously in our program. With added experience I think he will be able to make a great contribution at the next level as well."
Boyd was selected in the sixth round by the Washington Capitals with the 177th pick. Boyd joins senior Nick Larson as property of the Capitals.
"Travis is a skilled center," said Lucia. "He sees the ice exceptionally well and is a tremendous playmaker. He is good on draws. He can play on the power play on the half wall and can kill penalties. I think as he adds strength that he will be able to play in any situation that we have going into the next few years."
