Posted: Jun 25, 2016

Incoming Freshman Cameron Clarke Chosen By Boston Boston Bruins In 2016 NHL Draft

BUFFALO, N.Y. — With the 136th overall pick in the 5th round of the 2016 NHL Draft, the Boston Bruins chose incoming freshman Ferris State defenseman Cameron Clarke, making him the first FSU draft selection since Kyle Schempp was picked by the New York Islanders in 2014.

Clarke, a native of Tecumseh, Mich., played with the Lone Star Brahmas of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) last season, scoring nine goals and 41 assists for 50 points in 59 regular season games.

"We're very excited for Cameron and his family," said head coach Bob Daniels. "We know it's a big thing for him to be drafted, especially by an Original Six team like the Boston Bruins, who have a long and storied history. Cameron has very good upside and that's what Boston is looking for. We look forward to working with him this fall and being part of his future development at Ferris State."

The blueliner was a major contributor to his team's power play, with 24 points coming on the man-advantage. Clarke also had a +3 rating with four game-winning goals and 170 shots on net.

A 6-2, 180-pound skater, Clarke spent his 2014-15 season in Sarnia with the Legionnaires of the GOJHL and before that had a year of development in the NAPHL with the West Michigan Hounds.

Before Schempp, the Bulldogs' last pick was defenseman Zach Redmond in 2008. Clarke is the 29th individual in Bulldog hockey history to ever be picked by an NHL squad.

A total of 11 former Ferris State players have gone on to play in the NHL, including three-time Stanley Cup Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Chris Kunitz, wing Dean Clark, defenseman Mike Colman, defenseman Jason Blake, defenseman Dave Karpa, defenseman John Gruden, defenseman Andy Roach, forward Rob Collins, forward Greg Rallo and defenseman Chad Billins along with Redmond.

In 2015-16, Ferris State qualified for the NCAA Tournament after winning the Western Collegiate Hockey Association's Broadmoor Trophy with a run of four straight playoff wins. The Bulldogs then made the NCAA's Elite Eight for the second time in three seasons after defeating St. Cloud State in St. Paul, Minn.

The Bulldogs will open defense of the WCHA Tournament as they begin the 2016-17 campaign with a two-game WCHA series in Big Rapids at Ewigleben Ice Arena against Alabama Huntsville Oct. 1-2.