Franchise Pillar
The Victoria Royals went with size and skill when they selected defenseman Keaton Verhoeff 4th overall in the WHL 2023 Prospects Draft on Thursday.
“I was pretty shocked. I was on the ice with my teammates and they all brought me over and I went into shock for a little bit, and then it finally sunk in. So it was pretty exciting.
“It’s a super good organization, and a nice place.”
The Fort Saskatchewan Alberta native, towers over most at 6 ‘3 and 191 lbs at just the tender age of 14.
He was the biggest player taken through the first 5 rounds of the draft.
“It’s a good advantage to have, especially to be physical out there, and to move on to the next level – it’s good to have that size.”
Verhoeff wears a size 13.5 shoe.
“I was always the tallest kid in my class, or on my team. They used to say it looked like I had flippers on my feet…I’ve always been bigger.”
Is he done growing?
“I would say my feet are done now, but I think I still have a couple inches left in me.”
📃 @victoriaroyals fans will like what they hear in the latest @REMAXca Report featuring fourth-overall selection Keaton Verhoeff. #WHLDraft pic.twitter.com/k4H6Lk1LTW
— The WHL (@TheWHL) May 12, 2023
Having size helps as a defenseman, but there’s more to his game with his high IQ and ability to run the power play.
“I move the puck, create chances offensively and I like keeping the puck out of my net, but I like to go for rushes and create chances.”
Verhoeff tallied an impressive 13 goals and 33 assists for 46 points in 27 games with RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna U15 Prep during the 2022-23 season.
The 2nd highest player selected in Royals franchise history put up the highest points per game among defensemen in the CSSHL.
Some NHL comparisons have been made to Seth Jones.
“Keaton checks all the boxes.” said JF Best, Royals Assistant GM and Director of Player Personnel.
“He is a skilled defenceman, with dynamic abilities and creative offensive instincts.
@PuckPrepsWestCa
Does he have a big shot from the point?
“I’ve been trying to work on my big clappers but, I’d say I finesse it to the net.”
Size and skill, but what about in his own end?
“Defensively, he plays with a good stick and is an imposing presence down low and around the net.” added Best.
Does have any bite, or snarl to his game?
“I like to use my size (in front of the net). I’ll give a couple cross checks…make sure my goalie can see the puck.”
Verhoeff really prides himself on how he competes in the corners, and keeps it simple.
“I try not to get running around out there. Just play my position and trust my D partner and get the puck up to the forwards on the wall, and get it out.”
There’s hockey bloodlines too, as Verhoeff is second cousins with Colton and Kirby Dach, through his Mother’s side.
“Our family is pretty close, so I see them quite a bit. I skate with them in the summer too.”
Every drafted player talks about getting bigger and stronger in the offseason in preparation for Rookie Camp. Yet Verhoeff already has the size.
“I’ll try to get bigger and stronger as well, but work a lot on my skill work and my skating…just trying to read the game better and learn more about it.”
Full Interview:
– Marlon Martens
