'It Still Hasn't Sank in Yet': Yager Excited to be Drafted by Pittsburgh
June 29, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Moose Jaw Warriors News Release
Brayden Yager was all smiles on Wednesday night, as the Moose Jaw Warriors forward saw his NHL dreams come true.
Yager was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins 14th overall in the first round of the 2023 NHL Draft in Nashville, TN.
"It still hasn't sunk in yet," Yager said. "Such a great organization, you look at some of the players on their roster, guys that I can really learn from and guys that I've looked up to growing up, so it's incredible."
The Saskatoon product has been living up to lofty expectations since the Warriors selected him with the third overall pick in the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft.
Yager said it was great to share in the moment with his family and friends.
"Obviously gave my dad a big hug first and then my mom and then my brother, my girlfriend and my agent was there too, so it's incredible," he said. "I have more family sitting in the crowd, so hopefully see them later and give them some big hugs to."
Yager became the 12th player in Warriors' franchise history to be selected in the first round, joining his teammate Denton Mateychuk, who went 12th overall to Columbus last year.
Expectations have been high for Yager since being selected by the Warriors with the third overall pick in the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft, but he's more than lived up to them.
Yager won the CHL Rookie of the Year in 2021-22 and then followed it up with the WHL's Most Sportsmanlike Player award in 2022-23.
He said being a Warrior has helped him grow on and off the ice.
"It's a great organization and I've learned a lot about the community, helping out in the community, you give to them, they're going to give back to you and cheer you on in your game, so I've had a ton of fun playing in Moose Jaw, it's such a great place to play," Yager said.
Yager also credited his billets, Troy and Krista Williams, for helping him settle into the Friendly City.
"They're amazing... it starts with them and taking care of me and bringing me in their household," he said. "The community of Moose Jaw, it's a small community and everybody's so close together, that's one thing I've learned is if I can be a part of the community, they'll have my back.
"Great coaching staff in Moose Jaw and great players, so I've been pretty lucky to be in Moose Jaw."
Yager set a Warriors' franchise record for most goals by a 16-year-old last season with 34 and then followed it up with a career-high in assists with 50 and points with 78 this season.
Shortly after being drafted, Yager received a phone call from Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, who welcomed him to the organization.
Yager said he's looking forward to learning from the likes of Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, who have led to the Penguins to three Stanley Cups.
"The first thing that comes to mind is the players that are there and the opportunity that I'm going to get to learn from those guys," he said. "It's so surreal, it's crazy to think that I'm a part of an NHL club now, I don't even believe it yet."
There won't be much rest for Yager as he will be heading straight to Pittsburgh for the team's Development Camp this weekend.
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