Herb Boxer

Herb Boxer (born June 4, 1947) is an American retired ice hockey winger. Boxer was the first U.S.-born player drafted to the NHL, when he was drafted in the 2nd round (17th overall) by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1968 NHL draft.

Professional career

College hockey

Boxer started college in Houghton, Michigan at Michigan Technological University in 1966. He had played hockey in high school and tried out for the team. His freshman year was spent on the junior team, but Boxer showed enough of his skill to make the varsity squad for his sophomore season. Playing on lines with Al Karlander and Brian Watts, Boxer amassed 24 points in the 31-game season. But he also did much more, showing his speed and skill with the puck. Focusing on his studies toward the end of the season, Boxer had no idea that anyone else had even taken notice of his abilities.

On June 13, 1968, the sixth NHL Draft took place at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal, and Herb Boxer's name was announced as the 17th player taken overall, by the Detroit Red Wings. Boxer was the first American-born player selected in the NHL draft.