Hurricanes Select Nine in 2021 WHL Prospects Draft
Lethbridge, AB – The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club selected nine players, including seven forwards and two defenseman, in the 2021 Western Hockey League Prospects Draft.
The Hurricanes held two pick round picks for the first time since 2012. With their first pick, the ‘Canes selected forward Miguel Marques 10th overall. The Prince George, BC product has appeared in 16 games this season with the Delta Hockey Academy U17 AAA where he has racked up 64 points (27g-37a) along with 32 penalty minutes. The 5’11, 170-pound forward totaled 15 points (7g-8a) along with six penalty minutes in six games with the St. George’s School U15 Prep.
“It’s hard to find a centre-ice man like Marques,” said Hurricanes head scout Rob MacLachlan. “He can skate, he’s a bit of a power forward and he’s someone we couldn’t go by with the pick. We’re really excited to get him at 10.”
With the 17th overall selection, the ‘Canes picked defenseman Tristen Doyle. The Winnipeg, MB product has collected 23 points (6g-17a) with 20 penalty minutes in 18 games with the Northern Alberta Xtreme U18 Prep team. Last year, he had seven points (2g-5a) along with eight penalty minutes in just four games.
“We were surprised to be able to pick Doyle at 17,” said MacLachlan. “We like the way he plays and he puts up points and can carry pucks and make plays. He’s a great skater and we see him as a Calen Addison-type player.”
In the second round (29th overall), the Hurricanes selected forward Trae Wilke from the Saskatoon Blazers U18 AAA. This season, the 5’11, 168-pound forward has totaled 17 points (7g-10a) along with 14 penalty minutes in 20 games. The Saskatoon, SK product had 27 points (13g-14a) in just four games last year with the Saskatoon Stallions U15 AA.
The ‘Canes picked Landen Ward with their fourth round pick (83rd overall). The 6’2, 190-pound forward has appeared in 21 games this season with the Lloydminster Bobcats U18 AAA team where he had picked up seven points (4g-3a) and 40 penalty minutes. Ward is the son of former NHLer Lance Ward and the brother of Brandon Wheat Kings defenseman Mason.
Lethbridge held a pair of sixth round draft picks after acquiring the 122nd overall pick from the Medicine Hat Tigers. At 118th overall, the Hurricanes picked forward Coy Pighin. The Nanton, AB product has posted 12 points (4g-8a) along with six penalty minutes in 14 games. With the 122nd overall pick, the ‘Canes selected defenseman Kale Tipler who has totaled six points (2g-4a) and 24 penalty minutes in 19 games.
With the seventh round (140th overall) pick, the ‘Canes selected forward Luke Cozens. The Whitehourse, YT product has totaled eight points (2g-6a) with four penalty minutes in 14 games with the Yale Hockey Academy U17 Prep. Luke is the younger brother of former Hurricanes captain Dylan Cozens.
The Hurricanes picked forward Lucas Minard with their eighth-round pick (162nd overall). The 5’4, 120-pound forward has collected 26 points (13g-13a) in 39 games this season with the Dallas Stars Elite 16U AAA. Last year, with the Stars Elite 14U team he had 17 points (9g-8a) in 20 games.
With their final pick in the draft, the Hurricanes selected forward Josh Evaschesen in the ninth round (184th overall). The Medicine Hat, AB product has totaled 19 points (6g-13a) with six penalty minutes in 14 games with the Edge School U16 Prep.
The Hurricanes continue their three-game homestand on Friday when they welcome the Red Deer Rebels to the ENMAX Centre at 7:00pm. Tickets are available by visiting the ENMAX Centre Ticket Centre, the Yates Memorial Theatre Ticket Centre, by calling 403-329-SEAT (7328) or online at www.lethbridgehurricanes.com.
