Wheat Kings select Stuart and Craig in WHL U.S. Priority Draft
Brandon, MB – WHL Bloodlines were the theme as the Brandon Wheat Kings added two new faces to the franchise, both with deep roots in the WHL and Wheat King history with the 2022 WHL
U.S. Priority Draft.
The Wheat Kings held the 2nd overall pick and used it to choose forward Jake Stuart from the Los Angeles Kings u-14 AAA program. Jake’s father Brad played for the Regina Pats and Calgary Hitmen before a 16 year NHL Career. With the 43rd overall pick the Wheat Kings went to a familair last name for Wheat Kings fans selecting defenceman Carson Craig, son of former Wheat Kings Captain and current Vegas Golden Knights assistant coach Ryan Craig
Director of Player Personnel Chris Moulton was excited to make both selections. “First up with Jake Stuart, he is a very intelligent player that has the ability to read the play well. He has very good offensive instincts – makes players around him better – great job on the PP, will help our special teams, plays a competitive game and isn’t afraid to play in traffic or get involved – added bonus his father played in league and is at least familiar with Brandon, familiar with the league – it’s nice to have that familiarity.”
The 2nd round selection will also be very familiar with the Wheat Kings as the club selected Carson Craig. Chris Moulton says the familairty plays a factor, but it’s the player you imagine best serving the program “with Carson and knowing his family, knowing his history, his family are very huge Wheat King supporters and for us bringing in American players can be challenging..…to have a guy like Carson who has those bloodlines, its excellent. When we talk about Carson, we’re talking about a mobile, smart, puck moving defenseman that’s incredibly athletic and competitive.”
The Wheat Kings scouting staff are right back to work this afternoon as they prepare for tomorrows WHL Prospects Draft.
All players selected today and tomorrow are eligible to play a maximum of five games as an affiliated player this season.
