Schenn drafted by Maple Leafs

Luke Schenn and the Toronto Maple Leafs teamed up to make a piece of hockey history Friday night in Ottawa.

The 6-foot-2, 216 pound defenceman became the Kelowna Rockets’ highest selection ever at the NHL Entry Draft as the Leafs grabbed the Saskatoon native in the fifth spot overall.

Toronto made a deal with the Islanders to get the bruising blueliner, trading up two slots from seventh to fifth.

A chorus of boos greeted the selection at Scotiabank Place, but Schenn, understanding the fierce rivalry between the hometown Senators and Leafs, didn’t take it personally.

“I thought the booing was a good thing because I know what a great rivalry these teams have,” said Shenn.

“I’m just excited to be here and be part of a great organization.

And the historic night for the Rockets didn’t end there as Schenn’s fellow rearguard Tyler Myers was chosen 12th overall by the Buffalo Sabres.

It was the first time two Kelowna players had been selected in the opening round.

The 6-foot-7 Myers, who some observers thought might crack the top 10, was happy with outcome.

“I knew I had a big window of where I could be picked, so I didn’t have a clue where I was going,” Myers said.

“When Buffalo came around and called on my name, it was very exciting”

Not renowned for his flashiness, Schenn is the prototype of a classic, stay-at-home defender who plays with a physical edge, but can also provide occasional offense when called upon.

In addition to his three seasons with the WHL’s Rockets, Schenn, 18, has extensive international experience, including helping Team Canada win the gold medal at the 2008 IIHF World Junior Championship.

The lanky Myers, with his albatross-like reach, is most often compared to Boston’s giant defender, Zdeno Chara.

Born in Houston, Tex., before moving to Alberta eight years ago, Myers has also impressed scouts with his uncanny skating ability for a man of his size.

Myers, who has 35 points over parts of three seasons in Kelowna, was a member of Canada’s gold medal winning team at the world Under-18 championship in Russia.

The second to seventh rounds of the NHL Entry D raft will be held Saturday at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa.

Forwards Brandon McMillan and Colin Long are among other Rockets who are eligible for this year’s draft.

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Kyle Beach’s mean streak didn’t scare off the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Hawks embraced the Everett Silvertips forward’s blend of grit and hard-nosed skill by choosing him 11th overall at Friday’s NHL entry draft in Ottawa.

The 18-year-old Kelowna Minor Hockey product watched his stock slip slightly this season as teams expressed concerns about his on-ice antics and his rumoured off-ice indiscretions.

But when all was said and done, Beach couldn’t be happier to pull the jersey of a team with a long history and a promising future, one that includes young stars such as Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” said Beach.

“With the guys they have in the line-up they’re a team on the rise. I’m glad to be part of it.”

Many observers believe the 6-foot-3, 205 pound Beach to be the best power forward in the draft.

He spent more time in the penalty box than any Western Hockey League player over the last two campaigns, logging 418 minutes, but backed up his propensity for the rough stuff with some solid offensive numbers.

Beach, the WHL’s rookie of the year in 2006-07, has scored 56 goals and 65 assists in 125 career games.

Another local product, Westside Warriors defenceman Justin Schultz was on the radar for the second or third round draft round Saturday.

Schultz was ranked 38th among North Ameri