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The Lethbridge Hurricanes have selected North McKee and Logan Stuart in the 2023 US Priority Draft. (Photo: Lethbridge Hurricanes)

Lethbridge Hurricanes announce 2023 US Priority Draft selections

May 10, 2023 | 11:46 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Hurricanes have made their selections in the 2023 US Priority Draft.

North McKee, a 2008-born defenseman was selected 14th overall in the first round.

The Dallas, Texas product appeared in 13 regular season games during the 2022-2023 season, where he totaled two points (one goal, one assist) and 31 penalty minutes with the Dallas Stars Elite 14U team. He scored one goal and picked up 11 penalty minutes with the Stars at the 2023 Chipotle USA Hockey National Championships.

Hurricanes head scout Rob MacLachlan said in a news release that McKee, “is a mobile left defenseman who has a good first pass and likes to engage offensively and jump into the rush. He brings a bite and likes to play physical. We think he’s a gamer.”

With the 36th overall pick, in the second round, the Hurricanes selected 2008-born forward Logan Stuart.

From Los Angeles, California, Stuart scored 36 goals and had 32 assists, along with six penalty minutes in 27 regular season games with the LA Jr. Kings 14U team during the 2022-2023 season. He is the son of former NHL and WHL player Brad Stuart. He added nine points (three goals, six assists) at the 2023 Chipotle USA Hockey National Championships.

MacLachlan stated, “We think Logan is one of the more elite-scoring forwards taken in today’s draft.”

He added that Stuart “plays an exciting style of game.”

MacLachlan said, “We think he’s a cross between Brayden Point and Tyler Wong. He has a strong ability to finish on the chances he’s able to create and has an exciting upside.”

Up next for the Lethbridge Hurricanes is the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, which takes place on Thursday, May 11. Lethbridge holds 16 selections in the draft, including three picks in the top two rounds.

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