2024 WHL Draft Results

Round 1

The 2024 WHL Draft has future NHL talent on display. Find out who went to what WHL team and our grades for all 22 first round picks.

Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: May 15, 2024.

1. Everett Silvertips: Landon DuPont, D, (2027) A+ Grade
   
   
   The Everett Silvertips got this pick from the Kamloops Blazers in the Owen Zellweger trade that sent two first round picks to the Kamloops Blazers for WHL Defenseman of the year Owen Zellweger. With the Kamloops Blazers winning the 2024 WHL Draft Lottery, that put the Everett Silvertips in prime position to pick first overall in the 2024 WHL Draft.
   
   
   
   The 5-10 172 lb Landon DuPont had 15 goals, 32 assists, and 47 points in 27 games with the Edge Prepwork Under 15 Team in the CSSHL in 2022-2023. Landon DuPont had 3 goals, 3 assists, and 6 points in 4 games during the 2023 CSU15 Playoffs. This is a big reason why Landon DuPont entered this season as the best teenage hockey player in the country, the overwhelming favorite to go first overall, in the 2024 WHL Draft, and the early favorite to go first overall in the 2027 NHL Entry Draft.
   
   
   
   Landon DuPont had 19 goals, 43 assists, and 62 points in 30 games with the Edge Prepwork Under 18 Team as an alternate captain in the CSSHL in 2023-2024. Landon DuPont had 5 goals, 11 assists, and 16 points in 5 games during the 2024 CSSHL Playoffs. Landon DuPont earned the following awards, the CSSHL U18 Top Defenseman, the CSSHL U18 Playoff MVP, CSSHL U18 Champion, CSSHL First-Team All Star, and he was third in CSSHL U18 Scoring this past season. Landon DuPont had more points per game than 2022 WHL Draft top pick Gavin McKenna with Connor Bedard and Matthew Savoie as the only other WHL Draft picks to go first overall with higher points per game totals than Landon DuPont after DuPont recorded 2.07 PPG in 2023-2024.
   
   
   
   Landon DuPont improved as expected as his skating and edgework is similar to first line defensemen in the NHL like Miro Heiskanen, Cale Makar, and Quinn Hughes who are arguably the top three defensemen in the Western Conference. His father Micki DuPont won the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy for the top WHL Defenseman in 2000 and Landon may win that award like his father too one day as Landon DuPont is the second WHL player with exceptional status behind Connor Bedard. Landon DuPont is the first WHL defenseman to get exceptional status and he's the second defenseman behind Aaron Ekblad in the OHL to get exceptional status to play in the CHL.
   
   
   
   Landon DuPont talked about keeping his head up on a swivel. He seems confident and certain of himself as a person.
   
   
   
   Landon DuPont has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Landon DuPont has elite edgework and skating according to Taylor Green whose the president of hockey operations in the WHL. Taylor Green also added that he expects Landon DuPont to be a first line defenseman and number one defenseman right out of the gate and I agree.
   
   
   
   "We're very happy, very fortunate, we've been looking at Landon for a few years and we're very happy to add him to our group. As Taylor mentioned he's a dynamic player such great skating and edges, scoring ability, and I liked Taylor Green's point as he's an underrated defender. He's the complete package as well as the whole package. Very mature young man. Very easy to talk to. He handles himself so well on and off the ice. We have a strong d core, and Landon DuPont fills into that group quite nicely." Mike Fraser assistant general manager of the Everett Silvertips.
   
   
   
2. Prince Albert Raiders: Brock Cripps, D, (2027) A+ Grade
   
   
   The Seattle Thunderbirds originally owned this pick in the 2024 WHL Draft, but traded this pick to the Pirnce Albert Raiders. The Prince Albert Raiders got Brock Cripps the clear cut second best overall player in the 2024 WHL Draft behind Landon DuPont. Prince Albert will have a first line defense featuring Brock Cripps and Daxon Rudolph on the top pairing of the Prince Albert Raiders blue line.
   
