The NA3HL held its annual entry draft on April 20 and several players with Colorado and Utah connections were selected in the four-round draft.

“The NA3HL Draft is an important part of the team-building process and credit to our teams for the work they put this season and during the NAHL Combines in identifying players that could potentially be a part of their plans next season,” said NA3HL commissioner Blake MacNicol. “We have seen time and time again how the NA3HL Draft works for teams and players. For teams, it helps them identify players that fit into their plans and someone they have identified as a player that can make a difference.

“For the players, this gives them some sense of resolve when they are making their hockey plans for next season.”

A total of 135 players were drafted in the event that took just under two hours to complete.

1st round, 4th overall, CJ Kier, G, St. Louis Jr. Blues (Parker native, Colorado Thunderbirds)

1st round, 13th overall, Weston Villers, D, Butte Cobras (Colorado Springs native, Cheyenne Mountain High School, Colorado Springs Tigers)

1st round, 21st overall, Tyler Johnson, D, Texas Brahmas (Superior native, Rocky Mountain RoughRiders, West Coast Renegades) – pictured

1st round, 25th overall, Carter Eibes, F, Mason City Toros (Rocky Mountain RoughRiders)

2nd round, 39th overall, Joshua Belz, F, Mid-Cities Jr. Stars (Colorado Rampage, Colorado Springs Tigers)

2nd round, 43rd overall, Jackson Albano, D, Sheridan Hawks (Colorado Springs Tigers)

2nd round, 68th overall, Chris Kennedy, F, St. Louis Jr. Blues (Rocky Mountain RoughRiders)

3rd round, 92nd overall, Mason Rudrud, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves (Vail native, Rocky Mountain RoughRiders, Colorado Thunderbirds)

4th round, 103rd overall, Caden Hunter, F, Helena Bighorns (Salt Lake City native, Utah Golden Eagles, Utah County Independent North)

4th round, 118th overall, Shane Adler, F, Louisiana Drillers (Colorado Rampage)

4th round, 121st overall, Connor Mariner, D, Texas Brahmas (Broomfield native, Rocky Mountain RoughRiders, Colorado Springs Tigers)

4th round, 133rd overall, Brooks Wright, F, Yellowstone Quake (Valor Christian High School)

Photo/NAHL

(April 21, 2022)