29 Players selected in '13 CHL Import Draft

Western Hockey League clubs selected 29 players as the 2013 CHL Import Draft was held on Wednesday, July 3^rd.

The two-round draft took place online with the order of selection rotating through each of the CHL’s three leagues using an inverse order of final regular season standings from the 2012-13 season.  Each team in the CHL is permitted to carry two European import players each season who are selected annually through the CHL Import Draft.

The Vancouver Giants held the first overall pick in the 2013 CHL Import Draft, selecting defenceman Dmitri Osipov from Moscow, Russia.  The 6’1”, 179-lb rearguard was also the first overall pick in the 2013 Kontinental Hockey League Junior draft.

The Prince George Cougars used the fourth overall selection to grab 18-year-old forward David Soltes of Kosice, Slovakia.  Soltes is a right-handed shooting winger who scored 13 goals, 16 points and 60 penalty minutes in 19 games with Hockey Club Kosice U-20.

The Brandon Wheat Kings held the seventh overall selection, which they used to pick Latvian winger Rihards Bukarts.  The 17-year-old scored eighteen goals and 35 points in 62 games with HK Riga during the 2012-13 season.

The Everett Silvertips were the fourth WHL Club to pick among the Top 10, selecting Finnish winger Waltteri Hopponen.  The 17-year-old netted five goals and eight points in 18 games for the Espoo Blues Under-20 team last season.

All but two WHL clubs selected at least one player in the 2013 CHL Import Draft.  The Seattle Thunderbirds and Red Deer Rebels did not participate.

2013 CHL Import Draft Results
ROUND 1 (Pick #; WHL Club; Name; Pos; Birthplace; DOB)
1. Vancouver Giants; Dmitri Osipov; D; Moscow, RUS; April 10, 1996
4. Prince George Cougars; David Soltes; RW; Kosice, SVK; February 5, 1995
7. Brandon Wheat Kings; Rihards Bukarts; LW; Jurmala, LAT; December 31, 1995
10. Everett Silvertips; Waltteri Hopponen; LW; Espoo, FIN; February 4, 1996
16. Regina Pats; Dmitry Sinitsyn; D; Moscow, RUS; June 17, 1994
19. Moose Jaw Warriors; Alexey Sleptsov; D; Russia; February 1, 1996
22. Lethbridge Hurricanes; Kristian Khenkel; D; Belarus; November 7, 1995
25. Kootenay Ice; Rinat Valiev; D; Nizhnekamsk, RUS; May 11, 1995
28. Medicine Hat Tigers; Markus Eisenschmid; C; Marktoberdorf, GER; January 22, 1995
31. Victoria Royals; Jiri Fronk; LW; Chomutov, CZE; February 17, 1994
34. Swift Current Broncos; Julius Honka; D; Jyvaskyla, FIN; December 3, 1995
37. Prince Albert Raiders; Tomas Andrlik; D; Plzen, CZE; October 6, 1995
43. Tri-City Americans; Jakub Illes; C; Vitkovice, SVK; December 15, 1995
46. Spokane Chiefs; Adam Hascic; LWTrencin, SVK; October 28, 1996
49. Saskatoon Blades; David Nemecek; D; Plzenec, CZE; June 29, 1995
52. Calgary Hitmen; Radel Fazleyev; C; Kazan, RUS; January 7, 1996
55. Kamloops Blazers; Edson Harlacher; D; Switzerland; January 22, 1996
57. Edmonton Oil Kings; Mads Eller; LW; Rodover, DEN; June 25, 1995
59. Kelowna Rockets; Kris Schmidli; C; Switzerland; July 3, 1996
60. Portland Winterhawks; Anton Cederholm; D; Helsingborg, SWE; February 21, 1995

ROUND 2
61. Vancouver Giants; Andreas Eder; C; Bad Tolz, GER; March 20, 1996
64. Prince George Cougars; Martin Bobos; D; Kosice, SVK; January 19, 1995
70. Everett Silvertips; Ivan Nikolishin; LW; Moscow, RUS; April12, 1996
76. Regina Pats; Maximillian Kammerer; LW; Bad Tolz, GER; September 28, 1996
79. Moose Jaw Warriors; Alexander Chirva; LW; Moscow, RUS; March 25, 1996
85. Kootenay Ice; Artturi Lehkonen; LW; Piikkio, FIN; July 4, 1995
94. Swift Current Broncos; Igor Leonenko; LW; Santa Cruz, CA; February 8, 1995
106. Spokane Chiefs; Dominic Zwerger; LW; Austria; July 16, 1996
109. Saskatoon Blades; Nikita Sherbak; LW; Russia; December 30, 1995

For the complete 2013 CHL Import Draft results, CLICK HERE

CHL Import Draft: Changes & Draft Order

The Victoria Royals have the 31st overall pick...