   
   
   The 5-10 148 lb Brock Cripps had 4 goals, 34 assists, and 38 points in 26 games on the St. George's Under 15 Prep Team in the CSSHL in 2022-2023. Brock Cripps also had 0 goals, 3 assists, and 3 points in 3 games during the 2023 CSSHL Playoffs. Brock Cripps had 25 goals, 45 assists, and 70 points as the team captain on the St. George's Under 15 Prep Team in 26 games on the St. George's Under 15 Prep Team in the CSSHL in 2023-2024. Brock Cripps had 3 goals, 8 assists, and 11 points in 4 games for the St. George's Under 15 Prep Team in the 2024 CSSHL Playoffs.
   
   
   
   Brock Cripps has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Brock Cripps is the best prospect in the 2024 WHL Draft not named Landon DuPont.
   
   
   
   "Brock Cripps is the second best player on the board. I think that makes a lot of sense to pair him with Daxon Rudolph. A big strong defenseman, very capable two-way game. Brock Cripps is that high octane swashbuckling type of player that gives you flash on the backend." Taylor Green on Brock Cripps.
   
   
   
   Brock Cripps described himself as a two-way defenseman that can be a offensive defenseman or defensive defenseman. He can also play on the power play. Brock Cripps has the following awards as he finished first in CSSHL U15 Scoring, CSSHL U15 MVP, CSSHL U15 Top Defenseman, CSSHUL U15 First Team All-Star.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Tri-City Americans: Aden Bouchard, D, (2027) A+ Grade
   
   
   I trust Tri-City Americans GM Bob Tory who we had on the podcast a few years ago when Michael Rasmussen and Jusso Vallimaki were draft eligible. Tory is recreating that. Four years ago Tory drafted Lukas Dragicevic the top defenseman in the 2020 WHL Draft. Two years ago, Tory drafted Jordan Gavin in the 2021 WHL Draft who is the top WHL player in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Jackson Smith went second overall in the 2022 WHL Draft two years ago. Last year Bob Tory drafted the top defenseman in the 2023 WHL Draft for the second time in three years with Cruz Pavano. Assistant GM Roy Stasuik helped Bob Tory scout this guy and praised Jackson Smith for his edge control, quickness, and ability to move the puck. Stasuik announced Cruz Pavao as the Tri-City Americans 2023 first round pick in the 2023 WHL Draft. This year, the Tri-City Americans took Aden Bouchard taking the top defenseman on the board for the third time in four years by selecting Aden Bouchard.
   
   
   
   Assistant GM Roy Stasuik praised Aden Bouchard by saying, "We're really excited about Aden. We look at where we're at. We are happy with our forwards, so we focused on defense. Aden is a defenseman that we think can step in on defense and step in with Jackson Smith and Cruz Pavao. We're excited about bringing good people into our dressing room. We've got some real good leaders in the room, we got some real good kids in the room and Aden Bouchard will fit right in."
   
   
   
   The 6-0 162 lb Aden Bouchard had 9 goals, 27 assists, and 36 points in 27 games of Bantam for Edge School Under 15 Prep Team also known as Edge Academy in the CSSHL in 2023-2024. Aden Bouchard had 2 goals, 8 assists, and 10 points in 5 games during the 2024 CSSHL Playoffs.
   
   
   
   "Landon DuPont was the star of the Edge Under 18 Team and Aden Bouchard would have been the star of the Edge Under 15 Team. Already six feet, big strong, has a developed two-way game. His hearbeat never raises too high he keeps a pretty low pulse and a pretty calm heartbeat." That's what Taylor Green had to say about Aden Bouchard.
   
   
   
   Aden Bouchard was one of two standouts on the Edge School Under 15 Prep Team taking over for Cruz Pavao. Now Aden Bouchard and Cruz Pavao are teammates on the Tri-City Americans.
   
   
   
   Aden Bouchard has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Aden Bouchard went to Edge Academy just like Tri-City's 2022 first round pick Jackson Smith and their 2023 first round pick Cruz Pavao. Tri-City had Lukas Dragicevic, Jackson Smith, and Cruz Pavao as their top three defenseman last year. This year, Tri-City will have Jackson Smith, Cruz Pavao, and Aden Bouchard with Bouchard potentially playing on the first line with Jackson Smith instead of Cruz Pavao. Roy Stasuik and Bob Tory seem very confident with the team their building.
   
