ICE SCORE HAT TRICK AT 2012 NHL DRAFT

ICE SCORE HAT TRICK AT 2012 NHL DRAFT

June 23, 2012

NIEVES, GILLIES AND BAILLARGEON RECEIVE NHL NODS 

INDIANAPOLIS—The Indiana Ice continued to show their status as an elite junior hockey program as three players from the 2011-2012 Ice roster were drafted in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft from the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, PA.

Cristoval Nieves (New York Rangers), Jon Gillies (Calgary Flames) and Robbie Baillargeon (Ottawa Senators) were selected in the second, third and fifth round, respectively, on the second day of the draft.

Nieves was the first to get the call with the 59th overall pick by the New York Rangers.  The University of Michigan recruit made an immediate impact on the Ice after joining the team in late March.  He finished the season with ten points (2G, 8A) in 13 games for Indy, including three multiple-assist efforts.

Gillies was next in line as the veteran goaltender was selected by the Calgary Flames with the 75th overall pick.  In his two years with the Ice, Gillies rewrote several franchise records including games (78), wins (46) and shutouts (6).  The Providence College prospect also holds the franchise record for longest scoreless streak (182:04), set during the 2010-2011 season.

Baillargeon rounded out the trio when the Ottawa Senators picked him with the 136th overall selection.  The returning forward and future Boston University Terrier became a key player after transitioning from prep school to junior hockey this season, finishing third on the Ice with 48 points (14G, 34A) in 54 games with Indy.

The Ice trio makes up three of the USHL’s 28 players selected in the draft, including six first-round picks in Friday’s opening round ceremonies.  11 USHL alumni were also selected in the draft.

The Indiana Ice is now taking deposits for the 2012-2013 season ticket packages.  Call the Indiana Ice office at 317-925-4423 for more information.

For all the latest Ice information, please visit www.indianaice.com or follow the team on Facebook and Twitter. 

The Indiana Ice is a member of the United States Hockey League, America’s Only Tier I League.

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