HOUGHTON — Incoming Michigan Tech freshman Kyle Kukkonen was selected in the sixth round of the NHL draft by the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday.

Selected with the 162nd pick, Kukkonen makes it the second incoming freshman in as many years for Michigan Tech. Last year, forward Carson Bantle, now at Wisconsin, was taken 142nd overall in the fifth round by the Arizona Coyotes.

When Kukkonen plays for Tech, he will officially become the 84th MTU player selected in the NHL draft.

Kukkonen, of Maple Grove, Minnesota, scored 31 goals and 43 assists in 23 games for Maple Grove High School in 2020-21. He led the state in assists and was second in scoring. He was named the Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year, and a finalist for Minnesota Mr. Hockey.