   
   
4. Prince Albert Raiders: Ben Harvey, C, (2027) A+ Grade
   
   
   The Prince Albert Raiders trade the ninth pick, fifty seventh pick, and a 2025 fifth round pick to move up to four for this pick after making a trade with the Kelowna Rockets. The Prince Albert Raiders selected Ben Harvey here fourth overall.
   
   
   
   The 5-8 164 lb Ben Harvey had 9 goals, 20 assists, and 29 points in 30 games at Northern Alberta Xtreme Under 15 Team in 2022-2023. Ben Harvey had 0 goals, 4 assists, and 4 points in 5 games for Northern Alberta Extreme in the 2023 CSSHL Playoffs. Ben Harvey had 19 goals, 33 assists, and 52 points in 27 games with the Northern Alberta Xtreme Under 15 Team in 2023-2024. Ben Harvey had 6 goals, 5 assists, and 11 points with the Northern Alberta Xtreme Under 15 Team in the 2024 CSSHL Playoffs.
   
   
   
   Ben Harvey has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Taylor Green called Ben Harvey the most intelligent player in the 2024 WHL Draft saying he did everything for NAX this year. He scored a lot of beautiful goals this year. He's a quick player with an engine. You see that high two-way intelligence on both offense and defense.
   
   
   
   "He has that trait you want to have in a player. He carries himself with the intelligence and character you'd like to have a player. He's someone you want when it comes to winning a championship. He can play at the wing, he can play at center. He can play a 200 foot game. He has the hockey IQ to make others around him better." That's what Bruno Zarrillo the director of scouting for the Prince Albert Raiders said about Ben Harvey.
   
   
   
   
   
5. Edmonton Oil Kings: Kayden Stroeder, C, (2027) A+ Grade
   
   
   The 5-8 129 lb Kayden Stroeder had 58 goals, 69 assists, and 127 points, in 30 games with the Humboldt Broncos Under 15 AA Team in 2023-2024. Kayden Stroeder also had 12 goals, 13 assists, and 25 points in 8 games with the Humboldt Broncos Under 15 Prep Team during the 2024 SAAHL Playoffs.
   
   
   
   Kayden Stroeder has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. This is a guy who can play all three zones at a high level.
   
   
   
   "We're very excited to be adding Kayden to our organization. We see a player with the potential to be an all-around centreman and has a dynamic side offensively as well. Yeah, in terms of the fit, his skill set is pretty multi-faceted. He can take things into his own hands finishing. He's creative, but direct. His intensity and competitiveness will fit in this group." Michael Chan director of scouting for the Edmonton Oil Kings.
   
   
   
6. Calgary Hitmen: Calder Hamilton, D, (2027) A+ Grade
   
   
   The 5-9 135 lb Calder Hamilton had 3 goals, 28 assists, and 31 points in 30 games with the Martensville Marauders Under 15 AAA Team in 2022-2023. Calder Hamilton had 35 goals, 51 assists, and 86 points in 26 games with the Martensville Marauders Under 15 AAA Team in 2023-2024. Calder Hamilton had 7 goals, 17 assists, and 24 points in the 2024 SAAHL Playoffs.
   
   
   
   Calder Hamilton has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Calder Hamilton can develop into a first line defenseman for the Calgary Hitmen down the road and this is a team that is already stout defensively as Calgary has Carter Yakemchuk, a projected first round pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.
   
   
   
   Taylor Green called Calder Hamilton another smooth skating defenseman. We're seeing another theme with these 2009 born defenseman who have fantastic edgework and skating. Calder might be the best one of all of them as Calder put up record numbers in the SAAHL. He wants to be the catalyst on offense.
   
   
   
   "Calder is a really exciting player that we're thrilled to add to our group. He is mobile, one of the smoothest skaters in the draft. He impacts all areas of the game. He's a competitive player who defends extremely well. Has great instincts with the puck. We believe he's a complete defenseman. Calder fits in really well in this group. He's a really talented player and he's a great person to add to our group. We're trying to build an identity of a team that really is an impressive team that has enough an offensive mindset to play against. He's gonna contribute offensively for us." Cass Bruni Alberta Scout who reportedly got promoted to assistant GM for the Calgary Hitmen.
   
