June 27, 2009

MONTREAL, Quebec, Canada -- Rising sophomores Chris Wideman and Connor Knapp and a pair of future RedHawks were taken Saturday during the annual National Hockey League Amateur Draft. Wideman was selected by the Ottawa Senators in the fourth round, while Knapp was chosen in the sixth round by the Buffalo Sabres.

Wideman was the ninth pick of the round and 100th overall, while Knapp was No. 164 overall and 13th in the round.

A native of St. Louis, Mo., Wideman played in 39 games for the RedHawks during his freshman campaign. He tallied 26 assists and a plus-11 rating. He took 68 shots and recorded 20 blocks.

Prior to Miami, Wideman played for the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders (2007-08). He was a member of the USA Select-17 team in 2006 and 2007 US Under-18 Select team. A business major, he is the son of Gary and Julie Wideman.

Knapp started 21 of the 23 games in which he played. He posted a 2.09 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage. He posted a 13-5-3 record with two shutouts.

He played with the Boston Junior Bruins of the EJHL in 2007-08, earning all-league honors. A native of York, N.Y., Knapp is the son of Gregory and Colleen Knapp.

Two future RedHawks also heard their names called on Saturday, both by the Dallas Stars. Reilly Smith (Toronto, Ontario, Canada/St. Michaels) was a third-round pick (69th overall), while Curtis McKenzie (Golden, British Columbia, Canada/Penticton) was the eighth pick of the sixth round (159th overall).