Seattle Thunderbirds to select first overall in 2021 WHL U S Priority Draft – WHL Network whl.ca - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from whl.ca Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
2020-21 WHL Season Review: Victoria Royals
Prior to the Pandemic
Having been in the mix for the B.C. Division lead at the halfway point of the 2019-20 campaign, the Royals elected to go all-in at the trade deadline as they acquired Anaheim Ducks first round pick Brayden Tracey from the Moose Jaw Warriors.
Despite that move, the Royals ended up hovering around the .500 mark after the trade as they dealt with a number of injuries in the final two months. They were set to face the Vancouver Giants in an intriguing opening round matchup before COVID-19 brought everything to a halt.
Prince Albert Daily Herald
The Prince Albert Raiders will be adding two American prospects to their depth chart in relatively short order in December.
The team was the second ball to be revealed in Thursday’s WHL U.S. Priority Draft lottery, which gave them the 21st and 24th overall selections in the two-round snake draft format.
The Seattle Thunderbirds won the lottery and will have the first overall pick, but won’t pick again until the 44th and final selection on draft day, which will be on Dec. 8.
This is the second season that the U.S. Priority Draft has taken place, with the Red Deer Rebels taking forward Gracyn Sawchyn first overall in March 2020.