From Stick Boy to 1st Round Pick
Every players journey to the WHL takes a different path, with no exception for Cruz Waltze.
The Victoria Royals selected Waltze, a forward 2nd overall in the US Priority Draft on Wednesday, May 10th 2023.
“It means a lot to me and my family just to be selected by such a great organization. I’ve heard so many great things about Victoria, and I’m just looking forward to it.”
Another player who should garner interest very high in today's WHL US Draft is forward Cruz Waltze (28) from RHA Kelowna U15 Prep.
The Washington forward is a tenacious, smart, and detailed quick-touch player who is a high-level systems and space thinker. pic.twitter.com/D35Few6fTT
— Puck Preps Western Canada (@PuckPrepsWestCa) May 10, 2023
Born in Richland, part of the Tri-Cities, and home to the WHL Americans, Waltze worked for the team while growing up.
“I used to be a stick boy for them, so I guess I just loved going to the games and it’s just awesome to be around the WHL.”
His friend Jackson got him the gig.
“I guess I just loved it being around the guys, and it was honestly a dream just to be there.”
Waltze has WHL bloodlines as well, with his Dad Kris Waltze playing for the Americans, Chiefs, Pats and Thunderbirds.
“He wants me to play really physical, almost like he did. I try to model him, which is a big part of what separates me.
“He’s really helped me and has been guiding me through that for the last couple of years .”
What was it that garnered him such a high pick at 2nd overall?
“I think what kind of separates me is just my ability to play physical. A lot of people don’t have that in the game, and I feel like that’s kind of what sets me apart.”
At 5’9, 150 lbs and growing, he brings grit and skill to his game.
According to J.F. Best Royals Assistant General Manager & Director of Player Personnel, Cruz combines a tenacious compete level, with play making, and a deft touch around the net.
“I have a knack around the net. I like scoring goals. I’m a play maker, I like passing it out to my teammates, giving them options and space too.
Waltze tries to model his game like the NHL’s Tkachuk brothers.
“I feel they’re physical, but they also can score goals. Almost like Brendan Gallagher too, because he’s not like the biggest guy but he plays really physical as well.”
Waltze spent the 2022-23 season with RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna U15 Prep, where he tallied 24 goals and 22 assists for 46 points in 28 games.
In the playoffs, he led RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna U15 Prep in scoring, tallying 14 points in 5 games, as well as tied for first in CSSHL U15 playoff scoring.
“We lost to the number one team in the country in the finals in overtime. But I mean, our team really bonded together and I feel like we, we had a great run while we were at it.”
He made the move to Kelowna two years ago. One of his dad’s friends, Cory Cross put him in connection to a scout for the Royals.
“Then everything just took off from there.
“My dad’s been up here most of the time. My mom, comes up to visit a lot with my sister, just because she’s finishing schooling…it’s good to have family with me up there.”
What does it feel like to put pen to paper on a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement?
“It’s a surreal experience…I’m kind of speechless honestly.
“Like my dad playing the WHL, and that’s always been a lifelong dream of mine. It’s just amazing that’s finally happening.”
Full Interview:
– Marlon Martens
