The Colorado Thunderbirds are pleased to announce that three former Colorado Thunderbirds players, Seth Jones, Gustav Olofsson, and Quentin Shore, were drafted on Sunday, June 30, in the 2013 NHL Draft. Players from the Colorado Thunderbirds program continue to have excellent opportunities and to benefit from the foundational training received in the Colorado Thunderbirds organization.

Seth Jones, a defenseman, was drafted by Nashville Predators in the 1st Round, 4th overall.  Seth, a former Colorado Thunderbirds player, played last season for the Portland Winterhawks where he helped Portland win the 2013 WHL Championship, and helped Team USA capture the gold medal at the 2013 World Junior Championships.

Gustav Olofsson, a defenseman, was selected by Minnesota Wild in the 2nd Round, 46th overall.  Olofsson is from Broomfield, CO, and played for the Colorado Thunderbirds from 2009-2012.  During the 2012-2013 season, Olofsson played for the Green Bay Gamblers.  Gustav Olofsson is committed to play for Colorado College this season.

Quentin Shore, a center, was chosen in the 6th Round, 168th overall by Ottawa Senators.  Shore played for the Colorado Thunderbirds from 2006-2010, including the 2009-2010 season where his Thunderbirds team won Colorado’s first National Championship, before following his 2 older brothers to play for the University of Denver.  Quentin Shore just finished his freshman season with the Pioneers.  Quentin’s older brother, Nick Shore, just signed a NHL contract with the Los Angeles Kings, and oldest brother, Drew, currently plays for the Florida Panthers.  Baker, the younger brother, is following in his older brothers' footsteps as he was the leading scorer for his Colorado Thunderbirds U13 team last season.  

Other former Colorado Thunderbirds that have been drafted in the NHL are Jaccob Slavin, a defenseman, drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 4th round, 120th overall in 2012, Nick Shore, a forward, drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the 3rd round, 82nd overall in 2011, Josiah Didier, a defenseman, drafted by the Montreal Canadians in the 4th round, 97th overall in 2011, and Sean Lorenz, a defenseman, drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the 4th round, 115th overall in 2008.  

The Colorado Thunderbirds are proud of Seth Jones, Gustav Olofsson, and Quentin Shore.  We congratulate these fine young men and their families, and wish them the best of luck.