Benilde-St. Margaret's Boys' Hockey

Patrick Daly became the first Benilde-St. Margaret's student-athlete selected by an National Hockey League team in his year of graduation from the school this afternoon as the former Red Knight defenseman was selected, in the seventh round (189th overall) by the New Jersey Devils.

"The Draft is only here every so often," he said. "It's great to just walk down the stairs and hear your name called. It was an exciting feeling and a whole bunch of emotions just ran through me. But to put on that jersey – especially from the New Jersey Devils – is a great feeling and I'm so honored."

Daly's selection comes after a four-year hockey career at Benilde-St. Margaret's, which he capped by earning all-state honors as well as being one of the 10 finalists for the Minnesota's Mr. Hockey Award.

He was also an all-conference pick for the Red Knight baseball team for which he earned team most valaube player honors.

"All of us involved with Red Knight hockey are very proud of Patrick Daly and we offer our congratulations to him and his parents," BSM head coach Ken Pauly said. "To be drafted by an NHL team is an incredible honor and it is very special to see him get this recognition at the Xcel Center.

"It's interesting to note that two of the biggest hockey moments for Patrick have come at the X. As a freshman he played in front of a record crowd in the state tourney and now he is drafted in his home state."

Daly, who will play this coming season for the Wisconsin Badgers, said of being in Madison "It's fun. I'm actually there right now taking summer school and training," said Daly. "The workout program is a whole new step compared to high school. It gives you a whole new definition of hard work."

The first Red Knight chosen immediately after his high school career, Daly is the fourth BSM alum selected in the NHL draft.

He follows in the footsteps of Troy Riddle, who was selected in 2000 by the St. Louis Blues in the fourth round, and Andrew Alberts (6th round, Boston) and Jake Riddle (8th round, Minnesota), both of whom were taken in the 2001 draft. All three were selected after playing junior hockey.

Following his selection, Daly was interviewed by the Devils, which can be seen here.