The 2011 NHL Draft kicks off on Friday, June 24 at the the XCEL Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota and will be televised on VERSUS at 4:00 p.m. Arizona time (7:00 p.m. ET). The Phoenix Coyotes hold the 20th overall pick along with two picks in the second road. They have eight total picks in the seven-round draft.
At last year's draft in Los Angeles, Phoenix selected defenseman Brandon Gormley with the 13th overall pick and goaltender Mark Visentin with the 27th overall pick in the first round.
Here's a full list of the Phoenix Coyotes draft order in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft:
Round 1 - 20th overall
Round 2 - 51st overall
Round 2 - 56th overall* (from Philadelphia Flyers)
Round 3 - No picks**^
Round 4 - 111th overall
Round 5 - 141st overall
Round 6 - 155th overall# (from New York Islanders)
Round 7 - 196th overall
Round 7 - 201st overall## (from New York Rangers)
In addition, if the Philadelphia Flyers come to terms with traded goalie Ilya Bryzgalov before Friday, the Coyotes get their third round pick.
Here's the full scoop on the fan viewing party being held by the Coyotes:
The Phoenix Coyotes will host a Bud Light NHL Entry Draft Viewing Party this Friday, June 24 from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 18 Degrees Neighborhood Grill, located at the Ice Den in Scottsdale (9375 E. Bell Road - just east of Pima on Bell Road). Admission to the event is free. The first round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft will be televised live on VERSUS at 4:00 p.m.
The event will be hosted by Coyotes' announcers Bob Heethuis and XTRA 910's Luke Lapinski while Coyotes defenseman Derek Morris will also be available to sign autographs and talk to fans. In addition, Coyotes' mascot Howler will be on hand to greet and entertain fans and a Coyotes raffle will run throughout the event, providing fans the chance to win autographed Coyotes merchandise and prizes.
Following the Coyotes Bud Light NHL Draft Viewing Party, fans in attendance will also have an opportunity to take part in the Ice Den's free open skate from 7:20 p.m. to 9:20 p.m. A special skate rental price of $5.00 will be available to all fans attending the party.
During the Draft Party, 18 Degrees will be offering a drink special of $2.00 Bud Light pints and $2.00 Bud bottles, and food specials that include half off all appetizers as well as 16-inch pizzas with one topping and two dozen wings for $21.99. For more information, please visit www.PhoenixCoyotes.com.