Royals Sign U.S. Priority Draft Selection Cruz Waltze to WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement
May 10, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Victoria Royals News Release
Victoria, BC - The Victoria Royals announced the signing of 2008-born forward Cruz Waltze to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Hailing from Richland, Washington, the forward was selected by the Royals with the 2nd overall pick in the 2023 WHL U.S. Priority Draft which took place Wednesday, May 10th. Waltze spent the 2022-23 season with RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna U15 Prep, where he tallied 24 goals and 22 assists for 46 points in 28 games. Waltze led RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna U15 Prep in playoff scoring, tallying 14 points in 5 games, as well as tied for first in CSSHL U15 playoff scoring.
"We are thrilled to be able to select Cruz with the 2nd overall pick and welcome him and his family to Victoria. Cruz is a well-rounded person who's had a great year at the U15 level and raised his game during the CSSHL playoffs. As a player, he combines a tenacious compete level with playmaking and a deft touch around the net. It'll be fun to watch him develop in the years to come," said Royals Assistant General Manager & Director of Player Personnel, J.F. Best.
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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
- Americans Select Burick, McCord in 2023 WHL U.S. Priority Draft - Tri-City Americans
- Tigers Select Gordon-Carroll & Davidson in US Prospects Draft - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Chiefs Select F Brody Gillespie First Overall in WHL U.S. Priority Draft, F Nathan Chorlton in Second Round - Spokane Chiefs
- Royals Select Cruz Waltze and Odin Vauhkonen in 2023 U.S. Priority Draft - Victoria Royals
- Tips Select Two Players from Dallas Stars Elite 14U in U.S. Priority Draft - Everett Silvertips
- Pats Make Pair of Selections in 2023 U.S. Priority Draft - Regina Pats
- Giants Select Tyus Sparks and Gavin Karl in 2023 U.S. Priority Draft - Vancouver Giants
- Rebels Select Two at WHL U.S. Priority Draft - Red Deer Rebels
- 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
- Oil Kings Make Two Selections at 2023 WHL U.S. Priority Draft - Edmonton Oil Kings
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