 

2013 CHL IMPORT DRAFT TAKES PLACE WEDNESDAY,  JULY 3

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced details for the 22^nd annual CHL Import Draft which takes place on Wednesday July 3, 2013, beginning at 11:00 am Eastern. 

The two-round draft will take place online with the order of selection rotating through each of the CHL’s three leagues using an inverse order of final regular season standings within each league from the 2012-13 season.  The WHL’s Vancouver Giants hold the number one pick, followed by the OHL’s Ottawa 67’s, and the QMJHL’s Cape Breton Screaming Eagles.  

New in 2013:

-teams are no longer permitted to trade picks up to or during the CHL Import Draft process,

-only goaltenders eligible to be selected are those born in 1994 or 1995 and are only permitted to be selected during the first round.  

Each team in the CHL is permitted to dress and play a maximum of two import players each season who are selected annually through the CHL Import Draft. 

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW THE 2013 CHL IMPORT DRAFT ORDER AND RESULTS

Last season the Moncton Wildcats used the first overall pick to select Russian native Ivan Barbashev who scored 62 points in 68 games and is eligible for the 2014 NHL Draft.  Fellow 2014 NHL Draft prospect Leon Draisaitl of Germany scored 58 points in 64 games for the Prince Albert Raiders after being selected second overall in the Import Draft, while Columbus Blue Jackets goaltending prospect Oscar Dansk of Sweden was chosen third overall by the Erie Otters and played in 43 games between the pipes last season.

A total of 11 players acquired through the CHL Import Draft were recently selected in the 2013 NHL Draft including first round picks Russian defenceman Nikita Zadorov of the London Knights chosen 16^th overall by the Buffalo Sabres, and Swiss defenceman Mirco Mueller of the Everett Silvertips chosen 18^th overall by the San Jose Sharks.  Russian forward and CHL Rookie of the Year Valentin Zykov of the Baie-Comeau Drakkar was also picked in last year’s CHL Import Draft and was a second round pick of the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday in New Jersey.

Last season a total of 77 players were selected consisting of a total of 52 forwards, 17 defencemen, and 8 goaltenders.  11 different countries were also represented in the 2012 CHL Import Draft led by 20 players selected from both the Czech Republic and Russia.

The 2013 CHL Import Draft can be followed online as well as on tablet and mobile devices at www.chlimportdraft.com. 

Keegan Kanzig Draft Audio

Royals defenceman Keegan Kanzig was selected 67th overall by the Calgary Flames(third round) at the 2013 National Hockey League (NHL) Draft today.

I talked with Keegan from his home in Athabasca (just north of Edmonton) following the draft.

33 WHL PLAYERS SELECTED IN 2013 NHL

WHL PRESS RELEASE:

Newark, NJ – The Western Hockey League is proud to announce that 33 WHL players were selected in the 2013 NHL Draft on Sunday, June 30^th, at the Prudential Centre in Newark, New Jersey.

Defenceman Seth Jones of the Portland Winterhawks was the first WHL player to be selected, being chosen fourth overall by the Nashville Predators.  Jones was one of eight WHL players to be chosen in the first round of the 2013 NHL Draft, which is the most WHL players taken in the opening round since the 2009 NHL Draft when nine were chosen.

A total of 16 WHL defencemen were drafted by NHL Clubs in the 2013 NHL Draft while 12 WHL forwards and five WHL goaltenders were also selected.

101 CHL players were selected in the seven rounds of the 2013 NHL Draft, representing nearly 48% of the 211 drafted players.  A record 22 CHL players were chosen in the first round.

Since the NHL Draft’s inception in 1969, a total of 1,817 WHL players have been selected by NHL Clubs.

