File photo of centre ice at the ENMAX Centre in Lethbridge. (Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

Hurricanes select forward and defenseman in WHL US Priority Draft

Dec 8, 2021 | 11:45 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Hurricanes have made selections in the 2022 Western Hockey League (WHL) US Priority Draft.

14-year-old Jackson Lackas was selected with the second overall pick. The Las Vegas, Nevada skater currently plays for the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes 15U AAA team, where he’s accumulated eight points (seven goals, one assist) along with two penalty minutes. In limited action last season, the forward had nine points (five goals, four assists) to go with two penalty minutes in four games with the Arizona Bobcats 14U AAA. He had 11 points (six goals, five assists) in four playoff games.

Lethbridge Hurricanes head scout Rob MacLachlan said, “we like this player and think he’s got strong upside.”

“He can skate, he can score and he’s a good two-way player. He’s not afraid to go to the dirty and tough areas to score goals.”

15-year-old defenseman Tristen Azelton was chosen 43^rd overall, in the second round. From Gilbert, Arizona, he totaled nine points (five goals, four assists) along with six penalty minutes with the Arizona Bobcats 16U AA team in the 16U League. He also collected 10 points (two goals, eight assists) with 26 penalty minutes with the Bobcats in the NAPHL 16U league.

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MacLachlan noted that, “Azelton is a good skating, offensive defenseman that we really like. We were really happy to get him with the 43^rd overall pick.”

The 2022 WHL Prospects Draft is scheduled for Thursday, December 9 at 10:00 a.m. The Hurricanes have two first round picks at 10^th and 17^th overall.

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