Dreams came true last Saturday, as the Philadelphia Flyers selected Gunnery defenseman Nick Luukko ‘10 in the 6th round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft in Los Angeles, California. Luukko is the second Highlander drafted into the NHL over the past three years, following current Colgate forward Austin Smith ’07 in 2007. The Philadelphia native was the 179th pick overall, and one of only 6 New England high school players selected. He was the only player selected out of Western New England (Prep West League and Founders League combined). The 2010 Draft boasted a record 22 high school students selected from around the country.
Luukko found out early Saturday afternoon while tracking the draft via the internet. Upon seeing his name, Luukko said “I was definitely surprised. I didn’t expect to be drafted by the Flyers at all. It has always been a dream of mine to play for the Flyers one day. Obviously growing up I was a huge Flyers fan.” Nick’s moment of awe was followed by a call from Flyers General Manager Paul Holmgren to confirm the great news. National Hockey League scouts began attending Gunnery games early in the season, as the 2009-2010 Highlanders entered the season with three student-athletes on the NHL Central Scouting draft list (Luukko, Terrence Wallin ’11, Alex Vazzano ’10). Philadelphia, Montreal, and a hand full of other teams quickly gained interest in Luukko and followed his progress throughout the entire season. Scouts found themselves most impressed with defenseman’s combination of size, poise with the puck, and patience in every situation. Luukko possesses a calm that separates him from his peers and gives him a pro-style of play even as a teenager. The recently graduated Highlander will meet with the Flyers’ brass upon their return from the draft. He then will attend the team’s Rookie Camp in early-July.
Luukko arrived at The Gunnery in September 2008 following a successful season with Team Comcast and coach Jared Beach (Gunnery alum ’01). The West Chester, PA native quickly became known for his reliability in all situations, and before long found himself in the top four on the Highlander blue line. He contributed offensively during his first year by compiling 15 points (4g, 11a), with his biggest goal coming late in the third period to beat Taft during the New England Tournament Quarterfinals. The future Vermont Catamount returned for his senior year bigger, stronger, and more ready than ever to be a dominant force in the league, and Luukko did not disappoint. He finished his senior season with 25 points (3g, 22a) and helped lead the team to a #1 ranking, Cushing Tournament Championship, Prep West League Championship, and second consecutive Elite Eight New England Tournament bid. Individually, the Vermont recruit earned All-New England Honorable Mention and All Prep West First Team accolades. Luukko finishes his Gunnery career with 40 points from the backend, but more impressive are his contributions to help the team amass a 52-11-6 record during their time in Linen Rink. Luukko also serves as a model student/athlete at The Gunnery by earning honor roll status academically and joining the Red and Gray Tour Guide Program. The entire Gunnery community of teachers, students, coaches, and teammates could not be more proud of Nick’s recent accomplishment.