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11 selected in WHL's U.S. Priority Draft

By Brian McDonough, 12/08/21, 10:15AM PST

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Eleven players with Los Angeles Jr. Kings ties were selected in this year’s WHL U.S. Priority Draft. A number of those chosen were members of the club's 2019 champion Quebec International Pee Wee Tournament team.

Eleven players with Los Angeles Jr. Kings ties were selected in this year’s Western Hockey League (WHL) U.S. Priority Draft, which was conducted today (Dec. 8).

Seven players were chosen in the first round of the proceedings, including forward Nicholas Christianson (Winnipeg ICE, third overall); defenseman Roy Chung (Prince George Cougars, fourth); defenseman Ethan Weber (Saskatoon Blades, fifth); defenseman Quentin Bourne (Red Deer Rebels, eighth); forward Colin Frank (Brandon Wheat Kings, 13th); defenseman Tory Pitner (Edmonton Oil Kings, 17th); and forward Aidan Park (Calgary Hitmen, 19th).

Selected in the second round were forward Tyler Chiovetti (Moose Jaw Warriors, 23rd overall, pictured); defenseman Drake Murray (Vancouver Giants, 27th); goaltender Justin Bayers (Regina Pats, 33rd); and forward Sam Houston (Saskatoon, 40th).

Players eligible for the two-round WHL U.S. Prospects Draft were 2006-born players who reside in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

Players not selected in this year’s U.S. Prospects Draft will remain eligible to be selected in the 2021 WHL Bantam Draft, which will be held on Dec. 9, or listed by a WHL club at any time thereafter.

The WHL is widely considered one of the premier junior leagues in North America. It has developed countless players for the professional ranks, including the NHL.

Former Jr. Kings to reach the NHL through the WHL include forwards Mitch Callahan (Detroit Red Wings) and Kailer Yamamoto (Edmonton Oilers) and defenseman Ray Macias (Colorado Avalanche).

Goaltender Dustin Wolf, who was selected by the Calgary Flames in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft and is now in his first pro season with the American Hockey League’s Stockton Heat, is also a WHL graduate.