The Prince George Cougars have added two California hockey players to the fold.
Prince George used its 21st overall selection in Wednesday’s U.S. Priority Draft to pick forward Cole Hajt of the Los Angeles Kings 14U squad. In 70 games, the 14-year-old native of Segundo, Calif., scored 20 goals and has 24 assists.
In the second round, 43rd overall, the Cougars chose defenceman Dax Diep of San Diego, who put up 16 goals and 24 assists for 33 points in 66 games with the Anaheim Junior Ducks 14U team.
The Regina Pats used their first overall pick to select forward Braden Hordechuk, who collected 20 goals and 12 assists playing for the Phoenix Junior Coyotes.
He’s the son of former Vancouver Canucks left winger Darcy Hordechuk, who played 12 seasons in the NHL from 2000-2012.
The Cougars and the 21 other WHL teams will now turn their attention to the Prospects Draft, which starts Thursday at 9 a.m.
The Everett Silvertips have the first-overall pick, a result of a trade they made last year with the Kamloops Blazers.
The Cougars will pick 21st in the order.
In the second round Prince George has Everett’s 41st choice but gave up their own 43rd pick in a deal with Calgary.
The Cougars traded away their third-round 66th overall pick to Kamloops but they will draft 88th (fourth round), 110th (fifth round), 154th (seventh round) 176th (eighth round). They have two picks in the ninth round (179th from Tri City and 198th) and also own two in the 10th (212th from Lethbridge and their own 220th pick).
