June 29, 2009

Providence College freshman defenseman Alex Velischek (Kinnelon, N.J.) was selected in the 2009 NHL Draft which took place on June 26-27 in Montreal. Velischek was drafted in the fifth round (123rd overall) by the Stanley Cup Champions, Pittsburgh Penguins.

Velischek is the son of former Friar All-American Randy Velischek, who helped PC win the 1981 ECAC title. Alex, a 6-foot, 200-pound defenseman, played for the Delbarton School (New Jersey), where he was the team captain. He helped Delbarton to its second consecutive state championship (Interscholastic Athletic Association Non-Public School) in 2008-09. Velischek finished with 51 points (16 goals, 35 assists) as his team earned a state-record 27 wins. During the 2007-08 season, Velischek was an All-State selection as he helped his team capture the first of two state championships. He also played for the U.S.A. U-17 team in 2006.