Victoria Royals look to Arizona, Minnesota in U.S. Priority Draft

The Royals had the eighth and 30th overall selections

Jordy Cunningham
May 8, 2024 12:30 PM

web1_240508-vne-royalsusdraft_1 — The Victoria Royals are welcoming two new players to the team through the U.S. Priority Draft. (Victoria Royals)

Two up-and-coming American-born hockey players are Victoria Bound.

On Wednesday, May 8, the WHL held its annual WHL U.S. Priority Draft. In the two-round draft, the Victoria Royals held the eighth and 30th overall selections.

With their first round pick, the Royals selected forward Brayden Willis from the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes 14U. The 14-year old led his team in scoring last season with 54 points (27 goals, 27 assists) in 46 games.

Hailing from Gilbert, AZ, Willis stands at 5B次元官网网址�7B次元官网网址� and 151 pounds.

In the second round, Victoria selected defenceman Cooper Avelar from MN Walleye 14U AAA. Standing at 5B次元官网网址�7B次元官网网址�, 134 pounds from Medina, MN, he finished third on his team in points last season (three goals, seven assists).

Next for the Royals is the WHL Prospects Draft, which takes place on Thursday, May 9. The Royals once again have the eighth overall pick.

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About the Author: Jordy Cunningham

Hailing from Ladner, B.C., I have been passionate about sports, especially baseball, since I was young. In 2018, I graduated from Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops with a Bachelor of Journalism degree

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