   
   
   
   
7. Spokane Chiefs: Ossie McIntyre, C, (2027) A+ Grade
   
   
   The 5-7 138 lb Ossie McIntyre had 55 goals, 49 assists, and 104 points in 34 games with the St. Albert Sabres Under 15 AAA Team in the AEHL in 2023-2024. Ossie McIntyre had 8 goals, 4 assists, and 12 points in 4 games during the 2024 AAHL Playoffs.
   
   
   
   Despite being only 15, Ossie McIntyre has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, stick handling, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Ossie McIntyre was described as the most exciting player to watch in the draft. Another high energy offensive player. He wants to make a difference on every shift. When he has the puck on his stick he wants to get into the offensive zone and make plays. He led the AAHL in scoring by 40 points and led the AAHL in goals by 22 goals. He dominated that league despite being a smaller player. He's a high octane player that can also be a playmaker.
   
   
   
8. Victoria Royals: Jacob Schwartz, C, (2027) A+ Grade
   
   
   The 5-7 145 lb Jacob Schwartz had 30 goals, 26 assists, and 56 points St. George's Under 15 Prep Team in the CSSHL in 2023-2024. Jacob Schwartz had 5 goals, 4 assists, and 9 points in 4 games in the 2024 CSSHL Playoffs.
   
   
   
   Jacob Schwartz has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. He can play in all three zones dominating in the offensive, defensive, and neutral zones. Jacob Schwartz is a center, but he's versatile enough to play either left winger or right winger as a two-way forward.
   
   
   
   He was the best forward in the British Columbia area. He played on the first line and played on the power play. He plays fast. Victoria believes they got a guy with the ability to be a first line center in the Western Hockey League.
   
   
   
   
   
9. Kelowna Rockets: Owen Hayden, D, (2027) A+ Grade
   
   
   The 6-6 194 lb Owen Hayden had 1 goal, 23 assists, and 24 points in 30 games with the Calgary Northwest Flames Under 15 AAA Team in 2023-2024. Owen Hayden had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points in the 2024 AEHL Playoffs.
   
   
   
   Owen Hayden has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Owen Hayden can come in and learn and help this team enter a win now mode as he's someone who will get the chance to contribute next season upon turning 16 since he's the rawest player in the top 10 despite having amazing size for a 15-year-old defenseman.
   
   
   
10. Vancouver Giants: Blake Chorney, C, (2027) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-10 182 lb Blake Chorney had 19 goals, 23 assists, and 42 points in 24 games with the Northern Alberta Xtreme Under 15 Prep team against older players in the CSSHL in 2023-2024. Blake Chorney had 5 goals, 7 assists, and 12 points in 5 games during the 2024 CSSHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Blake Chorney has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. "He was extremely productive. He's got an excellent shot. He was second in playoff scoring. I love the shot, offensive ability, and hard work." Taylor Green on Blake Chorney.
    
    
    
    
    
11. Seattle Thunderbirds: Brock England, C, (2027) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-10 156 lb Brock England had 18 goals, 22 assists, and 40 points with the Edge Under 15 AAA Team in the CSSHL in 2023-2024. Brock England had 2 goals, 2 assists, and 4 points in the 2024 CSSHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Brock England has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Brock England is the best faceoff center in the 2024 WHL Draft winning 51% percent of faceoffs in the offensive zone, 57% percent of faceoffs in the neutral zone, and 52% of faceoffs in the defensive zone.
    
    
    
    "Brock England has great straightline speed and he's very dynamic entering the zone. He's adept as a passer and a shooter as he can impact the game at both ends. He has that ability to Brock England is very fast and arguably the quickest player in the 2024 WHL Draft. He gives you looks on the PK he gives you looks on the power play. You can be very flexibile in how you deploy him." Taylor Green on Brock England, his third best player behind the top two players picked in the 2024 WHL Draft. Brock England was a tremendous value pick for the Seattle Thunderbirds at 11.
    
