Carter Yakemchuk Sets Calgary Hitmen Record For Goals By A Defenceman In A Single Season
On Wednesday afternoon, Yakemchuk scored his 25th goal of the season against the Edmonton Oil Kings.
Carter Yakemchuk is having a draft season to remember. On Wednesday against the Edmonton Oil Kings, the 2024 NHL Draft prospect set a new Calgary Hitmen franchise record, becoming the all-time leader in goals by a defenceman in a season. Scoring his 25th and 26th goals of the year, he passed Jake Bean, who scored 24 during the 2016-16 season.
With 26 goals on the season, Yakemchuk leads all WHL defencemen and sits one behind Zayne Parekh for the CHL lead among defenders. As for his ranking in the WHL, he sits tied for 27th with former teammate Sean Tschigerl and Everett Silvertips Ben Hemmerling. On pace for 30+ goals, he will be looking to become the third defenceman in the last decade to hit the 30-goal mark in a season.
A dynamic defender who loves to jump up in the rush, Yakemchuk is projected to be a first-round pick in this year's draft. Ranked 14th by The Hockey News' Ryan Kennedy in his mid-term rankings, the Hitmen defenceman will be looking to become the first player from Calgary's program to be drafted in the first round since Bean in 2016. Based on his position, skill level and performance this season, it is safe to say he will be hearing his name called early this June in Las Vegas.
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