Oil Kings Sign 2023 U.S. Priority Draft Third-Overall Pick Alofa Tunoa Ta'amu

May 10, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Edmonton Oil Kings News Release

(Edmonton, AB) - The Edmonton Oil Kings have signed 2008-born defenceman Alofa Tunoa (Noa) Ta'amu to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement, the team announced today.

"It is very exciting to be welcoming Noa and his family to the Oil Kings organization," said Michael Chan, Edmonton Oil Kings Director of Scouting. "We are very grateful that Noa's parents, Jessica Scott and Ed Ta'amu, have entrusted us as a key piece of Noa's development moving forward."

Ta'amu, a San Diego, California product, was selected by the Oil Kings with the third-overall pick in today's 2023 WHL U.S. Priority Draft.

"On the heels of last year's U.S. Priority Draft, to have another strong American prospect that believes in our environment and development model as their pathway is both humbling and encouraging," added Chan. "Noa brings an immediate stature and unique physical traits for his age, he moves well and can bring an impact physically while also showing a calm presence with the puck. Our staff is looking forward to working with Noa and continuing his development."

The 6-foot-1, 210-pound defenceman played last season with the U14 AAA Los Angeles Jr. Kings where he suited up in 49 games and registered 30 points (15G, 15A) to go along with 37 penalty minutes. In an additional five post-season games, he tallied two assists.

"In getting to know Noa and his family before the draft, we were impressed with his mature, even-keeled demeanor and believe it will serve him well as he begins to integrate into our environment over the next year," said Chan. "He is fortunate to have the support of two parents behind him that have both played collegiate sports and understand what it takes to succeed in high-performance environments."

Ta'amu is the son of former NFL offensive linemen Ed Ta'amu who spent time with the Minnesota Vikings and Houston Texans after being drafted in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft following the completion of his NCAA career with Utah.

Pronunciation of Alofa Tunoa Ta'amu: Uh-low-fuh Too-no-uh TUH-UH-moo

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Western Hockey League Stories from May 10, 2023

• Winterhawks Select Two Americans at 2023 U.S. Priority Draft - Portland Winterhawks
• Bedard Winner of Four Broncos Memorial Trophy as WHL Player of the Year - Regina Pats
• Bedard Wins Four Broncos Memorial Trophy as WHL Player of the Year Presented by Kia - WHL
• Hitmen Select Two in U.S. Priority Draft - Calgary Hitmen
• Oil Kings Sign 2023 U.S. Priority Draft Third-Overall Pick Alofa Tunoa Ta'amu - Edmonton Oil Kings
• Pats Captain Bedard Wins Bob Clarke Trophy as 2022-23 WHL Top Scorer Presented by Kubota Canada - Regina Pats
• Royals Sign U.S. Priority Draft Selection Cruz Waltze to WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement - Victoria Royals
• Blades Draft Forward and Defenceman in U.S. Priority Draft - Saskatoon Blades
• Western Hockey League Completes 2023 U.S. Priority Draft - WHL
• Bedard Wins Bob Clarke Trophy as 2022-23 WHL Top Scorer Presented by Kubota Canada - WHL
• Warriors Add Two Players in Wednesday's U.S. Priority Draft - Moose Jaw Warriors
• Kamloops Blazers Select Two Players in U.S. Priority Draft - Kamloops Blazers
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• Rockets Make Pair of Picks in US Priority Draft - Kelowna Rockets
• Wheat Kings Select Reed Brown & Jimmy Egan in US Priority Draft - Brandon Wheat Kings
• Hurricanes Select Pair in 2023 US Priority Draft - Lethbridge Hurricanes
• Broncos Add Goaltender, Defenceman in 2023 WHL U.S. Priority Draft - Swift Current Broncos
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