Dansk goes third overall to Otters in...

The Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League selected Swedish goaltender Oscar Dansk from Brynäs of the Elitserien with the third overall selection in the 2012 CHL Import Draft Wednesday morning.

Born February 28, 1994 in Stockholm, the 6-foot-2, 187-pound Dansk was drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets with the 31st overall pick of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Dansk was ranked second among European goaltenders by NHL Central Scouting in their final rankings for the draft.

In 28 games in the junior-level Super Elitserien, Dansk had a 2.82 goals-against-average and a save percentage of .910 with Brynäs. He also won a silver medal with Sweden at the 2012 IIHF Under-18 World Championships.

Dansk has previously played in North America with the storied Shattuck-St. Mary's program in Minnesota, which has produced hockey superstars such as Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby, New Jersey Devils left wing Zach Parise and Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews.

Elite Prospects describes Dansk as "A very agile goalie with a large frame. Plays a hybrid style of play. Solid technical skills and is also strong mentally. Uses his size to his advantage and cuts off angles well. A good competitor."

The Otters also selected Russian defenseman Artem Kuleshov with the 63rd overall pick in the draft. Born April 20, 1995, the 6-foot-3, 195-pound Kuleshov was also a first round pick in the Kontinental Hockey League. Kuleshov went 27th overall to Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod. The left-handed shooting Kuleshov is eligible for the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

Otters scout Scott Halpenny describes Kuleshov as a "big, strong and an excellent skater. (He) has pro size, skating, and skills. (He) also possesses tremendous vision and puck moving skills. Coming to North America should help him add some urgency, edge and physicality to his game, which are what he requires. If he is able to make that progress, he should be an excellent NHL draft prospect."

The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Moncton Wildcats used the first overall pick to select Russia left wing Ivan Barbashev. The Prince Albert Raiders of the Western Hockey League selected German left wing Leon Draisaitl with the second overall pick.
 
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