Ridgefield Hockey Standout Selected in NHL Draft

Five players with Connecticut ties, including a Ridgefield product, were selected in the National Hockey League draft this past weekend.

Defenseman Chad Krys of Ridgefield, who plays with the U.S. National Under-18 Team and has committed to Boston University, was drafted by the Chicago Black Hawks with the 45th overall pick in the second round.

Two UConn players were drafted, including Tage Thompson, a forward who went to the St. Louis Blues in the first round with the 26th overall pick.

Thompson, who grew up in Orange, is the son of Bridgeport Sound Tigers head coach Brent Thompson.

In the sixth round, Thompson's Husky teammate Joseph Masonius was selected by the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins. A defenseman, Masonius was the 181st overall pick.

Other Connecticut players chosen were forward Patrick Harper of New Canaan and Avon Old Farms School (Nashville Predators, 5th round, 138th pick) and defenseman Chase Priskie of Quinnipiac University (Washington Capitals, 6th round, 177th pick).

Photo credit: u18mensworlds.usahockey.com