CANADIENS SELECT SIX PLAYERS IN 2014 NHL ENTRY DRAFT

Three forwards, two defencemen, one goaltender among newest Habs prospects

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – The Montreal Canadiens – National Hockey League affiliate of the Hamilton Bulldogs – selected six players, including three forwards, two defencemen and one goaltender at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft on Friday, June 27th and Saturday, June 28th at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

With their first pick (first round, 26th overall), the Canadiens selected forward Nikita Scherbak. In 65 regular season games with the Western Hockey League’s Saskatoon Blades in 2013-2014, the 18-year-old recorded 78 points (28 goals, 50 assists) and 46 penalty minutes. The 6’0”, 172-pound forward led all WHL rookies in scoring this past season and was named the Blades’ most valuable player, rookie of the year, plus/minus leader and three-star award winner. The Moscow, Russia native earned Saskatoon’s top scorer award after leading the Blades in goals, assists and points.

With their second pick (third round, 73rd overall), the Canadiens selected defenceman Brett Lernout. In 72 regular season games with the WHL’s Swift Current Broncos in 2013-2014, the 18-year-old recorded 22 points (eight goals, 14 assists) and 103 penalty minutes. In 133 career WHL regular season games with the Broncos and Blades, the 6’4”, 206-pound Winnipeg, Manitoba native has recorded 24 points (nine goals, 15 assists) and 146 penalty minutes.

With their third pick (fifth round, 125th overall), the Canadiens selected defenceman Nikolas Koberstein. In 51 regular season games with the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Olds Grizzlys in 2013-2014, the 18-year-old recorded 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) and 153 penalty minutes. The 6’2”, 180-pound Barrhead, Alberta native is committed to play for the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s University of Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks.

With their fourth pick (fifth round, 147th overall), the Canadiens selected forward Daniel Audette. In 68 regular season games with the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Sherbrooke Phoenix in 2013-2014, the 18-year-old recorded 76 points (21 goals, 55 assists) and 79 penalty minutes. In 122 career QMJHL regular season games with the Phoenix, the 5’8”, 177-pound Buffalo, New York native has recorded 105 points (31 goals, 74 assists) and 144 penalty minutes. He’s the son of former Canadiens forward Donald Audette.

With their fifth pick (sixth round, 177th overall), the Canadiens selected goaltender Hayden Hawkey. In 33 regular season games with the United States Hockey League’s Omaha Lancers in 2013-2014, the 19-year-old posted a record of 22-6-3 with a 1.99 goals-against average, .926 save percentage and three shutouts. The 6’0”, 180-pound Fremont, California native is committed to play for the NCAA’s Providence College Friars.

With their sixth and final pick (seventh round, 207th overall), the Canadiens selected forward Jake Evans. In 49 regular season games with the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s St. Michael’s Buzzers in 2013-2014, the 18-year-old recorded 63 points (16 goals, 47 assists) and 79 penalty minutes. The 6’0”, 172-pound Toronto, Ontario native is committed to play for the NCAA’s University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish.