The Phoenix Coyotes today selected center Kyle Turris (3rd overall) and defenseman Nick Ross (30th overall) in the first round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft in Columbus, Ohio.

“We are excited to add two young players with exceptional talent to our organization,” said Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney. “Both Turris and Ross have great skills and we expect them to have a bright future with our organization.”

The 6-foot-1, 170-pound Turris was rated by Central Scouting as the No. 1 North American skater available in this year’s draft. The New Westminster, British Columbia native played in 53 games with Burnaby in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) and collected 66 goals, 55 assists, 121 points and 83 penalty minutes (PIM) in 2006-07.

He reached the 50-goal plateau in 39 games and had 13 multi-point games including three games with four goals. In 14 playoff games, he recorded 12-14-26.

For his performance, Turris was named as the BCHL’s Most Valuable Player. Turris also represented Team Canada at the 2007 Under-18 World Championships in Finland. Turris, 17, is expected to attend the University of Wisconsin in the fall.

“We are elated to select Kyle Turris with the third overall pick,” said Maloney. “He is a solid building block in the foundation of this franchise and we look forward to a great future for Kyle with the Coyotes.”

The Coyotes made a trade late in the first round of the draft, acquiring Edmonton’s 1st round selection (30th overall) and 2nd round selection (36th overall) in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft in exchange for the 21st overall selection in the draft.

The Coyotes used their 30th overall selection to draft Ross. A native of Edmonton, Alberta, Ross, registered 7 goals, 24 assists, 31 points and 87 PIM in 70 games for the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League (WHL) in 2006-07. The 6-foot-1, 188-pound Ross completed his third year in the WHL with the Pats. Ross, 18, was also selected as one of 40-draft-eligible players to play in the 2007 CHL Top Prospects Game.

“Nick Ross will be a great addition to our organization,” said Maloney. “He is a smart player who will add depth to our core of outstanding young talent.”

The Coyotes have seven other picks in the draft: two in the 2nd round (32nd overall, 36th overall), one in the 3rd round (63rd overall), two in the 4th round (99th overall, 103rd overall), one in the 5th round (123rd overall) and one in the 6th round (153rd overall).

Rounds 2-7 will continue on Saturday at Nationwide Arena in Columbus. For complete coverage of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, fans should log on to PhoenixCoyotes.com.  The website will have live updates of the Coyotes’ picks and will also feature video interviews with Coyotes draft selections and team management.