Marc McNulty usually doesn't pay much attention to the NHL Entry Draft.
But, the Prince George Cougars defenceman will likely cast more than a passing glance at the TV on Sunday during the 2013 edition of the draft in Newark, New Jersey, because it's possible he'll hear his own name. Unlike his Cougars' teammate Troy Bourke who attended the 2012 draft in Pittsburgh, where he was picked by the Colorado Avalanche, McNulty will be at his family home in Medicine Hat, Alta.
"There's a bunch of guys that I've played against that will be on TV so I think maybe I'll watch it a little closer this year," said McNulty.
Western Hockey League players projected as first-round selections are Seth Jones (Portland), Hunter Shinkaruk (Medicine Hat), Mirco Mueller (Everett), Shea Theodore (Seattle), Ryan Pulock (Brandon), Curtis Lazar (Edmonton), Morgan Klimchuk (Regina) and Joshua Morrissey (Prince Albert).
McNulty may also keep an eye on the TV and social media to see if his name is called out during the draft. The 18-year-old was listed in the final NHL Central Scouting rankings at 105th for North American born skaters.
"If my name gets called great, but if it doesn't I'm prepared for that as well," said McNulty.
At six-foot-six McNulty has stood out to many NHL teams on the lookout for a big defenceman with strong skating skills. Since the Cougars were eliminated from the WHL playoffs in March, McNulty said he has worked on adding some muscle and strength to his lanky frame.
He said he's up to 196 pounds already and would like to hit 200 before training camp in August.
"I'm working out, sometimes twice a day, doing whatever I can to make it happen," said McNulty.
In 52 games with the Cougars last season, McNulty produced eight goals and 15 points. He played 21 games in Prince George during the 2011-12 season.
McNulty isn't the only Prince George hockey player who may hear his name called in Newark. Cougars teammates Zach Pochiro and Brett Zarowny, as well as Spruce Kings defenceman Kevin Guiltinan were also listed.
Pochiro, a crafty centre, was third in Cats scoring last season with 15 goals and 39 points in 65 games. The 19-year-old from Las Vegas was listed at 173rd for North American skaters.
Zarowny, recorded three shutouts in his rookie season with the Cougars, playing in 31 games with a 9-19 record. The 18-year-old struggled in the second half of the season as he recovered from post-concussion syndrome. Zarowny was ranked 29th among North American goalies.
"It's even more exciting when you have teammates that are in the same position," said McNulty.
Guiltinan, a native of London, Ont., split last season between the Vernon Vipers and Spruce Kings in the BCHL. In 48 games the 18-year-old had three assists and 100 penalty minutes. He was listed at 162nd for North American skaters.
