Hurricanes Select Pair in 2023 US Priority Draft
May 10, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Lethbridge Hurricanes News Release
LETHBRIDGE, AB - The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club selected 2008-born defenceman North McKee and 2008- born forward Logan Stuart in the 2023 US Priority Draft on Wednesday.
McKee, 15, was selected in the first-round (14th overall). The 6'1, 170-pound defenceman hails from Dallas, Texas. He appeared in 13 regular season games in the 2022-2023 season totaling two points (1g-1a) along with 31 penalty minutes with the Dallas Stars Elite 14U team. McKee added one goal and 11 penalty minutes with the Stars at the 2023 Chipotle USA Hockey National Championships.
"We're really happy to take North with the 14th overall pick," said Hurricanes head scout Rob MacLachlan. "He is a mobile left defenceman who has a good first pass and likes to engage offensively and jump into the rush. He brings a bite and likes to play physical. We think he's a gamer."
"His parents are originally from Calgary, and both attended the University of Lethbridge but now live in Texas, so we are happy to add North to our list of prospects," added MacLachlan.
Stuart, 15, was taken in the second-round (36th overall). The 5'8, 145-pound forward is from Los Angeles, California. He racked up 68 points (36g-32a) and six penalty minutes in 27 regular season games with the LA Jr. Kings 14U team in 2022-2023. Stuart, who is the son of former NHLer and WHLer Brad Stuart, added nine points (3g-6a) at the 2023 Chipotle USA Hockey National Championships.
"We think Logan is one of the more elite-scoring forwards taken in today's draft," said MacLachlan. "He plays an exciting style of game, and we think he's a cross between Brayden Point and Tyler Wong. He has a strong ability to finish on the chances he's able to create and has an exciting upside."
The Hurricanes hold 16 selections, including three picks in the top two rounds of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft which will take place on Thursday beginning at 10:00am. Follow along online at www.whl.ca/draft. Catch up on all the latest on the Lethbridge Hurricanes by visiting the team's website at www.lethbridgehurricanes.com, and/or follow on Twitter @WHLHurricanes.
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