2013 NHL Draft, WHL Players
O/A. NHL Club – Name, Pos; Hometown; WHL Club

1^st Round
#4. Nashville Predators – Seth Jones, D; Plano, TX; Portland Winterhawks
#13. Winnipeg Jets – Josh Morrissey, D; Calgary, AB; Prince Albert Raiders
#15. New York Islanders – Ryan Pulock, D; Grandview, MB; Brandon Wheat Kings
#17. Ottawa Senators – Curtis Lazar, F; Vernon, B.C.; Edmonton Oil Kings
#18. San Jose Sharks – Mirco Mueller, D; Winterthur, SUI; Everett Silvertips
#24. Vancouver Canucks – Hunter Shinkaruk, F; Calgary, AB; Medicine Hat Tigers
#26. Anaheim Ducks – Shea Theodore, D; Langley,B.C.; Seattle Thunderbirds
#28. Calgary Flames – Morgan Klimchuk, F; Calgary, AB; Regina Pats

2^nd Round
#43. Winnipeg Jets – Nicolas Petan, F; Delta, B.C.; Portland Winterhawks
#44. Pittsburgh Penguins – Tristan Jarry, G; Delta, B.C.; Edmonton Oil Kings
#50. Columbus Blue Jackets – Dillon Heatherington, D; Calgary, AB; Swift Current Broncos
#53. Washington Capitals – Madison Bowey, D; Winnipeg, MB; Kelowna Rockets
#59. Winnipeg Jets – Eric Comrie, G; Newport Beach, CA; Tri-City Americans

3^rd Round
#67. Calgary Flames – Keegan Kanzig, D; Athabasca, AB; Victoria Royals
#72. Philadelphia Flyers – Tyrell Goulbourne, F; Edmonton, AB; Kelowna Rockets
#89. Columbus Blue Jackets – Oliver Bjorkstrand,F; Herning, DEN; Portland Winterhawks
#91. Winnipeg Jets – JC Lipon; Regina, F, SK; Kamloops Blazers

4^th Round
#93. Colorado Avalanche – Mason Geertsen, D; Rocky Rapids, AB; Vancouver Giants
#94. Edmonton Oilers – Jackson Houck, F; North Vancouver, B.C.; Vancouver Giants
#112. St. Louis Blues – Zachary Pochiro, F; Las Vegas, NV; Prince George Cougars

5^th Round
#131. Dallas Stars – Cole Ully, F; Calgary, AB; Kamloops Blazers
#135. Calgary Flames – Eric Roy, D; Beauval, SK; Brandon Wheat Kings
#139. Detroit Red Wings – Mitchell Wheaton, D; Sherwood Park, AB; Kelowna Rockets
#146. Los Angeles Kings – Patrik Bartosak, G; Koprivnice, CZE; Red Deer Rebels

6^th Round
#158. Edmonton Oilers – Ben Betker, D; Cranbrook, B.C.; Everett Silvertips
#160. New Jersey Devils – Myles Bell, F; Calgary, AB; Kelowna Rockets
#163. Phoenix Coyotes – Brendan Burke, G; Scottsdale, AZ; Portland Winterhawks
#169. Detroit Red Wings – Marc McNulty, D; Medicine Hat, AB; Prince George Cougars
#170. New York Rangers – Mackenzie Skapski, G; Abbotsford, B.C.; Kootenay Ice

7^th Round
#188. Edmonton Oilers – Greg Chase, F; Sherwood Park, AB; Calgary Hitmen
#190. Winnipeg Jets – Brenden Kichton, D; Spruce Grove, AB; Spokane Chiefs
#196. New York Islanders – Kyle Burroughs, D; Langley, B.C.; Regina Pats
#204. Washington Capitals – Tyler Lewington, D; Sherwood Park, AB; Medicine Hat Tigers

Past WHL – NHL Draft Results
A total of 33 WHL players were selected in the 2013 NHL Draft, including eight in the 1st round
A total of 32 WHL players were selected in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, including six in the 1st round.
A total of 33 WHL players were selected in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, including five in the 1st round.
A total of 43 WHL players were selected in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, including seven in the 1st round.
A total of 31 WHL players were selected in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, including five in the 1st round.
A total of 37 WHL players were selected in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, including nine in the 1st round.
A total of 37 WHL players were selected in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, including nine in the 1st round.
A total of 24 WHL players were selected in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, including four in the 1^st round.
A total of 43 WHL players were selected in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, including four in the 1^st round.

Keegan Kanzig Drafted by Flames 67th overall

ROYALS’ KEEGAN KANZIG DRAFTED BY THE CALGARY FLAMES IN 2013 NHL DRAFT!

Victoria defender selected 67^th overall.

For Immediate Release

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Victoria, BC – The Victoria Royals are proud to announce that defenceman Keegan Kanzig was selected by the Calgary Flames in the third round with the 67th overall pick today at the 2013 National Hockey League (NHL) Draft in Newark, New Jersey.

