Thrashers Select Zach Bogosian with Third Overall Pick in 2008 NHL Entry Draft

The Atlanta Thrashers have selected defenseman Zach Bogosian with their first-round choice, third overall, in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, Ontario, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.

Bogosian, 17, was the second-ranked North American skater entering the draft and appeared in 60 games with the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) last season. He ranked second among league defenseman with 50 assists and was the only defenseman to lead his team in points with 61 (11 goals, 50 assists). He added three assists in five post-season contests against Belleville.

The 6-2, 200-pound defenseman represented the Eastern Conference at the 2008 OHL All-Star Classic and also participated in the CHL Top Prospects Game. He is described by the NHL’s Central Scouting Service as a “franchise player for a National Hockey League team and is ready to make the jump to the NHL very quickly.”

The native of Massena, N.Y. has recorded 94 points (18 goals, 76 assists) and 135 penalty minutes in 127 career games over two seasons with Peterborough. He was selected by the Petes in the first round, 19th overall, of the 2006 OHL Priority Draft.

Prior to his time in Peterborough, Bogosian played two seasons at Cushing Academy (Mass.) from 2004-2006 where former NHL All-Star Ray Bourque was an assistant coach.