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All 5 Saskatchewan WHL teams have players selected in NHL Draft

It's been a good weekend for at least one player from each of Saskatchewan's five WHL teams.

Howden drafted by Tampa Bay, Steele heading to Anaheim

CBC News ·
Brett Howden stands on stage with members of the Tampa Bay Lightning management team at the NHL draft in Buffalo, N.Y. on Friday June 24, 2016. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette)

It's been a good weekend for at least one player from each of Saskatchewan's five WHL teams.

The NHL draft got underway in Buffalo, N.Y., on Friday night.

Moose Jaw Warriors centre Brett Howden was selected 27th overall in the first round by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Regina Pats centre Sam Steel was selected 30th overall in the first round by the Anaheim Ducks.

Sam Steel celebrates with the Anaheim Ducks after being selected 30th overall during round one of the 2016 NHL draft. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

On Saturday, players from Saskatoon, Prince Albert and Swift Current were also picked up by NHL teams.

Saskatoon Blades defenceman Libor Hajek was selected 37th overall by Tampa Bay.

Steve Hogle, Blades president, said it was moving to watch Hajek celebrate with his family after the Czech-born import was called to the stage by the Lightning in the second round of the draft.

"Libor is such a quality guy, you almost forget what a great hockey player he is, and we're just absolutely thrilled for him," he said.

"If he plays within his skill set, he can be an outstanding defenceman. I heard them talking about him potentially being a top-four defenceman if he continues on his growth spurt."

Regina Pats star Adam Brooks was selected with the first pick in the fourth round (92nd overall) by Toronto.

Moose Jaw Warriors centre Noah Gregor was selected 111th overall by the Western Conference champion San Jose Sharks.

Prince Albert defenceman Vojtech Budik was selected 130th overall by the Buffalo Sabres.

Swift Current defenceman Maxime Lajoie was selected 133rd overall by the Ottawa Senators.

Saskatchewan players make a mark

London Knights' Matthew Tkachuk, left, goes after the puck with Brandon Wheat Kings' Kale Clague during third period CHL Memorial Cup hockey action in Red Deer, on Monday, May 23, 2016. (Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press)

In total, five Saskatchewan-born hockey players were drafted by NHL teams.

  • Brandon Wheat Kings defenceman Kale Clague (born in Regina) was selected by the Los Angeles (51st overall)
  • Spokane Chiefs centre Hudson Elynuik (born in Saskatoon) was selected by Carolina (74th overall)
  • Kamloops Blazers goalie Connor Ingram (born in Imperial) was selected by Tampa Bay (88th overall)
  • North Dakota forward Rhett Gardner (born in Moose Jaw) was selected by Dallas (116th overall)
  • Red Deer forward Brandon Hagel (born in Saskatoon) was selected by Buffalo (159th overall)

Kamloops Blazers centre Garrett Pilon, who was born in Mineola, N.Y., but considers Saskatoon his hometown, was selected by Washington (87th overall).

Corrections

  • A previous version of this story said Garrett Pilon was born in Kindersley, Sask. According to Pilon's mom, he only spent seven months in Kindersley while playing bantam hockey. However, she said Pilon spent several years living in Saskatoon and considers it to be his hometown.
    Jun 28, 2016 8:37 PM CT
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