Meet The Top 10 Picks From The 2024 WHL Prospects Draft
A breakdown of the top ten players selected in this year's WHL Prospects Draft.
Photo by Jordan Martin/CSSHL - Meet The Top 10 Picks From The 2024 WHL Prospects DraftThe WHL Prospects Draft is an excellent opportunity to see what the future of hockey looks like. Every year, elite talent is selected throughout the 15 rounds as teams look for the next wave of WHL stars. With this in mind, here is a look at which prospects were selected in the top ten and what sort of impact they may have in the future.
Player Rankings Provided By Puck Preps:
1st Overall: Defenceman Landon DuPont, Everett Silvertips
Puck Preps Ranking: 1st
It's no surprise that Landon DuPont was drafted first overall by the Everett Silvertips. The 14-year-old defenceman became the second player ever in the WHL to be granted exceptional status after recording 62 points in 30 games at the U18 level. An elite skater who can control the game better than any other defenceman his age, he has the potential to be a superstar in the WHL.
2nd Overall: Defenceman Brock Cripps, Prince Albert Raiders
Puck Preps Ranking: 11th
With the second overall pick, the Prince Albert Raiders selected Brock Cripps from St. George's School U15 Prep. What makes Cripps unique is his playmaking ability, as evident by his 45 assists in 26 games this season. Listed at 5'11", 148 pounds, he has the potential to develop into one of the WHL's best power play quarterbacks.
3rd Overall: Defenceman Aden Bouchard, Tri-City Americans
Puck Preps Ranking: 17th
At third overall, the Tri-City Americans selected Aden Bouchard from Edge School U15 Prep. Listed at 6'0", 162 pounds, Bouchard had 27 assists and 36 points this year at the U15 level. An intelligent player who understands when to jump into the rush, he is an exciting prospect who could develop into a top-pairing player in the next few seasons.
4th Overall: Center Ben Harvey, Prince Albert Raiders
Puck Preps Ranking: 10th
With their second pick in the first round, Prince Albert went with center Ben Harvey from Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep. Listed at 5'8", 164 pounds, Harvey led his team in both assists with 33 and points with 52. Named to the CSSHL U15 (Prairie) First All-Star Team, he showed he can deliver in big moments, as he helped lead Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep to a championship this season.
5th Overall: Center Kayden Stroeder, Edmonton Oil Kings
Puck Preps Ranking: 9th
With the fifth pick, the Edmonton Oil Kings selected Kayden Stroeder from the Humboldt Broncos U15 AA. Stroeder dominated the SAAHL U15 with 58 goals and 127 points in 27 games. A dangerous player when the puck is on his stick, he should develop into a power play threat at the WHL level.
6th Overall: Defenceman Calder Hamilton, Calgary Hitmen
Puck Preps Ranking: 5th
At sixth overall, the Calgary Hitmen selected Calder Hamilton from the Martensville Marauders U15 AA. A dynamic, offensive defenceman, Hamilton led all defenders in the SAAHL U15 with 86 points in 28 games. Whether it is jumping up in the rush or finding open teammates in the offensive zone, he has the potential to rack up points from the blue line throughout his career with the Hitmen.
7th Overall: Center Ossie McIntyre, Spokane Chiefs
Puck Preps Ranking: 13th
With the seventh overall pick, the Spokane Chiefs selected Ossie McIntyre from the St. Albert Sabres U15 AAA. McIntyre had a season to remember in the AEHL U15 as he led the league in goals (55), assists (49) and points (104). Expect plenty of highlight reel moments from McIntyre as if given time and space, he can burn the opposition and put the puck in the net.
8th Overall: Center Jacob Schwartz, Victoria Royals
Puck Preps Ranking: 14th
At eighth overall, the Victoria Royals selected Jacob Schwartz from St. George's School U15 Prep. Listed at 5'7", 145 pounds, Schwartz finished the season with 56 points in 26 games. A player who understands how to create space for himself, his ability to connect on one-timers makes him a dangerous threat in the offensive zone.
9th Overall: Defenceman Owen Hayden, Kelowna Rockets
Puck Preps Ranking: 53rd
With the ninth overall selection, the Kelowna Rockets selected Owen Hayden from the Calgary Flames U15 AAA. Listed at 6'6", 194 pounds, he had 24 points in 31 games, along with 40 penalty minutes. If he can continue to develop his offensive side, he could be a force at the WHL level in a few years.
10th Overall: Center Blake Chorney, Vancouver Giants
Puck Preps Ranking: 12th
At tenth overall, the Vancouver Giants selected Blake Chorney from Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep. Listed at 5'10", 182 pounds, he had 42 points in 24 games before recording 12 points in five playoff games. A player who isn't afraid to shoot the puck, he is also a strong playmaker who is dangerous on the power play.
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