Calgary, Alberta – The Western Hockey League (WHL) kicked off excitement by completing its 2025 U.S. Priority Draft, where a total of 46 young talents were selected across two thrilling rounds.

Leading the charge, the Brandon Wheat Kings impressed everyone by picking 5-foot-11 center Levi Ellingsen as the first overall draft choice. Hailing from Pasco, Washington, Ellingsen showcased his scoring prowess with an astounding 54 points in just 34 games while playing for the STAR Hockey Academy U15 Prep.

Family ties made headlines as well with not one, but three sons of former NHL players making their way into the league. Cruise Armstrong, son of NHL alum Colby Armstrong, was nabbed at the 14th overall spot by the Seattle Thunderbirds. Meanwhile, Joseph Cullen, son of hockey legend Matt Cullen, was picked 20th by the Victoria Royals. Derek Langkow, son of Daymond Langkow, was selected as the 45th pick by the Moose Jaw Warriors.

This year's draft saw a diverse representation, with players coming from 11 states, notably leading with 19 selections from Minnesota!

The 2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft featured a robust selection pool of 31 forwards, 13 defensemen, and 2 goaltenders, showcasing the incredible depth of talent ready to take the WHL by storm.

State-by-State Breakdown of Selections:

Minnesota led the way with 19 players, followed by Texas with 6, and California coming in third with 5. Arizona and Colorado each had 4, while Alaska contributed 2 picks. The remaining states included Washington (2), Kansas (1), Montana (1), North Dakota (1), and Pennsylvania (1).

Exciting First Round Highlights:

The first round boasted some phenomenal talent, including:

1. Levi Ellingsen, C, Brandon Wheat Kings - 54 points in 34 games. 2. RJ Thompson, F, Moose Jaw Warriors - 52 points in 20 games from Detroit Little Caesars. 3. Ezekiel Kaebel, F, Edmonton Oil Kings - Dominated with 112 points in 59 games.

The stakes are high for these young athletes as they aim to carve out their paths in the world of hockey, supported by the WHL's commitment to player development.

Each player not selected in this draft still has a chance to shine, remaining eligible for the WHL Prospects Draft in the second round, paving the way for new opportunities.

About the WHL:

Recognized globally as the premier development league for junior hockey players, the WHL, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, prioritizes hockey development, education, and a positive environment for all participants. With 22 member clubs, it's not just a league but a nurturing ground for future NHL stars, providing scholarships and a pathway to success.