Chiefs Select Forwards Connelly and McMorrow in WHL U.S. Priority Draft
December 8, 2021 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release
Spokane, Wash. - In the 2021 WHL U.S. Priority Draft on Wednesday, the Spokane Chiefs selected forwards Trevor Connelly (16th pick in the first round) and Brendan McMorrow (7th pick in the second round).
Connelly, a 6-foot, 161-pound winger from Tustin, California, spent the 2020-21 season with the Anaheim Jr. Ice Dogs (14U AAA) where he racked up 44 points over 20 games played (20G-24A). Before that, he tallied 132 points on 84 goals and 48 assists in 65 games played with the San Diego Saints (14U AA) during the 2019-20 season and 100 points (55G-45A) with the Anaheim Jr. Ducks 12U in the 2018-19 season. He is currently with the Long Island Gulls 16U.
"Trevor is one of the most skilled players in the draft," said Spokane Chiefs Director of U.S. Scouting George Ross. "He's an elite skater who competes for pucks and is explosive on the ice. We are excited to get the opportunity to draft him."
At 5-foot-10, McMorrow hails from Lakeville, Minnesota and is currently playing for Benilde-St. Margaret's School (USHS-MN), currently ranked 4th in the state. Just beginning their season, he has four assists in three games played. He spent the 2020-21 season with the NW Wisconsin Junior Gamblers, where he led the team to the USA Hockey Bantam National Tournament.
"Brendan is very smart and incredibly hardworking," Ross said. "He's a good playmaker and an excellent skater. With his speed and tenacious approach to the game, we think he'll be a great addition."
Players not selected in the 2021 WHL U.S. Priority Draft will remain eligible to be selected in the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft on Thursday, December 9, or listed by a WHL Club at any time thereafter. The Chiefs hold the first-overall selection in the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft, as determined by the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft Lottery on June 2, 2021. The Chiefs also hold two picks in the second round (28th and 41st overall), one in the third (50th), one in the fourth (72nd) and two in the fifth (96th and 110th).
Full U.S. Priority Draft results are available at whl.ca/draft.
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