    
    
12. Wenatchee Wild: Boston Tait, D, (2027) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 6-2 166 lb Boston Tait had 11 goals, 13 assists, and 24 points with the Estevan Bruins Under 15 AA Team in 2022-2023. Boston Tait had 1 goal, 0 assists, and 1 point in 4 games in the 2023 SAAHL Playoffs. Boston Tait had 30 goals, 16 assists, and 46 points in 29 games with the Estevan Bruins Under 15 AA Team in 2023-2024. Boston Tait had 1 goal, 2 assists, and 3 points in 3 games during the 2024 SAAHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    He can play physical and win battles along the wall. He's a defenseman that moves well and can win battles on both ends.
    
    
    
    Wenatchee feels they are getting a cornerstone defenseman with this pick. This wasn't a very long discussion upon finding out that Boston Tait was available.
    
    
    
    
    
13. Lethbridge Hurricanes: Tyden Lafournaise, C, (2027) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-11 168 lb Tyden Lafournaise had 66 goals, 60 assists, and 126 points in 32 games with the Winnipeg Bruins Under 15 Gold AAA Team in the Winnipeg AAA Hockey League also known as the WAAA in 2023-2024. Tyden Lafournaise had 13 goals, 10 assists, and 23 points in 7 playoff games in the 2024 WAAA Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Tyden Lafournaise was the team captain on the Winnipeg Bruins Under 15 Gold AAA Hockey Team. He was also th best player in Manitoba.
    
    
    
    "Tyden Lafournaise is a productive player. He's got an all-around offensive toolkit as he can elevate the teammate around him. Has an elite shot and an elite stride." Taylor Green who did an awesome job with his WHL draft evaluations.
    
    
    
    Tyden Lafournaise has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Tyden Lafournaise is another gem in the 2024 WHL Draft.
    
    
    
    "Our needs were to get bigger. Tyden Lafournaise was a player we had been targeting for most of the draft process. Did we think we would get him at 13? No, we did not think we would get him at 13. This is my last draft and this was the guy I was targeting." Rob MacLachlan head scout of the Lethbridge Hurricanes on Tyden Lafournaise.
    
    
    
14. Brandon Wheat Kings: Chase Surkan, LW, (2027) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-5 145 lb Chase Surkan had 33 goals, 28 assists, and 61 points in 29 games with the Regina Pat Blues Under 15 AA Team in the SAAHL in 2022-2023. Chase Surkan also had 4 goals, 6 assists, and 10 points in 9 games during the 2023 SAAHL Playoffs. Chase Surkan had 73 goals, 62 assists, and 135 points in 27 games with the Regina Pat Blues Under 15 AA Team in the SAAHL in 2023-2024. Chase Surkan also had 12 goals, 20 assists, and 32 points in 9 games during the 2024 SAAHL Playoffs
    
    
    
    Chase Surkan has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. He's quick, shifty, and can be a difference maker at left winger.
    
    
    
    "Chase Surkan is the most productive player in the 2024 WHL Draft. He had 135 points in 27 games. This is a big time player that can really drive and produce offense. He has great hands and great feel for the game. He has a knack for getting shots off." Taylor Green on Chase Surkan.
    
    
    
    The 2024 WHL Draft is a pretty historic one. Landon DuPont was the first CSSHL U18 Underage Defenseman before being drafted first overall by the Everett Silvertips in the 2024 WHL Draft, Brock Cripps had the most points in CSSHL U15 History by a defenseman before being drafted second overall by the Prince Albert Raiders in the 2024 WHL Draft, Calder Hamilton had the most points in SAAHL U15 History by a defenseman and went sixth overall to the Calgary Hitman in the 2024 WHL Draft, and Chase Surkan had the most points in SAAHL U15 in the last two decades and fell to the Brandon Wheat Kings at 14 as the Brandon Wheat Kings got perhaps the biggest steal in the first round of the 2024 WHL Draft.
    
    
    
    "This kid, every time he got the puck he makes you sit in your chair. Very creative very competitive kid. When his team needed something he stepped up. When he was in the playoffs he played at another level that he excelled to. With the group we have moving forward, its another skilled smart hockey forward that allows us to be successful in the future." Chris Moulton Director of Hockey Operations for the Brandon Wheat Kings. Moulton announced Chase Surkan as the fourteenth overall pick in the 2024 WHL Draft.
    
