Wallstedt Becomes Highest Drafted Swedish Goaltender Ever, One of Two Winterhawks Prospects Taken Night One of the NHL Draft
July 23, 2021 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release
Portland, Ore. - Two Winterhawks prospects were selected in the first round of Friday's NHL Draft, highlighted by goaltender Jesper Wallstedt becoming the first-ever goaltender from his country drafted in the first round.
Wallstedt, 18, was selected 20th overall by the Minnesota Wild after posting a record of 12-10-0 with a .908 save percentage (SV%), 2.23 goals against average (GAA), and two shutouts playing for Luleå in the Swedish Hockey League, the highest level of competition in the country. He also represented Sweden at the 2020 IIHF World Juniors as a double underage player and will play a key role in his country vying for a gold medal in this year's World Juniors in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alta.
The 6-foot-3, 212 pound netminder could become one of Portland's two import players for the 2021-22 Western Hockey League season, pending where the Wild, Wallstedt and his representatives believe is the best destination for his development.
Prospect Chaz Lucius was also selected Friday, going 18th overall to the Winnipeg Jets. The Grant, Minnesota native earned his spot in the first round after posting 18 points in 12 games with the United States National Development Team Program (USNDTP) of the United States Hockey League (USHL). Lucius is committed to play for the University of Minnesota next season.
Stay tuned to winterhawks.com for day two coverage of the NHL Draft which begins Saturday at 8:00 a.m. PT.
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The Portland Winterhawks begin their 46th season of play on October 1 and will host Seattle on October 2 for the team's home opener.
Season Ticket Memberships and 20-Game Plans are now on sale for the 2021-22 season. Season Ticket Memberships are the best way to never miss a second of the action, including the same great seat to all 34 Winterhawks games at Veterans Memorial Coliseum. 20-Game Plans allow flexibility while still containing a guaranteed 20 nights of excitement! To learn more about all available ticketing options, visit Winterhawks.com.
Western Hockey League Stories from July 23, 2021
- Five WHL Players Selected in First Round of 2021 NHL Draft - WHL
- Wallstedt Becomes Highest Drafted Swedish Goaltender Ever, One of Two Winterhawks Prospects Taken Night One of the NHL Draft - Portland Winterhawks
- Lambos Selected by Wild 26th Overall in 2021 NHL Draft - Winnipeg Ice
- Giants Prospect Fabian Lysell Selected 21st Overall by the Boston Bruins - Vancouver Giants
- Sillinger Drafted by Blue Jackets in 1st Round - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Oil Kings Sebastian Cossa Drafted 15th Overall by Detroit Red Wings - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Oil Kings Dylan Guenther Drafted Ninth Overall by Arizona Coyotes - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Seth Jones Traded to Chicago, Reunited with Brother Caleb - Portland Winterhawks
- NHL Draft Preview: Winterhawks Players and Prospects to be Selected - Portland Winterhawks
- The Stanley Cup Is Coming to Portland - Portland Winterhawks
- 2021 NHL Entry Draft: Who to Watch - Saskatoon Blades
- Repcik Inks with Hurricanes - Lethbridge Hurricanes
- ICE Set for 2021 NHL Draft - Winnipeg Ice
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