Top Notch's Jake Kupsky Drafted in 2015 NHL Draft
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX - Goaltender Jake Kupsky, a participant of Top Notch's inaugural year, was drafted in the National Hockey League (NHL) by the San Jose Sharks as the 193rd overall in the 7th round.
"It's very well deserved for Jake," Top Notch Director and former coach Dan Wildfong said. "The kid put in a ton of work. He's definitely an NHL prospect with his size and ability. It just shows that you can achieve your dreams if you put in the work, it doesn't matter where you're at."
Kupsky, a native of Wisconsin, played four seasons with Waukesha High School before opening the door to play junior hockey. The 6-foot-5, 210 pound goaltender had sensational statistics at the high school level and he decided to make the jump to junior hockey with the hopes of gaining an NCAA DI scholarship.
During the summer of 2014, Kupsky competed at the inaugural Top Notch Prospect Showcase and he turned some heads with his stellar weekend in net. From there, Kupsky headed north to the Dubuque Fighting Saints USHL camp and played exceptionally well, but the timing was not right for him to make the 23-man roster given Dubuque's current goaltending situation. The North American Hockey League's eventual South Division Rookie Goaltender of the Year started the season with a 10-1-1 record, which caught the attention of Union College. Kupsky was consistently a top ten netminder statistically speaking in the NAHL despite sharing the work load with Brahmas teammate TJ Black.
By the time playoffs rolled around, the 19-year-old goalie was playing some of his best hockey. Kupsky ranked third in goals against average (1.86) and save percentage (.930) while playing in the Robertson Cup Playoffs.
"Al Rooney had a lot to do with Jake's growth and handling the mental side of things, too. Jake has come a long way since his first day in Brahmaland and we are very excited for him" Wildfong said.
Kupsky finished the year going 25-7-4 with a 2.07 goals against average, a .909 save percentage, and two shutouts.
