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Calgary Hitmen

Jake Virtanen and Travis Sanheim selected in the first round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft

June 27, 2014 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Calgary Hitmen News Release


Calgary, AB - The Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club is proud to announce forward Jake Virtanen and defenceman Travis Sanheim have been selected in the first round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

Virtanen was taken sixth overall by the Vancouver Canucks, while Sanheim was drafted 17th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers.

"Jake and Travis have exceptional talent and we'd like to congratulate them both on this tremendous honour, said Mike Moore, Hitmen General Manager and Vice President of Business Operations. "Jake is an explosive player who as a 17-year-old led all NHL draft eligible prospects in the WHL with 45 goals while Travis played far beyond his rookie status last season showing significant improvement from the beginning of the season, finishing the campaign as one of our top defencemen. We expect both players to be critical pieces to our success going forward."

Virtanen, a native of Abbotsford, BC, had a break-out year with the Hitmen posting a career high 71 points. The 6'1", 210-lb right winger just completed his second full season with the club. He was Calgary's first round selection in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft (1st overall).

Sanheim, a product of Elkhorn, MB, finished his rookie campaign with Calgary notching five goals and 24 assists in 67 games. The 6'3", 181-lb rearguard also finished the year plus-25. He was selected by the Hitmen in the ninth round (177 overall) in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft.

Virtanen and Sanheim become the 45th and 46th players in franchise history to be taken in the NHL Entry Draft and the highest since Karl Alzner was selected fourth overall in the 2007 by the Washington Capitals.

The NHL Entry Draft continues tomorrow with rounds two through seven at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Calgary Hitmen season tickets for the 20th anniversary season are available now at the Scotiabank Saddledome box office. In appreciation for the continued support the Hitmen receive from the community, the purchase or renewal of select 2014-15 season ticket packages will include a complimentary premium 20th anniversary jersey. For more ticket information or to order a limited edition jersey, visit www.hitmen20.com or call 403-777-4646.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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