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WHL Spokane Chiefs

Chiefs Select F Brody Gillespie First Overall in WHL U.S. Priority Draft, F Nathan Chorlton in Second Round

May 10, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release


Spokane, Wash. - The Spokane Chiefs selected forward Brody Gillespie with the first overall pick in the 2023 WHL U.S. Priority Draft on Wednesday, followed by forward Nathan Chorlton in the second round (24th overall).

Gillespie, a six-foot forward out of Vancouver, Washington, spent the 2022-23 season with RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna U15 Prep where he finished as the third-highest scorer on his team after piling up 100 points in 61 games (45G-55A). He tacked on another pair of goals and assists for four points over five playoff games. Gillespie finished the season ranked within the top ten skaters in the CSSHL through 28 league games (26G-28A) and averaged 1.93 points per game.

Prior to that, Gillespie played 38 games with the Wenatchee Wolverines 14U AAA squad in 2021-22, where he put in a steady 39 points on 27 goals and 12 assists.

"Brody is a very complete player who adds an element of skill, speed, size and energy to our lineup," Spokane Chiefs Director of U.S. Scouting George Ross said. "We couldn't be more excited to add him to our group."

Chorlton, a five-foot-seven forward hailing from Hastings, Minnesota, spent the 2022-23 season with Cretin-Derham Hall / Minnesota Generals 14U AAA. In 31 high school games at CDH, Chorlton posted 16 points on six goals and 10 assists, including an overtime game-winning goal in his squad's first win of the season. The Generals competed at the 15U World Selects Invitational in April, with Chorlton chipping in seven points in seven games (4G-3A).

"Nate is a dynamic skater, extremely intelligent hockey player and a first-class young man," Spokane Chiefs Minnesota Scout Brandon Swersey said. "We are extremely excited to have him as part of our organization."

The Chiefs will continue their selection process in tomorrow's WHL Prospects Draft, set to start at 9 a.m.

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