AMHERST - Although Mike Pereira does not expect to begin his professional hockey career for a few years, on Saturday he should know what organization he will play with.

Pereira, a 5-foot-11 wing who will begin his career at the University of Massachusetts in the fall, is a likely candidate to be drafted during the second day of the NHL draft on Saturday.

The draft's first round was Friday with rounds two through seven scheduled for Saturday.

Pereira was ranked as the 63rd best North American skater (non-goaltender) by the NHL's Central Scouting Service. He said it was hard after playing hockey his entire life to believe that draft day finally had arrived.

"It's pretty weird to think about at first, but it's become a reality with scouts coming to see me play," said Pereira, who participated in the NHL's scouting combine. "Not only has it been an honor, but it's been kinda fun at times. It was a good experience."

Pereira, of West Haven, Conn., who played at Avon Old Farms, had 28 goals and 36 assists in 29 games during the 2009-10 season. He led Avon to a New England prep school title. His brother Joe will be a senior at Boston University in the fall.

NHL rules allow the team that selects a player to retain his rights throughout his college career.

Regardless of whether he's selected, Pereira said he plans to be a Minuteman in the fall.

"If I get drafted it'll be great, but either way I'm going to have to get back to the grind to get ready for this upcoming fall," Pereira said. "I'm excited to experience UMass and its hockey program. There's good support up there and great crowds. I have to work hard to get in the lineup."

LEIGH SIGNS - Former UMass baseball player Bryan Leigh of Somerset, who was not selected in the Major League Baseball draft, signed a contract with the Seattle Mariners on Thursday. He will begin his career with the Pulaski Mariners of the Appalachian League.

Leigh was 6-5 with a 4.80 earned run average and 55 strikeouts in 69-1/3 innings during his senior year with the Minutemen.

He is the second former UMass player to sign during this offseason, following Nick Serino, a 37th round draft choice, who signed with the Nationals.

COACH COEN - Former UMass quarterback Liam Coen always said he hoped to be a football coach after his playing career was behind him. Coen, who owns nearly every passing record at UMass, has been hired as the quarterback coach at Brown University in Providence, R.I.

"I think he's going to do a tremendous job in the coaching community," said UMass coach Kevin Morris. "We're very happy to have him in it,"

Coen last year did some volunteer coaching at UMass and with La Salle High School in Providence.

HALL OF FAME - Former men's basketball star Marcus Camby highlights the 2010 class that will be inducted into the UMass athletic hall of fame on Sept. 10. Camby is expected to attend the event.

Recently deceased football coach Bob Pickett, Scott Hiller (men's lacrosse), Bill Gillin (cross country/track and field), Bob Hansen (baseball) and Sarah Jones (rowing) will also be inducted.

UMASS-UNH TICKETS - UMass season ticket holders and members of the school's athletic and alumni associations may purchase club-level seats for the Oct. 23 football game between the Minutemen and Wildcats at Gillette Stadium beginning at 10 a.m. Monday by calling 866-UMASS-TIX. The cost, which includes parking, is $30.

A date has not yet been determined for the start of general ticket sales.

FOOTBALL CAMP - UMass is hosting a one-night football camp July 30 for any player who will be in high school in the fall. Participation cost $40. Further information is available by calling 413-545-2026.

Matt Vautour can be reached at mvautour@gazettenet.com. Follow UMass coverage on Twitter at twitter.com/GazetteUMass. Get UMass coverage delivered in your Facebook news feed at http://www.facebook.com/GazetteUMassCoverage.