Lethbridge's Carter Klippenstein has been selected by the Minnesota Wild in the 2025 NHL Draft. (Photo: Brandon Wheat Kings)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge man selected by Minnesota Wild in NHL Draft

Jun 30, 2025 | 10:42 AM

A hockey player from Lethbridge is set to go pro.

Carter Klippenstein was selected in the fourth round (123 overall) by the Minnesota Wild in the NHL Draft, which took place June 27-28, 2025.

The 18-year-old centre has spent the last two seasons with the Brandon Wheat Kings, amassing a combined 49 points (24g-25a) between 124 career regular-season games in the WHL.

The Wheat Kings said in a social media post, “Congratulations to #19 Carter Klippenstein on being selected 123rd overall by the @minnesotawild in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft! We’re incredibly proud of Carter and thrilled to see him take this next step in his hockey journey. The Wild are getting a hard-working, dedicated player with a bright future ahead!”

Before entering the WHL, Klippenstein played for the Lethbridge Golden Hawks U15 AAA, Lethbridge Hurricanes U18 AAA and the Edge School U18 Prep.

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He was the only player from Lethbridge to be chosen in the draft, and nobody playing for the Lethbridge Hurricanes was selected.

There were a handful of players from WHL teams in Alberta who were picked up in the NHL Draft, including:

• 11. Ben Kindel (Calgary Hitmen / WHL, C)* – Pittsburgh Penguins
• 57. Matthew Gard (Red Deer Rebels / WHL, C) – Philadelphia Flyers
• 81. Bryce Pickford (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL, D) – Montréal Canadiens
• 126. Brandon Gorzynski (Calgary Hitmen / WHL, LW) – Dallas Stars
• 157. Luke Vlooswyk (Red Deer Rebels / WHL, D) – Philadelphia Flyers

You can see the full list of 90 CHL players who were selected in the 2025 NHL Draft on CHL.ca

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