WHL

Hitmen add pair of prospects in First US Prospects Draft

 

In the inaugural WHL US Prospects Draft, the Calgary Hitmen held the 11th and 34th overall selections and chose two players currently competing in the Californian bantam AAA league.

While both players currently weigh in at under 160 pounds while standing well under six feet, at just 14 years of age these young men still have time and room to grow physically and talent-wise. 

With the 11th overall pick, Calgary selected Hunter Anderson who played this season with the Los Angeles Jr. Kings Bantam AAA. With a small stature at 5-foot-7, Anderson has shown this season that there is little concern when it comes to him putting the puck in the net. His impressive 30 goals and 59 points were good for second on team scoring. 

With the latter pick, the Hitmen prioritized defensive abilities and added Briggs Orr, a right-handed blueliner competing with the San Jose Jr. Sharks AAA. The 5-foot-8 and 137-pound defender, despite posting just five goals and nine helpers in 54 games, he plays with a serious edge as he has been in his leagues’ top 10 in penalty minutes the last two campaigns. 

On Wednesday the 2020 WHL Bantam Draft Lottery also took place and it was confirmed that the Hitmen will have the 12th overall selection.