Grand Rapids’ Peart expected to cap off quite the year by being selected in NHL Draft

Grand Rapids defenseman Jack Peart has had quite the year.

The Thunderhawk was named Mr. Hockey, he won the Reed Larson Award for the best senior defenseman in the state of Minnesota and even helped the Fargo Force win a Western Conference playoff title. Friday night, Peart will have his eyes on the NHL Daft as he’s expected to go in the first or second round.

"It’s definitely been crazy. I never thought I’d be talking to NHL scouts or higher up office guys in the NHL and just for that to happen this year, has definitely been crazy for me," said Peart. "I feel it’s every kids dream as soon as they put on skates and watch an NHL hockey game, that’s what you want to do."

Peart is ranked 27th among North America skaters eligible for the draft according to NHL Central Scouting.

The St. Cloud State commit guided Grand Rapids to the Section 7AA section championship game. Peart is now expected to become the 11th Thunderhawk drafted in the NHL.

"I feel like just my hockey IQ helps me a lot. Playing the game, I feel like I can think the game pretty well and I feel like that’s one of the biggest things that separates me from others," he added.

The NHL Draft is set to begin tonight at 7 P.M. and continue into Saturday.

Another Northlander to look for is Hermantown defenseman and University fo Minnesota Duluth (UMD) commit Joey Pierce. He’s ranked 118th overall among North America skaters.

The Minnesota Wild are set to pick 22nd and 26th in the first round.