"The (insert NHL team name here) is proud to select, from the ….."

Those are the starting words members of the Soo Greyhounds, and eligible players across the world have waited months to hear.

The 2012 NHL Entry Draft gets underway with Round 1 selections later tonight (7 p.m.) at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvannia.
Rounds 2 to 7 commence Saturday morning at 10 a.m.

Heading into the draft three members of the Hounds have been ranked by NHL Central Scouting.
2nd-year goaltender MATT MURRAY is the highest ranked Hounds as he is the 18th ranked North American goalie while defenseman GIANLUCA CURCURUTO was ranked 148th among North American skaters, and recently acquired d-man ALEX GUDBRANSON was ranked 167th.

All three ranked Hounds are coming off their 2nd seasons in the Ontario Hockey League.

Murray, a Thunder Bay, ON product ended last season with a 13-19-0-1 record to go along with a 4.08 GAA and .876 SV% along with 1 shutout.
The 6.04 tall netminder had a memorable season highlighted with special appearances as he took part in the Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects game and continues to build his reputation and status among the Hockey Canada Program of Excellence.
The honour roll student recently completed the HC Program of Excellence Goaltending Camp in Calgary, ALTA.

Curcuruto, like Murray ventured out West this past season for the Top Prospects game as well.
The Richmond Hill, ON product appeared in all but 5 of the Hounds regular season contests grabbing 3 goals and 13 assists while defending the Hounds blueline.

And Gudbranson, who was acquired by the Hounds earlier this month played the past two years with the Kingston Frontenacs.
Originally Kingston's 1st Round pick in 2010, Gudbranson has developed into an elite, physical defender in the OHL.
Last year he had 2 goals and 7 assists, for 9 points, and an even +/rating.

All three ranked Hounds, among some of their other teammates, will now anxiously await to hear their name called by one of the NHL Clubs.

The Edmonton Oilers will make the 1st overall selection for the 2nd year in a row.

To follow the Hounds progress stay tuned to our site while also keeping updated on social media sites by FOLLOWING GM Kyle Dubas at www.twitter.com/@kyledubas along with www.twitter.com/@OHLHoundPower and LIKING US on www.facebook.com/soogreyhounds

ABOUT THE NHL ENTRY DRAFT
Players born between January 1, 1992 and September 14, 1994 are eligible for selection.
The location of Pittsburgh, PA mark's the first time the draft has been held their since the 1997 event, a year where former Hound Joe Thornton was selected 1st overall by the Boston Bruins.