WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

Red Wings Select Danielson 9th Overall

June 29, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


Nashville, TN - Brandon Wheat Kings Center Nate Danielson didn't have to wait long to hear his name called at Thursday night's NHL Entry Draft. Detroit Red Wings General Manager Steve Yzerman selected Danielson with the 9th overall pick in the 1st round.

The 6'1 two-way centerman did it all for the Wheat Kings during the 2022-23 WHL season, leading the team is goals, assists and points. The versatile forward played in all 68 games this season, scoring 33 goals, 45 assists for 78 points.

"A dream come true. Ever since I was a little kid, so to hear my name actually called from Steve Yzerman, I didn't really believe it at first," said Danielson, who had over 20 friends and family in attendance at Bridgestone Arena.

For Danielson, his experience with the Wheat Kings has played an important role in his development, "In Brandon, they've got a ton of great people there with all the coaching staff as well as behind the scenes," the 18-year-old Danielson said. "Everyone has been really good development-wise as well as just being a good person. A lot of people there to thank."

For his efforts Nate was named as a Co-MVP for the Wheat Kings, sharing the award with Goaltender Carson Bjarnason.

The Red Deer native was originally selected by the Wheat Kings with the 5th overall pick in the 2019 WHL Prospects Draft. He was named as one the teams captains last season.

Detroit's Director of Amateur Scouring, Kris Draper had this to say about Nate, "Real smart player, 200 foot player that plays in all situations. He plays the game the right way, an impressive young man the way he talks and the way he presents himself. We feel we have a player that's passionate towards the game."

Danielson becomes the seventh Wheat King to be selected in the first round in the last ten years at the NHL Draft, joining Braden Schneider (New York Rangers, 2020), Ridly Greig (Ottawa Senators, 2019), Nolan Patrick (Philadelphia Flyers, 2017), Ivan Provorov (Philadelphia Flyers, 2015), John Quenneville (New Jersey Devils, 2014) and Ryan Pulock (New York Islanders, 2013)

Round 2-7 of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft begin today in Nashville at 10am central time. Fans can watch live on the NHL Network and Sportsnet.

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Western Hockey League Stories from June 29, 2023


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