Oshawa Generals’ Sennecke ‘shocked’ to be selected third overall by Anaheim in NHL Draft

Beckett Sennecke had an idea he wouldn’t have to wait long Friday night (June 28) to hear his name called in the NHL Entry Draft, but not this quick.

Ranked 13 overall in the final NHL Central Scouting List rankings among North American skaters, the Oshawa Generals winger was expected to go somewhere between 10 and 20 overall in the opening round.

Instead, the Anaheim Ducks surprised everyone, including Sennecke himself, when they selected him with their third overall pick in the draft.

“I was just super shocked,” the 18-year-old told Sportsnet right after the selection. “It was obvious in my face. . . That kind of said it all, but that was an unexpected moment.”

The six-foot-three, 178-pound second-year winger built on an impressive rookie season (20-35-55) with 27 goals and 68 points in 63 games in helping the Generals win the East Division title.

A gasp went through the crowd when the selection was made and Sennecke and his family froze in almost disbelief. Both his parents were in tears immediately.

“It’s obviously super emotional,” Beckett said as he watched his parents celebrate in the stands. “I don’t think I expected that. If my agent knew more than I did, he didn’t tell me, but obviously I’m super, super happy to be part of this Ducks organization.”

The San Jose Sharks surprised no one when they used the first overall pick to take Boston University centre Macklin Celebrini and the Chicago Blackhawks followed with big defenceman Artyom Levshunov as the No. 2 pick.

Sennecke’s believes his rise in the draft was largely from his play in helping the Generals reach the OHL championship finals.

The Toronto native had 10 goals and 22 points through 16 playoff games.

“I think it was probably my playoff performance,” Sennecke said of what helped him go third overall. “I kind of peaked at the right time there. I mean our entire team did as a whole. We kind of pushed, but we just couldn’t get past the London Knights.

“I think my playoff performance played a big part of this.”