There’s a local flavor to this week’s NHL draft

By TOM WILLIAMS

williams@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

Scott Mayfield said he is “more excited than anxious” in aniticaption of this week’s NHL draft.

On Wednesday the Youngstown Phantoms defensemen will travel to St. Paul, Minn., for the draft, which begins on Friday at 7 p.m. at the Excel Energy Center, the home of the Minnesota Wild.

Mayfield, who plans to play for the University of Denver this fall, is projected to be a middle-to-late first-round selection.

He’s not the only player with area connections hoping to hear his name called this weekend. Brandon Saad, who played for the Mahoning Valley Phantoms three seasons ago, is projected to be a first-round selection.

J.T. Miller, who grew up in East Palestine before moving to Coraopolis, Pa., is projected to be taken in the second round. Miller played two seasons for the USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program.

Also on the list is Michael Houser, son of Boardman allergist Dr. William Houser who completed his second season with the OHL’s London Knights.

Read the story in Tuesday’s Vindicator.