Four Greyhounds selected on day two of NHL draft

The Soo Greyhounds continue to be a popular option at the NHL draft.

The 2006 draft was the last time no Greyhound players were selected in the annual event and on Wednesday, four members of the team had their names called on day two of the draft.

Captain Ryan O’Rourke was the top Greyhound player selected, going in the second round (39th overall) to the Minnesota Wild.

Minnesota director of amateur scouting Judd Brackett called O’Rourke a “strong skater, two-way defender with great character and grit.”

It was Minnesota’s second pick in the round after acquiring the 37th overall pick earlier in the day following a trade with the Nashville Predators.

In the fourth round, the New Jersey Devils selected Greyhounds centre Jaromir Pytlik 99th overall while the St. Louis Blues used the 119th pick to take Tanner Dickinson.

The Calgary Flames drafted centre Rory Kerins in the sixth round with the 174th pick.

Former Greyhounds goaltender Matt Murray was also part of Wednesday’s dealing.

The two-time Stanley Cup champion was dealt by the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for prospect Jonathan Gruden and the 52nd overall pick, which the Penguins used to select Finnish goaltender Joel Blomqvist.