June 22, 2007

AMHERST, Mass. - At least three present and future University of Massachusetts hockey players will be keeping track of the progress of the NHL Entry Draft which starts today in Columbus, Ohio, as they hope to hear their name called.

Defenseman Justin Braun, a sophomore, incoming freshman forward T.J. Syner and Danny Hobbs, who will join the Minutemen in 2008, are all ranked among the top 210 North American forwards and defensemen in the NHL Central Scouting Service rankings.

The NHL selects 211 players in seven rounds today and Saturday. Players in college or bound for college can be selected without their eligibility being affected. NHL teams retain their rights throughout their time in college.

Braun and Syner likely would remain at UMass this season even if they are drafted.

Hobbs has signed a letter of intent with the Minutemen, but will play another year of junior hockey and enroll at UMass in 2008. Whether or not he's drafted would not affect those plans. "I'm excited to get to college. I can't wait," he said.

Hobbs, a Quebec native who played junior hockey for the Columbus Junior Blue Jackets in the United States Hockey League last year, is the highest rated player of the three by Central Scouting at 147.

"I'm excited for the draft, but if I don't get drafted I'm not going to be down on myself. I think it could go either way," he said. "I'm ranked in the North American skaters, but there's still European skaters and goalies so its hard to tell."

Syner and Braun are lower at 206 and 209, respectively, which means they will head into the weekend uncertain about whether they will be chosen.

Syner is listed at 5-foot-8, 170 pounds, which makes him the second smallest North American player ranked by Central Scouting. The Springfield native played for the Junior Falcons last year.

Braun believes that he was not on the NHL's radar before last season, when he stood out as a two-way defenseman with four goals and 14 assists.

"It was always in the back of the head, but never really thought I had a chance to do it," Braun said. "Before this year I probably wasn't really close. But I played really well this year and it really helped.

"It would be really cool to get picked," he added. "But if you're going to make it you're going to make it, but it would be really exciting to get picked. I try not to think about it too much. The main goal is getting ready for next year."

Braun, who is at home in Vadnais Heights, Minn., for the summer said he is not sure if he would watch the draft or not.

"I might be working," said Braun, who is employed as a waiter at a country club.

Hockey's Future, a magazine and Web site that tracks and evaluates prospects, predicts a bright professional future for Braun, regardless of what happens this weekend. It ranked Braun No. 9 among draft prospects already in college and offered this analysis:

"Braun is a steady, hard-working defensive defenseman with excellent stick work. Braun's intelligence, superb on-ice vision and sense of anticipation allow him to effectively take away passing and shooting lanes, as well as aid in his ability to move the puck. He can also make good outlet passes as well.

"Though Braun is a very good skater and strong on his skates, he needs to develop some quickness. Defensively, Braun is fundamentally sound and is quite good in one-on-one situations. With further growth and development, most of Braun's weight and strength issues should eventually resolve themselves."