The 2018 NHL Draft on June 22-23 was a strong success for the Brookings Blizzard, as three former members of the club were selected on Day 2.

Paul Cotter was selected in the fourth round (115th overall) by the defending Western Conference champion Vegas Golden Knights.

Cotter spent one season with the Blizzard in 2016-17 and scored 60 points in 59 games. The Canton, Mich., native went on to play with the Lincoln Stars in the United States Hockey League last season and tallied 39 points in 51 games played.

Cotter is currently committed to play collegiate hockey next season back in his hometown at Western Michigan.

Another Michigan native and former Blizzard forward selected in the draft was Brandon Kruse. The 19-year old will be joining Cotter in Sin City, as he was selected in the fifth round (135th overall) by the Golden Knights.

Kruse spent one season with the Blizzard back in 2016-17.

Kruse spent last season at Bowling Green, where he totaled 33 points in 41 games played.

Four spots later in the fifth round, Mikael Hakkarainen rounded out the trio of Blizzard alumni to be drafted. The native of Espoo, Finland, was drafted 139th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks.

The 20-year old centerman had spent three seasons in his native Finland before making his first appearance on United States soil with the Blizzard in 2015-16.

Hakkarainen went on to spend the last three seasons in the USHL with the Chicago Steel and the Muskegon Lumberjacks before being selected by the Blackhawks on Saturday.

Hakkarainen has committed to play next season at Providence.

The Blizzard kick off their 2018-19 season on Sept. 14 and 15 with preseason games against the Aberdeen Wings.

Season tickets can be purchased by calling 605-651-3095 or by emailing kristi@gobrookingsblizzard.com.