Badgers Hockey Players Heading To The 2013 NHL Draft

The Wisconsin Badgers were represented for the 16^th consecutive year at the 2013 NHL Draft over the weekend. Incoming freshman standouts Jedd Soleway and Grant Besse heard their names called in Newark on Sunday, the 148^th and 149^th Badgers to be drafted into the league all-time. 76 of those alumni went on to play for teams in the NHL, a rank that the most recent pair of prospects hopes to join soon.

Besse's first chance at a professional career could come in Anaheim. The Ducks took the impressive winger in the fifth round on Sunday, their second pick from Wisconsin in as many years. Forward Nic Kerdiles was selected by the team in 2012.

Besse's high school tenure in Minnesota saw him named Mr. Hockey as a senior. He scored five goals in the state championship game with Benidle-St. Margret's, ending his four years at the school as the fifth leading scorer in state history.

Soleway has had similar success across the border in Canada. Coming-up through various youth leagues, the 18 year old played last season with the Vernon Vipers of the British Columbia Hockey League. He began 2013 in Vernon with five goals and twelve assists, but was traded to the Penticton Vees after 26 games. Soleway didn't skip a beat through the process, however, clocking five points in his first four games with the new franchise. The Phoenix Coyotes took Soleway in the 7^th round at 193^rd overall.