    
    
    
    
15. Red Deer Rebels: Graeme Pickering, D, (2027) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-9 144 lb Graeme Pickering had 7 goals, 29 assists, and 35 points in 27 games with the the Rink Hockey Academy Under 15 Prep Team in the CSSHL in 2023-2024. Graeme Pickering had 2 goals, 1 assist, and 3 points in 2 games in the 2024 CSSHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Graeme Pickering has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Graeme Pickering is the younger brother of Pittsburgh Penguins 2022 first round pick Owen Pickering.
    
    
    
    "He's gonna bring some of those same tools Owen Pickering brought to the WHL. He's also more physically developed at this age than his older brother than when Owen Pickering first entered the WHL. This is a guy that's really smooth that can do it all. He's the epitome of a two-way defenseman. Moves the puck extremely well. Confident in between the blue lines in transitionining. Able to impose his will on the game too. Great competitor. Can exercise a level of calm when the moment gets big. Can play all three zones. Red Deer is getting a defenseman that can make a big impact." Taylor Green on Graeme Pickering.
    
    
    
    "We had Graeme as a guy who can run the power play. This was a guy at the top of our board for most of the 2024 WHL Draft Process. He's a hard nosed guy. He does it all. We're really intrigued by the offensive package and the way he sees the ice." Shaun Sutter Associate GM of the Red Deer Rebels on the Red Deer Rebels drafting Graeme Pickering in the 2024 WHL Draft.
    
    
    
16. Medicine Hat Tigers: Luke Ruptash, RW, (2027) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-10 151 lb Luke Ruptash had 28 goals, 29 assists, and 57 points, in 29 games with St. Albert Sabres Under 15 AAA Team in the AEHL in 2023-2024. Luke Ruptash had 4 goals, 4 assists, and 8 points in 4 games during the 2024 AEHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Despite being only 15, Luke Ruptash has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. He's very quick and fast on his feet too. He processes the game so fast. He projects as a first line right winger in the WHL too and will push last years first round pick Liam Ruck for minutes right out of the gate, but Luke Ruptash is versatile enough to play center as well as right winger. I believe Luke Ruptash will start out as the second line right winger or second line center on the Medicine Hat Tigers.
    
    
    
    The Medicine Hat Tigers will have Gavin McKenna, Cayden Lindstrom, and Liam Ruck on their first line next year. Medicine Hat will also have Andrew Basha and Luke Ruptash on their second line. Luke Ruptash will step up in a big moment and he's got a mean streak.
    
    
    
    "We got a competitive forward. He's offensively gifted and will go to the paint." Bobby Fox director of Hockey Operations for the Medicine Hat Tigers.
    
    
    
    
    
17. Swift Current Broncos: Carter Moen, LW, (2027) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-11 154 lb Carter Moen is an exceptional skater who can skate North and South as he's someone who can defend with his feet and his stick. Carter Moen had 27 goals, 20 assists, and 47 points with the Swift Current Broncos Under 15 AA in the SAAHL in 2023-2024. Carter Moen had 7 goals, 7 assists, and 14 points in 7 games during the 2024 SAAHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Despite being only 15, Carter Moen has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Carter Moen was a local player, so the Swift Current Broncos didn't have to look very far when scouting for their first round pick in the 2024 WHL Draft. He's also the son of Travis Moen.
    
    
    
    "Yeah, it's extremely important. Carter Moen checks off a lot of boxes for us. Carter is a 200 foot player and plays extremely hard in all situations. He's very consistent and brings it every night. His offensive upside is huge." Chad Leslie WHL Executive Nominee of the year for the Swift Current Broncos.
    
    
    
18. Victoria Royals: Ludovic Perreault, C, (2027) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-8 152 lb Ludovic Perrault had 67 goals, 25 assists, and 92 points in 32 games with the Winnipeg Bruins Under 15 Gold AAA Team in the Winnipeg AAA Hockey League also known as the WAAA in 2023-2024. Ludovic Perrault had 2 goals, 2 assists, and 4 points in 2 playoff games in the 2024 WAAA Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Ludovic Perrault has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Ludovic Perrault feels like a really good value pick as he can score on the power play. He wants to grind it out among the boards.
    
