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WHL Edmonton Oil Kings

Oil Kings Select Blake Fiddler First-Overall in U.S. Priority Draft

May 18, 2022 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Edmonton Oil Kings News Release


Edmonton, AB - The Edmonton Oil Kings used the first-overall pick in the WHL's 2022 U.S. Priority Draft to select Blake Fiddler.

"It's a huge honour and a dream come true," said Fiddler. "I've always wanted to play in this league and to be drafted by such a great organization is awesome and I'm just really excited for what the future holds."

Fiddler is a 6-foot-2, 180-pound defenceman from Frisco, Texas. This past season, the right-shot rearguard played with the Elite U14 Dallas Stars.

During the 2020-21 season, he appeared in nine games with the U15 OHA Varsity team in Kelowna where racked up 18 points (5G, 13A).

"I think I'm a two-way defenceman but very offensive minded," added Fiddler. "I like to jump up in the play, lead the rush, creating offence when we're in the offensive zone but I'm also reliable in the defensive zone when I'm put on the ice."

He is the son of former NHLer, WHLer and Edmonton native Vernon Fiddler.

"He's taught me a lot, he's been a big part of my hockey career so far," added Fiddler on his father. "He's really helped me develop into the player that I am today and I'm really thankful for the opportunities my family has provided me and the sacrifices they've made to help get me to where I am."

The Oil Kings also held the 44th-overall selection in the draft which they used to select Jakeb Lynch.

Lynch, a 5-foot-6, 138-pound forward is an Papillion, Nebraska product.

This past season, he suited up for the U14 Omaha AAA HC.

Players eligible for the 2022 WHL U.S. Priority Draft were 2007-born players who reside in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

Players not selected in the 2022 WHL U.S. Priority Draft remain eligible for selection in the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft on Thursday, May 19, or listed by a WHL club anytime thereafter.

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