NHL Entry Draft

KALAMAZOO ? For some, the start of a National Hockey League career begins at Western Michigan University. Joe Corvo, who led NHL rookie defensemen in goal-scoring this past season, realized his dream on draft day in 1997.

Perhaps another Bronco will follow in his footsteps this weekend as the NHL Entry Draft takes center stage Saturday and Sunday (June 21-22) at the Gaylord Entertainment Center, home of the Nashville Predators.

The first three rounds on Saturday will be carried live on ESPN2 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. North American players born between Jan. 1, 1982 and Sept. 15, 1984 are among those draft eligible. "This is a special time of the year for college hockey players who are draft eligible and dream of one day playing in the NHL," says WMU head coach Jim Culhane, who had a brief stint with the NHL Hartford Whalers. "If we should have someone selected, it would be a great honor for the program."

Western Michigan had a pair of players chosen in last year's draft. Pat Dwyer went in the fourth round (116th overall) to the Atlanta Thrashers while Vince Bellissimo was chosen in the fifth round (158th overall) by the Florida Panthers. The Central Collegiate Hockey Association produced 24 picks from 11 schools in 2002, the highest number from a single college conference. A total of 42 Bronco players have been chosen through the years; 23 have earned the honor while attending WMU, placing the Broncos among the top-20 collegiate programs in terms of all-time selections.

WMU Draft Notes

Highest selection:
Mike Posma, 2nd Rd, 31st overall, 1986, St. Louis

Other high selections:
Lee Brodeur, 3rd Rd, 65th, 1984
Andy Rymsha, 4th Rd, 82nd, 1987
Joe Corvo, 4th Rd, 83rd, 1997
Jamal Mayers, 4th Rd, 89th, 1993

Most recent:
Pat Dwyer, Atlanta, 2002
Vince Bellissimo, Florida, 2002

Frequency:
From 1982-98, WMU players were chosen in 15 of 17 drafts.

All-time selections: 42
23 while at WMU
16 prior to joining WMU
3 in the supplemental draft

WMU's all-time ranking among colleges:
20th, tied (23 picks)

Most in one year:
4 (1991)