MSU sophomore defenseman Corey Potter and incoming freshman Drew Miller were drafted Sunday at the 2003 NHL Entry Draft in Nashville, Tenn.
A native of Mason, Potter was selected 122nd overall by the New York Rangers in the fourth round and Miller was selected 186th overall in the sixth round by the Anaheim Mighty Ducks.
In his first year as a Spartan, Potter appeared in 35 games in the 2002-03 season and racked-up four goals and four assists for eight points. Three of his four goals were game winners, including his first career score in a 2-1 victory over Colgate on Oct. 12.
Potter also had game-winners in back-to-back games against Michigan and Northern Michigan in February. He had a 10 plus/minus rating and 26 penalty minutes.
Prior to the Spartans, the 6-foot-3, 183-pound defenseman spent two years with the U.S. National Under-18 Team in Ann Arbor, and also was a member of the national team that captured the Under-18 World Championship in March 2002.
Drew Miller, brother of former MSU goalie and 2001 Hobey Baker award-winner Ryan Miller, started last season in the North American Hockey League with the Capital Centre Pride. He had nine goals and 18 points in 14 games before he was traded to River City, Iowa. There, he finished with 14 goals and 25 points in 49 games, and had 14 points in 11 playoff games.
Dean Miller, Drew's father, said the family watched the draft all day. When they finally saw Drew's name, he said the room erupted with hoots and hollers.
"It's a thrill to have him recognized," Miller said. "He's just trying to keep it all in perspective. Being a drafted hockey player playing in college means all of your training is going to be at MSU."
Dean Miller said his son was born a Spartan.
Potter is the second Spartan to be drafted by the Rangers since Lee Falardeau of Midland was selected last year in the second round. In 2002, five players were selected, including Jim Slater of Lapeer.
Being drafted by an NHL team does not eliminate an amateur player's eligibility. Once a player is drafted, their rights as a professional are held by that professional team for the duration of their amateur career.
"It's a step in the right direction, but it really doesn't matter," said Falardeau of the drafting process. "We're just concentrating on the next season."
Potter, Falardeau and Miller will play for the Spartans in the coming hockey season, despite their newfound NHL status on a college hockey team.
The possibility of the two Spartans joining forces for the Rangers isn't a thought that often crosses Falardeau's mind either.
"I think for the both of us, we're not really looking forward that far," he said. "We're just trying to get better.
"There's a possibility that we will play together and that would be cool."
