penn State Hockey stars Shine at 2025 NHL Draft: Smith and Cerrato Selected
LOS ANGELES – In a historic night for Penn State hockey, incoming freshman Jackson Smith was chosen 14th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets during the first round of the 2025 NHL draft, held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on Friday, June 27. Rising sophomore Charlie Cerrato followed, picked 49th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes on day two. These selections highlight the growing prominence of the Penn State hockey program on the national stage [[1]].
Jackson Smith Makes History as First-Round NHL Draft Pick
Smith’s selection marks a notable milestone: he is the first-ever Nittany Lion to be drafted in the NHL Draft’s opening round.He is also the 17th Nittany Lion drafted the first since Aiden Fink in 2023. The smooth-skating defenseman committed to Penn State on June 15 and is set to join the team this fall.
Did You Know? The average NHL career lasts about 5 years. Players drafted high have a greater chance of a longer career.
Before committing to Penn State, the Calgary, Alberta, native spent over two seasons with the Tri-City Americans of the Western Hockey League (WHL). During the 2024-25 season, he achieved career highs with 11 goals and 43 assists, totaling 54 points in 68 games.He also added one goal and two assists in two playoff games.
Smith’s 54 points ranked tenth among WHL defensemen, while his 43 assists tied for ninth. In 143 total WHL games, including playoffs, Smith recorded 88 points (20 goals, 68 assists).
internationally, Smith has represented Canada with distinction. In the spring, he won a gold medal at the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championships, contributing four goals and one assist in seven games with a plus-7 rating. He also earned gold at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton, Alberta, where Canada defeated Czechia 2-1 in the final. smith had three assists in five tournament games.
Charlie Cerrato Selected in Second Round
Charlie Cerrato’s selection by the Carolina Hurricanes further solidified Penn State’s presence at the 2025 NHL Draft. Cerrato became the 18th Nittany Lion drafted and the second-highest pick in program history, behind Smith.
Cerrato made an immediate impact in Hockey Valley, earning the 2024-25 Freshman of the Year award after a remarkable rookie season. He led all Big Ten freshmen in points (42), goals (15), and assists (27), with his point and assist totals ranking second nationally among first-year players. His 15 goals tied for fifth among Penn State rookies.
The Fallston, Maryland, native also excelled in faceoffs, winning 57.2% (388-for-678) of his faceoffs, ranking among the top 10 nationally throughout the season.
Future Nittany Lions Also Drafted
Two future Nittany Lions,Kieren Dervin and Kale Dach,also had their names called during the draft. Dervin was selected 65th overall in the third round by the Vancouver Canucks,while Dach whent to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the seventh round with pick No. 201.
Dervin and Dach will continue their junior hockey careers in the Canadian Hockey League before joining Penn State.
2025 NHL Draft: Penn State Selections
| Round | pick # | Player | NHL Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 14 | Jackson Smith | Columbus Blue Jackets |
| 2 | 49 | Charlie Cerrato | Carolina Hurricanes |
| 3 | 65 | Kieren Dervin | Vancouver Canucks |
| 7 | 201 | Kale Dach | Pittsburgh Penguins |
The Growing Popularity of College Hockey
The success of Penn State players in the NHL Draft reflects the increasing prominence of college hockey as a advancement pathway for future NHL stars. College programs provide a structured environment for young players to hone their skills while pursuing their education. The NCAA has seen a rise in the number of players drafted into the NHL [[3]].
Many NHL teams actively scout college hockey programs, recognizing the high level of competition and the well-rounded development that college hockey provides. The commitment to academics and athletics makes college hockey players attractive prospects for NHL teams.
Frequently Asked Questions About the NHL Draft
- What is the NHL Draft?
- The NHL Draft is an annual event where NHL teams select the rights to amateur ice hockey players from around the world.
- How does the NHL Draft order work?
- The draft order is determined by a lottery system involving teams that did not make the playoffs, with the remaining teams drafting in reverse order of their regular-season point totals.
- What is the Western Hockey League (WHL)?
- The WHL is one of the three major junior ice hockey leagues that constitute the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). It features players aged 16-20.
- What is the IIHF U18 World Championship?
- The IIHF U18 World Championship is an annual international ice hockey tournament organized by the International ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) for players under the age of 18.
- What is the Hlinka Gretzky Cup?
- The Hlinka Gretzky Cup is an annual international ice hockey tournament for under-18 players, considered one of the most prestigious junior tournaments.
What are your thoughts on Penn State’s hockey program and its growing success? Which of these drafted players are you most excited to watch in the NHL? Share your predictions in the comments below!
