Steve Konowalchuk was drafted in the third round at 58th overall by the Washington Capitals in 1991. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, becoming the first athlete born in that state to be drafted into the NHL. Prior to his selection, he was a member of the Portland Winter Hawks of the WHL.
Konowalchuk finished his first WHL season prior to that draft with a strong 92 points (43 goals, 49 assists) in 72 games. He was even better the next season with 51 goals and 53 assists (104 points) in 64 games.