The Victoria Royals selected forwards from California and Texas in the Western Hockey LeagueB次元官网网址檚 U.S. priority draft on Wednesday.

The local squad took Rui Han with the seventh overall pick. The 15-year-old forward who hails from San Diego, Calif. had 20 goals and 15 assists over 20 Canadian School Sport Hockey League games.

His great speed and a quick and accurate shot make him a valuable scoring threat, said the RoyalsB次元官网网址� scouting director.

B次元官网网址淗eB次元官网网址檚 great in traffic, knows how to get to scoring areas, and demonstrates the ability to finish when he gets there,B次元官网网址� said Ed Fowler. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e looking forward to building a relationship with Rui and his family, and we feel he can become an excellent goal-scoring forward, who is also effective on the defensive side of the puck.B次元官网网址�

In the second round, Victoria went with Zach Spagnuolo of Dallas, Texas. The Royals say apart from his 6B次元官网网址�, 170-pound frame, the forwardB次元官网网址檚 versatility and 200-foot game make Spagnuolo stand out.

B次元官网网址淶ach is primarily a centre who controls the middle of the ice well and is tough to beat in the faceoff circle,B次元官网网址� Fowler said. B次元官网网址淏ut he is effective in all areas of all three zones. He is a hard worker who uses his size, power and athleticism to his advantage, and his touch with the puck is impressive.B次元官网网址�

The U.S. priority draft allows WHL teams to secure the rights to the top hockey talents from 20 American states. The Royals have the third-overall pick in the WHL prospects draft on Thursday.

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