EDINA, Minn. – June 27, 2015 – Two players with connections to the men’s Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) were selected in the seventh round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft June 26-27 at the BB&T Center in Sunrise Florida, hosted by the Florida Panthers. Michigan Tech defenseman Matt Roy was selected by the LA Kings (#194 overall) and Bowling Green commit Ryan Bednard was selected by the host Panthers (#206 overall). Their selections add to the list of more than 1,000 WCHA players selected in the NHL Entry Draft since 1963.

“Congratulations to both Matt and Ryan on their selection in the 2015 NHL Draft, we are thrilled for them as they join the great tradition of WCHA players drafted into the National Hockey League,” said WCHA Commissioner Bill Robertson. “The WCHA and college hockey continue to showcase great talent sought after by NHL teams and we look forward to the continued growth and seeing them all on the ice this fall.”

Matt Roy / Fr., D, Michigan Tech (Canton, MI)
Roy finished his freshman season with the Huskies in 2014-15 with nine assists in 36 games. Roy’s +21 rating ranked him third in the NCAA as a freshman behind only Jack Eichel (+51) and teammate Mark Auk (+24), helping lead Michigan Tech to a second place finish in the WCHA and a top five national ranking throughout the season. Prior to joining the Huskies, the 6-1, 200 pound defenseman played for Indiana in the USHL, winning the Clark Cup in 2014.

Ryan Bednard / Commit., G, Bowling Green (Macomb, MI)
Ryan Bednard signed his National Letter of Intent in November and spent the 2014-15 season playing for the Johnston Tomahawks of the North American Hockey League (NAHL). The brother of 2014 BGSU commit Shane Bednard appeared in 37 games, compiling a 2.66 goals against average and a .913 save percentage. Prior to playing with the Tomahawks, the 6’4, 179 pound goaltender played for the Victory Honda U16, recording a 1.62 goals against average and a .939 save percentage in 18 appearances during the 2013-14 season.

About the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA)
The Western Collegiate Hockey Association, among the most historic, tradition-rich and successful conferences in all of collegiate athletics, proudly marked its 63rd season of men’s competition in 2014-15. Covering five time zones and more than 4,200 miles, the 10-team Division 1 conference consists of the University of Alabama in Huntsville (Chargers), the University of Alaska Anchorage (Seawolves), the University of Alaska (Nanooks), Bemidji State University (Beavers), Bowling Green State University (Falcons), Ferris State University (Bulldogs), Lake Superior State University (Lakers), Michigan Technological University (Huskies), Minnesota State University (Mavericks) and Northern Michigan University (Wildcats). For more information, visit wcha.com.