Men's Ice Hockey

MTU's Kukkonen selected by Anaheim in NHL Draft

The Anaheim Ducks selected Michigan Technological University (MTU) Huskies 2022-23 commit, Kyle Kukkonen in the sixth-round (162nd overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft Saturday.

Kukkonen, 18, recorded an impressive 137 points (63G, 74A) in 61 games last season between three teams: Team Twin Cities Orthopedics (UMHSEHL), Maple Grove High School (USHS-MN) and the Minot Minotauros (NAHL).

The 5-foot-10, 170lbs forward is from Maple Grove, Minn. and is expected to play Tier I Junior A hockey with the Madison Capitols in the United States Hockey League (USHL) next season before joining the Huskies for the 2022-23 season.

Of note, Kukkonen is the nephew of current Michigan Tech Athletic Director, Suzanne Sanregret.

One-third of all NHL players played NCAA hockey. Seven of the first 16 selections in the 2019 NHL Draft were college players, the most ever. An impressive 14 NHL general managers played NCAA hockey as well.

The Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA), plays in the top level of U.S. college hockey as an NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey conference. The CCHA has eight member institutions across three states including Bemidji State University, Bowling Green State University, Ferris State University, Lake Superior State University, Michigan Technological University, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Northern Michigan University and University of St. Thomas.

Photo Credit: Patty Bockoven/Minot Minotauros
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