The 2011 NHL Entry Draft is in the books, and the Dallas Stars seemed to have focused on size. Dallas drafted Jamieson Oleksiak at No. 14 overall in the first round - a defenseman who stands at 6'7".
The Stars made six selections in the draft, and they are as follows:
- Jamieson Oleksiak, D, No. 14 overall
- Brett Richie, RW, No. 44 overall
- Emil Molin, C, No. 105 overall
- Troy Vance, D, No. 135 overall
- Matej Stransky, RW, No. 165 overall
- Jyrki Jokipakka, D, No. 195 overall
Art Middleton at Defending Big D recapped Dallas' draft quite nicely. Here's some of what Middleton had to say about Dallas' draftees.
On Oleksiak:
Monster size at 6' 7" making him the tallest player available at the draft. Loves playing a physical game (obviously) and of course with his size has drawn inevitable comparisons to Zdeno Chara. Possibly may play in the OHL next season with the Saginaw Spirit or could remain in NCAA with Northeastern.
On Richie:
- Power-forward with good size (6'3") and has shown hints of a mean streak to him.
- faced some criticism of lack of effort at times this season, but was hampered with a bout of mononucleosis that could have been a factor.
- 17 year old and still will play a few more seasons in Sarnia of the OHL before moving up to the next level.
For more, head over to Defending Big D.