DALLAS – The first New England player selected on day No. 2 of the 2018 NHL Draft was Boston University commit Jake Wise, going in the third round, 69th overall, to the Chicago Blackhawks. “It’s a little stressful," Wise said. "My time in Dallas is so exciting. Being at the NHL Draft has been a dream...
DALLAS – The first New England player selected on day No. 2 of the 2018 NHL Draft was Boston University commit Jake Wise, going in the third round, 69th overall, to the Chicago Blackhawks.
“It’s a little stressful," Wise said. "My time in Dallas is so exciting. Being at the NHL Draft has been a dream of mine since I’ve been a little kid. It’s crazy that I just got picked."
Before Wise's name was called, he sensed that he might be heading to the Windy City.
“Chicago is the team I talked to the most," Wise said. "[Chicago Blackhawks head USA scout] Mike [Doneghey] and I became pretty close. To go to the Chicago Blackhawks is a dream of mine. It’s an unbelievable organization."
The North Andover, Mass., native had 11 goals and 32 assists in 38 games with USA Hockey’s NTDP U-18 team this past season after missing the season's first half with an injury.
Prior, the 18-year-old put up back-to-back 40-point seasons at Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, Mass.
“Two-way center, but I love to play offense,” said Wise when asked how he’d describe his game. “I love having the puck on my stick and making plays and scoring goals.”
Once considered a lock to be a first-round pick, Wise fell to the third round due to his injury and not growing much since his minor midget season. He clocks in at 5-foot-10, 195-pounds.
Wise will spend a summer semester at BU, plus will attend Blackhawks Development Camp. Then will come a career on Comm. Ave., one new head coach Albie O'Connell can't wait to see get underway.
“Jake is a great center," O'Connell said. "He’s a really good two-way player. He makes other guys better. He had a tough break with the shoulder injury."
