5 guys with RoughRiders' ties go in NHL draft

ReadQuite a day for the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. They had five guys selected Saturday in the 2009 National Hockey League Entry Draft.

The first guy was defenseman Mac Bennett, who has yet to see a game for Cedar Rapids. The 18-year-old from Warwick, R.I., is on the RoughRiders' initial 2009-2010 roster and is a University of Michigan commitment. He was taken by the Montreal Canadiens in the third round (79th overall).

Miami of Ohio freshman defenseman Chris Wideman was a fourth-round pick of the Ottawa Senators (100th overall). Wideman played the 2007-08 season for the RoughRiders.

Left-winger Jeff Costello also went to the Senators in the fifth round (146th overall). The 18-year-old Milwaukee resident and Notre Dame commitment scored 24 goals last season and will return for a second season with the RoughRiders.

The Senators also grabbed defenseman Michael Sdao in the seventh round. He played last season with the USHL's Lincoln Stars. Sdao's father, Tony, is part of the new ownership ground of the RoughRiders.

Finally, defenseman Paul Phillips got drafted in the seventh round by his hometown Chicago Blackhawks. Phillips played two seasons in Cedar Rapids, compiling eight goals and 25 assists last season. He will be a freshman this year at the University of Denver.

Read Sunday's Gazette for a full story and reactions from Phillips and Costello on getting drafted.