17 Big Ten Players Selected in 2017 NHL Entry Draft

A total of 18 players with Big Ten connections were drafted in the 2017 Entry Draft on Friday. The Gophers owned the highest draft pick with forward Casey Mittelstadt going No. 8 overall to the Buffalo Sabres. The Wolverines had two players selected, one in the first and second round to boast the highest picks combined.

What Does Friday's Announcement Mean for College Hockey?

College Hockey was on full display during the 2017 National Hockey League Entry Draft in Chicago, but not only for the players selected (a total of 60 -- 18 from Big Ten schools).

On Friday, just a few hours prior to the first round of the draft, the NHL, NHLPA and a number of college hockey representatives gathered for an announcement "special to college hockey."