Raiders Pick Toporowski, Ulrich in 2021 WHL U.S. Priority Draft
December 8, 2021 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Prince Albert Raiders News Release
Prince Albert, Sask. - The Prince Albert Raiders drafted 2006-born defenceman Dmitri Toporowski 21st overall and 2006-born forward AJ Ulrich 24th overall in the 2021 WHL U.S. Priority Draft on Wednesday morning.
Toporowski, who hails from Boston, Mass., is a 5'9, 160-lb defenceman. This season with the Boston Hockey Academy 15's, he has a goal and nine assists in 31 games played. Dmitri is the son of Raiders alumnus Shayne Toporowski. Shayne suited up for the Raiders from 1991-95.
"With a player like Dmitri, we know he is going to get good development. We know he's on the ice. We know he's getting the right message about how to play the right way, how to play in our league," said Raiders General Manager Curtis Hunt. "I think it's just a no brainer. We're excited to have him on board. There's obviously a tie to our community, which is a bonus in this particular case."
AJ Ulrich is a forward from Colorado. He is currently playing for the Colorado Thunderbirds 15's. He has a pair of goals and an assist in eight games. Last season with the Arvada 14U AA Gold, Ulrich posted 13 goals and 12 assists in 17 games. He added four goals and three assists in five playoff games.
"We think AJ is a real climber," Hunt said. "He is a tremendous skater with great acceleration and possess tremendous puck skills. We are excited about getting him to Prince Albert."
Wednesday marked the second U.S. Priority Draft in WHL history. The Raiders selected forwards Jamison Sluys and Declan Stewart in the 2020 edition of the two-round draft.
Draft week in the WHL continues tomorrow with the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft, beginning at 11 a.m. CST. The Raiders hold the 13th and 14th overall selection in the draft.
The Raiders are off until Friday night when they head to Regina to take on the Pats at the Brandt Centre. Game time is 7 p.m. Catch the game at The Rock And Iron Club House, Original Joe's, or watch on WHL Live on CHL TV.
The next Raiders' home game is on Saturday night when the Calgary Hitmen visit the Art Hauser Centre on Toque And Mitt Toss Night Presented By Canadian Tire. Puck drop is 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the Raiders Office and at SaskTix.ca.
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