The San Jose Sharks drafted Victoria Royals defenceman Gannon Laroque in the fourth round of the National Hockey LeagueB次元官网网址檚 entry draft on Saturday.

As one of the Victoria WHL teamB次元官网网址檚 top blueliners, Laroque played more minutes than any other Royals skater last season. In a news release, the RoyalsB次元官网网址� head coach and general manager said the team is incredibly proud and happy for Laroque.

B次元官网网址淗e has incredible work ethic, moves the puck well and is extremely physical. He has a bright future ahead of him,B次元官网网址� Dan Price said.

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The release described Laroque, whoB次元官网网址檚 6B次元官网网址�2B次元官网网址� and weighs 196 pounds, as the physical playmaker that the team needed. The 103rd overall pick was also awarded as the RoyalsB次元官网网址� top defenceman for his play last season.

Being drafted is a dream come true, Laroque said, as heB次元官网网址檚 wanted to play in the NHL since his first year of novice hockey.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 excited and grateful to the Sharks organization for selecting me and giving me an opportunity,B次元官网网址� the 17-year-old said. B次元官网网址淚 recognize that being selected by San Jose is just the next step towards my ultimate goal of becoming a full-time NHL player. My work towards that goal continues tomorrow.B次元官网网址�

The Edmonton native said playing for the Royals has allowed him to be immersed in hockey and become a student of the game.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 looking forward to getting back to Victoria to work with my teammates and am excited to work with the Sharks to get to my goal of playing in the NHL,B次元官网网址� he said.

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