The Athabasca, AB native becomes the first Victoria player to be drafted to the NHL this year and the highest drafted player in Royals’ history. Kanzig recently completed his second season with the Royals and saw action in 70 games last year, notching seven assists and 159 minutes in penalties. Kanzig was the 14th player drafted from the Western Hockey League and 39th Canadian-born skater selected.

“It’s hard to explain the feeling,” Kanzig said from his home in Athabasca. “You could say excitement, but that really doesn’t do it justice. Calgary was one of the teams I was hoping would choose me. It’s a great organization, a great city, and it’s a great opportunity for me.”

In his two-year WHL career, Kanzig has appeared in 133 games and has registered nine assists along with 225 penalty minutes. Kanzig has also appeared in 10 games in the WHL Playoffs where he has scored one goal and posted 18 minutes in penalties. Kanzig also represented Team Pacific at the 2012 World Under-17 Hockey Championships.

The 6-5, 238 lb defenceman was selected by the Chilliwack Bruins in the 2010 WHL Bantam Draft in the first round, seventh overall. Before Kanzig joined the Royals, he played one season with the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers Midget AAA team where he skated in 31 games and posted 12 points (4g-8a) and 82 penalty minutes.

We are Royal Blue, are you? 2013-14 season ticket packages starting from $414 are on sale now! To guarantee yourself the best seats at the best prices call 250-220-7889, visit www.victoriaroyals.com, or head down to the Victoria Royals Ticketing office at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.

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For further information contact:

Corey St. Laurent

Manager of Communications and Hockey Operations Coordinator

Victoria Royals Hockey Club

250-220-2613

corey.st.laurent@victoriaroyals.com

Royals to Team Pacific U-17 Development Camp

ROYALS’ FOURSOME RECEIVES OPPORTUNITY WITH TEAM PACIFIC

Victoria’s Chaz Reddekopp and Tyler Soy invited to Team Pacific Under-17 Camp; Enio Sacilotto and Khore Elliot named to staff.

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Victoria, BC – The Victoria Royals are proud to announce that defenceman Chaz Reddekopp and forward Tyler Soy have been invited to attend the Team Pacific Under-17 Summer Development Camp while Assistant Coach Enio Sacilotto and Athletic Therapist Khore Elliott have been named to Team Pacific’s staff.

Reddekopp, a native of West Kelowna, BC played the 2012-13 hockey season with the Pursuit of Excellence Midget Team 1. The 6’2”, 200 lb defender appeared in 61 games with the team where he scored 51 points (18g-33a) and picked up 77 penalty minutes. He also appeared in one game with the Royals this past season. Reddekopp skated for Team BC at the 2012 Under-16 Western Canada Challenge Cup and helped to lead the team to a gold medal. Chaz was selected 13^th overall by Victoria in the 2012 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft.

Soy, a 5’11”, 154 lb forward spent last season with the Okanagan Hockey Academy Prep team. The Surrey, BC native led his team in scoring after he collected 99 points (38g-61a) and 16 penalty minutes in 52 games. Soy also played in seven games with the Royals notching one goal and one assist. Tyler represented BC at the 2012 Under-16 Western Canada Challenge Cup en route to a gold medal. Tyler was Victoria’s first pick of the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft, eighth overall.

Royals’ assistant coach, Enio Sacilotto, will join Team Pacific as one of the team’s assistant coaches. Sacilotto in entering his third season with Victoria after spending time with various hockey leagues around the world, which included stops in Switzerland, Italy, Norway, Denmark, England and Croatia. He has also coached in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), where he was named BCHL Coach of the Year for the 1994-95 season with the Penticton Vees.

Khore Elliott, the Royals’ athletic therapist, has been named one of Team Pacific’s athletic therapists. Elliott will enter his second season with Victoria this year. Elliott previously worked with the Canadian Under-20 Rugby team, the Victoria Salmon Kings, the BCHL’s Cowichan Valley Captials, the Westshore Rebels and at the BMO Skate Canada National Championships.

Here Comes the Blue! Season ticket packages for the 2013-14 season are on sale now! Call 250-220-7889, visit www.selectyourtickets.com, or head down to the Victoria Royals ticketing office at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre for more information.

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For further information contact:

Corey St. Laurent

Manager of Communications and Hockey Operations Coordinator

Victoria Royals Hockey Club

250-220-2613

corey.st.laurent@victoriaroyals.com