On Saturday afternoon, the Chicago Blackhawks selected UMD men's hockey defenseman Connor Kelley in the seventh round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. With the selection, the 6-1, 190-pound Kelley becomes the 116th Bulldog all-time to be taken in the NHL draft. 
 
Kelley, a native of Maple Grove, Minn., played a key role in UMD's run to the Frozen Four this past season. During his first collegiate season, the right-handed shot defenseman posted three goals and two assists during 25 games with the Bulldogs. Additionally, Kelley notched an impressive +10 rating on the year, which ranked fourth best on the team. During the first round of the NCHC Frozen Faceoff, Kelley delivered an OT goal to send UMD past Western Michigan and onto the second round. Kelley came to Duluth following a two-year stint with the United States National Development Program in Plymouth, MI. 
 
With the pick on Saturday, Kelley joins teammates Blake Biondi, Wyatt Kaiser, Noah Cates, Luke Loheit, and Quinn Olson as the current Bulldogs who have been selected in the NHL Draft. Most recently, Biondi and Kaiser were taken in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. Biondi was a selection of the Montreal Canadiens while Kaiser was also picked by the Chicago Blackhawks. 
 
Kelley and the Bulldogs will open their season on Friday, October 8 as they make the trip to Bemidji, Minn., to face the Beavers.