The 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft, held at the Sphere in Las Vegas on June 28, proved to be a momentous event for Black Bear Sports Group (BBSG) as several of its young talents were selected by NHL teams. Here’s a look at the standout players from BBSG who were drafted:
Luke Osburn – Buffalo Sabres (4th Round, 108th Overall)
With their first pick in the fourth round, the Buffalo Sabres selected left-shot defenseman Luke Osburn from the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 172 pounds, Osburn made a significant impact during his rookie season, ranking third among USHL rookie blueliners with 23 points (8 goals and 15 assists) in 60 games. His impressive performance has earned him a commitment to the University of Wisconsin, where he will continue to develop his skills.
Chase Pietila – Pittsburgh Penguins (4th Round, 111th Overall)
The Pittsburgh Penguins chose USHL Youngstown Phantoms Chase Pietila, a defenseman from Michigan Tech, with the 14th pick of the fourth round. Pietila, who hails from Livingston County, is the highest NHL draft pick from the area since 2010. In his freshman season at Michigan Tech, he scored three goals and led his team with 19 assists, playing in all 40 games. Notably, he ranked eighth nationally among freshman defensemen in assists and led the NCAA in penalty minutes by a freshman with 60.
Blake Montgomery – Ottawa Senators (4th Round, 117th Overall)
Blake Montgomery became the 18th player from the NCDC to be drafted by an NHL team when the Ottawa Senators selected him. Montgomery’s diverse experience includes playing for the Rockets Hockey Club, Skipjacks Hockey Club, Seacoast Performance Academy, and Team Maryland. In the 2023-24 season, he played for the Lincoln Stars of the USHL and is committed to the University of Wisconsin for the 2025-26 season. His journey through various levels of competitive hockey has honed his skills, making him a promising addition to the Senators’ prospect pool.
Tory Pitner – Colorado Avalanche (6th Round, 185th Overall)
The Colorado Avalanche selected defenseman Tory Pitner with their sixth-round pick from the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL. Pitner, who served as an alternate captain for the Phantoms, recorded 24 points (8 goals and 16 assists) in 50 games during the 2023-24 season. His leadership and performance on the ice were instrumental in Youngstown’s success, including a USHL Clark Cup Championship. Internationally, Pitner captained Team USA at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, leading them to a bronze medal. He is set to join the University of Denver for the 2024-25 season.
The success of these young athletes in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft highlights the effectiveness of BBSG’s pipeline. With a strong foundation and promising futures, these players are poised to make significant impacts in the NHL and beyond. Congratulations to Luke Osburn, Chase Pietila, Blake Montgomery, and Tory Pitner on their remarkable achievements!