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Victoria Royals

Royals Sign 2023 Fourth Overall Pick Keaton Verhoeff to WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

May 17, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Victoria Royals News Release


Victoria, BC - The Victoria Royals have signed 2023 first-round pick Keaton Verhoeff to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Verhoeff was selected fourth overall by the Royals during the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft which took place on Thursday, May 11th.

Verhoeff, who hails from Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, tallied 13 goals and 33 assists for 46 points in 27 games with RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna U15 Prep during the 2022-23 season. The right-handed defenceman, who stands at 6'3 and 191lbs, is the second highest selection in Royals history. Verhoeff finished second in CSSHL U15 Defenceman Scoring and first in CSSHL U15 Defenceman Scoring for 2023 WHL Draft Eligible players.

"We are very proud to be able to officially welcome Keaton to the Royals organization," said Royals Assistant General Manager and Director of Player Personnel J.F. Best. "Keaton checks all the boxes. He is a person of high character with a great work ethic, who embodies what it means to be a Royal. As a player, he is a skilled defenseman with dynamic abilities and creative offensive instincts. Defensively, he plays with a good stick and is an imposing presence down low and around the net. We are excited to welcome him and the Verhoeff family to the Royals organization."

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