The Okanagan Hockey Academy is proud to announce that forwards Mark MacMillan and Luke Walker have been selected in the 2010 NHL entry draft. MacMillan and Walker are the first ever Okanagan Hockey Academy players to be drafted by NHL teams.

Mark MacMillan, who was ranked 135th by NHL central scouting, was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the fourth round, 113th overall. The Penticton native had an outstanding 2009-2010 season posting 26 goals and 54 assists for 80 points with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs and was awarded the BCHL’s Rookie of the Year Award.

“Mark has worked hard to put himself on the map of the hockey world. He is a great talent and has the drive and competitiveness to make it at the next level,” said Alberni Valley Bulldogs GM / Head Coach Paul Esdale. “Mark is a special player and person and we are very excited for Mark and his family.”

Luke Walker was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the fifth round, 139th overall. Walker, who is the son of former New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings forward Gordie Walker, has been a member of the Portland Winterhawks since 2007. He also competed at the 2010 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship for U.S. National Junior Team, helping them earn a gold medal at the event.

“We are extremely proud of both Mark and Luke,” said Andy Oakes, President of the Okanagan Hockey Academy. “To be drafted is a tremendous achievement for these players, and we couldn’t be happier for them and their families. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the Okanagan Hockey Academy’s player development process.”