U.S. Prospects Draft 2020

By David Opinko

Lethbridge Hurricanes pick up two players in WHL U.S. Prospects Draft

Mar 25, 2020 | 3:29 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Wednesday marked the first-ever U.S. Prospects draft in the Western Hockey League.

The Lethbridge Hurricanes selected two 15-year-olds from the Dallas Stars Elite 14’s.

With the 10th overall pick, the Hurricanes picked Defenseman Nathan Tobey.

Originally from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the 137-pounder picked up three points (1g-2a) in nine games.

“He’s a big defenseman who has really good skill and moves around the ice really effortlessly,” said Hurricanes general manager Peter Anholt. “Tobey jumps out at you as soon as you watch his team play and he’s both an offensively and defensively gifted play that we had earmarked right from day one and we’re pleased and kind of surprised to be able to get him at 10.”

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Then in the 35th overall selection, the Canes secured Riley Bassen of Frisco, Texas.

The 115-pounder played four league games this season where he registered one goal with two penalty minutes. Bassen is the son of former Medicine Hat Tiger and NHL player Bob Bassen.

“[Bassen] is an interesting case as his dad played in both the WHL and NHL, so he’s got some pedigree to play at our level. He’s a real competitive player that has an excellent hockey sense,” added Anholt. “We don’t feel a rush to have him play for us at 16; we can take our time with him and when he’s ready to play we think he’s going to be a really good Hurricane.”

Also on Wednesday, the WHL determined the order for this year’s WHL Bantam Draft. More details here.

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