• Previous coverage: Team USA NTDP hockey player Steven Santini balances family, school while chasing dream

NEWARK, N.J. -- With around 60 friends and family members by his side, former USA Hockey's National Team Development Program defenseman Steven Santini received a rousing cheer from the hometown fans at the Prudential Center as he became the first pick by the New Jersey Devils in Sunday's 2013 NHL draft.

"I was very happy. As soon as I heard my name and got a warm welcome from the crowd, which was nice, it was a great moment for me and my family,” said Santini, who has lived in Ann Arbor and attended Pioneer High School for the past two years while playing with the NTDP.

New Jersey selected Santini in the second round with the No. 42 overall pick after trading out of the first round to acquire goaltender Cory Schneider from Vancouver.

Santini, who prognosticators had pegged as anywhere from a late first to fourth round pick, said he grew more anxious as the draft went on.

"I knew there were some trades going on. I was kind of sitting at the edge of my seat," Santini said.

Santini said he felt good in his 22 team interviews and had a good feeling about the Devils. "It's a great place. They're built off hard work and being good people and stuff like that. So I think I will fit in here."

Though Santini donned a Devils jersey and baseball cap on Sunday, the next step in his hockey career will be in the maroon and gold of Boston College where he will begin his college career in the fall.

"It might be a while before I play for the Devils, I don't know how long, but I will do anything in my power to get there as soon as possible," said Santini. "There is a lot of work between now and when I'll play in the NHL, but this is a good first step. Hopefully I will continue the path I am on and one day play in the NHL."

Santini grew up in Mahopac, New York and plenty of friends and family made the hour and twenty minute drive to Newark to throw their support behind him on Sunday. Santini hopes they’ll get the opportunity to make the drive again in the near future.

"If one day I can play with the Devils, I will be right here at home," Santini said. "New York sports fans are the best I know that first hand, so I am very excited to hopefully one day have the opportunity to play in New Jersey."

More NTDP selections

Seth Jones, D: Nashville Predators, Round 1, No. 4

Micheal McCarron, RW: Montreal Canadiens, Round 1, No. 25

J.T. Compher, LW: Buffalo Sabers, Round 2, No. 35**

Steven Santini, D: New Jersey Devils, Round 2, No. 42

Thomas Vanelli, D: St. Louis Blues, Round 2, No. 47

John Hayden, C: Chicago Blackhawks, Round 3, No. 74

Keaton Thompson, D: Anaheim Ducks, Round 3, No. 87

Andrew Copp, C: Winnipeg Jets, Round 4, No. 104***

Hudson Fasching, RW: Los Angeles Kings, Round 4, No. 118

Tyler Motte, C: Chicago Blackhawks, Round 4, No. 121**

Will Butcher, D: Colorado Avalanche, Round 5, No. 123

Connor Clifton, D: Phoenix Coyotes, Round 5, No. 133

Gage Ausmus, D: San Jose Sharks, Round 5, No. 151

Sean Malone, C: Buffalo Sabres, Round 6, No. 159

Anthony Louis, C: Chicago Blackhawks, Round 6, No. 181

*Former NTDP player
**Current or future University of Michigan player

Joseph Tobiankski is a freelance photojournalist for AnnArbor.com.