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With the first pick in the 2011 NHL draft, the Edmonton Oilers selected 18-year-old center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The star with 75 assists last year for the Red Deer Rebels of the WHL is not from Alaska, but three other players who have potential to be selected in day two of the draft do hail from the 49th state.
Austin Wuthrich, a former standout at South Anchorage, is ranked 81st amongst North American skaters. Tanner Sorenson, the son of longtime Dimond High School hockey coach Dennis Sorenson, is listed 180th amongst North American Skaters. Netminder Stephon Williams, who backstopped Lathrop to the 2009 state title, is ranked 27th amongst North American Goalies.
There are seven rounds in the NHL Draft, 210 picks to be made, and 210 chances for one of the 30 teams in the league to take a chance on an Alaskan star.