Three Wisconsin high school stars got the thrill of a lifetime when they heard their names announced as picks in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

Former Notre Dame forward Max McCormick was chosen in the sixth round (#171 overall) by the Ottawa Senators, defenseman Aaron Harstad (Stevens Point) was picked in the seventh round (#187) by Winnipeg, and former Waupaca forward Brad Navin was drafted by Buffalo in the seventh round (#197).

McCormick--Wisconsin's high school Player of the Year in 2010--spent last year at Sioux City of the USHL.

"It's a lot of excitement right now," McCormick, who was at the draft, told reporters. "I'm honored to be drafted by the Ottawa Senators. It's been a dream my whole life to play in the NHL, so I'm just happy to be here and fortunate enough to be drafted. It's awesome."

McCormick scored 45 points (22g-23a) in 58 games for the Musketeers. He will attend Ohio State in the fall.

Harstad tallied 9 goals and 16 assists in 62 games for Green Bay of the USHL. The former SPASH star will attend Colorado College this fall.

Navin--who missed half the season with a knee injury--still notched 52 points (29g-23a) in 14 games for the Comets.

Navin will attend the UW this fall, joining fellow Wisconsin-born players Jake McCabe (Eau Claire) and Matt Paape (Appleton) as freshmen on the Badger squad.