CHICAGO -- Western Michigan hockey recruit Chris Dienes was drafted with the second pick in the second round, 17th overall, of the United States Hockey League Entry Draft by the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders on Monday.

The USHL is the only Tier I junior hockey league in the United States and is one of the primary sources of talent for NCAA hockey.

Dienes, a 6-foot-2 defenseman, signed his National Letter of Intent with the Bronco hockey team in April. He can join the Roughriders, who are currently in the midst of a battle for the Clark Cup with the Green Bay Gamblers, next season.

Recently Dienes played in the North American Hockey League for his hometown Traverse City North Stars during the 2010-11 season. In 43 games, including playoffs, he tallied one goal and four assists and was a +10. He only took 32 penalty minutes on the season.

"Chris is a young man I have watched grow into an outstanding hockey prospect," said WMU head coach Jeff Blashill. "Chris has good size and reach. As he develops his defensive stick he will become a great defender. Chris passes the puck well an has the skating ability to get up and play and join the rush."

WMU currently has two Roughriders on their roster in Matt Tennyson and team captain Ian Slater. For the 2011-12 season the Broncos will have 19 student-athletes who played junior hockey in the USHL.