University of Massachusets Athletics
Photo by: THOM KENDALL FOR UMASS ATHLETICS
Hockey’s Leonard Selected By San Jose In NHL Draft
June 23, 2018 | Hockey
The Amherst, Massachusetts native led the Minutemen in scoring in 2017-18 and is the 27th NHL draft pick in program history.
AMHERST, Mass. – University of Massachusetts hockey rising sophomore John Leonard was selected in the sixth round, 182nd overall, by the San Jose Sharks in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft on Saturday at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The 5-11, 190-pound forward is the 27th NHL draft pick in program history and the fourth Minuteman drafted by the San Jose Sharks.
The Amherst, Massachusetts native is the first UMass player since Justin Braun (San Jose, 7th round/201st overall) to be selected following his freshman season in Amherst. Leonard joins classmate Mario Ferraro as the second San Jose draft pick on the current UMass roster as Ferraro was selected 49th overall in 2017.
"I'm very excited for Johnny after being selected by San Jose in today's NHL draft," said UMass head coach Greg Carvel. "He is a gifted offensive player that worked hard this year to develop himself into a more complete hockey player both on and off of the ice. I expect him to be one of the best offensive players in the Hockey East during his remaining time at UMass. He has the ability to score at the pro level, but knows he needs to improve his habits without the puck. This selection should provide great motivation for him to continue his growth as a player and as a teammate. He has offensive ability that is hard to teach and I'm glad San Jose recognized his great potential."
Leonard led UMass in scoring in 2017-18 with 28 points on 13 goals and 15 assists over 33 games. He was tabbed the Hockey East Pro Ambitions Rookie of the Month for March, which was his fourth award of the season after previously being named Hockey East Rookie of the Week twice and Player of the Week once during his freshman campaign.
Leonard helped the Minutemen to their first Hockey East Tournament series win since 2007 with four points on two goals and two assists in UMass' Hockey East Opening Round series against Vermont. He had multi-point games in both of UMass' victories over UVM, which included leading UMass' third period comeback in game one and a highlight reel goal in the Minutemen's 5-1 series-clinching victory that was a SportsCenter Top 10 play.
For continued coverage of UMass hockey, follow the team on Twitter and Instagram (@UMassHockey) and on Facebook at facebook.com/UMassHockey.
The Amherst, Massachusetts native is the first UMass player since Justin Braun (San Jose, 7th round/201st overall) to be selected following his freshman season in Amherst. Leonard joins classmate Mario Ferraro as the second San Jose draft pick on the current UMass roster as Ferraro was selected 49th overall in 2017.
"I'm very excited for Johnny after being selected by San Jose in today's NHL draft," said UMass head coach Greg Carvel. "He is a gifted offensive player that worked hard this year to develop himself into a more complete hockey player both on and off of the ice. I expect him to be one of the best offensive players in the Hockey East during his remaining time at UMass. He has the ability to score at the pro level, but knows he needs to improve his habits without the puck. This selection should provide great motivation for him to continue his growth as a player and as a teammate. He has offensive ability that is hard to teach and I'm glad San Jose recognized his great potential."
Leonard led UMass in scoring in 2017-18 with 28 points on 13 goals and 15 assists over 33 games. He was tabbed the Hockey East Pro Ambitions Rookie of the Month for March, which was his fourth award of the season after previously being named Hockey East Rookie of the Week twice and Player of the Week once during his freshman campaign.
Leonard helped the Minutemen to their first Hockey East Tournament series win since 2007 with four points on two goals and two assists in UMass' Hockey East Opening Round series against Vermont. He had multi-point games in both of UMass' victories over UVM, which included leading UMass' third period comeback in game one and a highlight reel goal in the Minutemen's 5-1 series-clinching victory that was a SportsCenter Top 10 play.
For continued coverage of UMass hockey, follow the team on Twitter and Instagram (@UMassHockey) and on Facebook at facebook.com/UMassHockey.
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