    
    
    
    
19. Everett Silvertips: Mirco Dufour, C, (2027) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-6 158 lb Mirco Dufour had 31 goals, 23 assists, and 54 points in 27 games for the Edge School Under 15 Prep Team also known as Edge Academy in the CSSHL in 2022-2023. Mirco Dufour had 6 goals, 5 assists, and 11 points in 4 games during the 2023 CSSHL Playoffs. Mirco Dufour had 21 goals, 21 assists, and 42 points regressing for the Edge School Under 15 Prep Team also known as Edge Academy in 2023-2024. Mirco Dufour had 2 goals, 5 assists, and 7 points in the 2024 CSSHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    The Everett Silvertips took Landon DuPont at 1 and now grab his teammate Mirco Dufour at 19. He had an excellent season at Edge despite his numbers not matching what he did in 2022-2023.
    
    
    
    Mirco Dufour has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. He demands the puck as a center as he will drive into the zone and make something happen.
    
    
    
    "He's a shifty quick player. He's always around the net. He plays our style. He's gonna fit in to our group of forwards here." Mike Fraser assistant general manager of the Everett Silvertips. Mike Fraser announced the Everett Silvertips nineteenth overall pick in the 2024 WHL Draft.
    
    
    
20. Portland Winterhawks: Jordin St. Louis, C, (2027) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-10 140 lb Jordin St. Louis had 14 goals, 27 assists, and 41 points in in 27 games for the Edge School Under 15 Prep Team also known as Edge Academy in the CSSHL in 2023-2024. Jordin St. Louis had 5 goals, 4 assists, and 9 points in 5 games during the 2024 CSSHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Jordin St. Louis has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Jordin St. Louis did just as much on the Edge Academy as Mirco Dufoir as he's an undersized slippery forward that can be a high end offensive player.
    
    
    
    "We're really happy to add Jordin to our group. He's a really intelligent center. He makes everybody better. In the next two years we think Jordin St. Louis has really huge upside. He's an offensive player that can make big plays. He's pretty dynamic at times. He can get up and down the ice. We think he's gonna grow into his body and make an impact at 16 and 17 years old." Mike Coughlin Director Of Scouting for the Portland Winterhawks on the thought process of drafting Jordin St. Louis.
    
    
    
    
    
21. Prince George Cougars: Dade Wotherspoon, LW, (2027) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-11 179 lb Dade Wotherspoon had 53 goals, 50 assists, and 103 points in 27 games with the Martensville Marauders Under 15 Team AA in the SAAHL in 2023-2024. Dade Wotherspoon had 23 goals, 10 assists, and 33 points in 11 games during the 2024 SAAHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Dade Wotherspoon has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Dade Wotherspoon played with Calder Hamilton on the Martesnville Marauders Under 15 Team. Dade Wotherspoon led his team in playoff scoring.
    
    
    
    "His ability to score. His ability to score in the playoffs built on his ability. His performance was off the chart. He's got all the skills we want, size, ability to play offense, and two-way game. Dade Wotherspoon can be a top 6 forward for us on the first or second line down the road. He fits the model that we have." Bob Simmons Director Of Scouting Prince George Cougars. Bob seemed very enthusiastic about this pick.
    
    
    
22. Kamloops Blazers: Asher Gingras, C, (2027) A+ Grade
    
    
    The 6-1 155 lb Asher Gingras had 30 goals, 23 assists, and 53 points in 21 games with the Eastman Selects Under 15 AAA Team in the WAAA in 2023-2024. Asher Gingras had 13 goals, 6 assists, and 19 points in the 2024 WAAA Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Asher Gingras has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the WHL. Asher Gingras has junior ready size that's a prototypical two-way center. He can play in all three zones.
    
    
    
    "We're really excited to have Asher here. A smooth skating two-way forward. Puts up a lot of numbers obviously. He will fit into a top six role when he gets going. Excited to have him." Aaron keller Director of Player Personel for the Kamloops Blazers.