A pair of Royals were selected in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
The Arizona Coyotes selected Justin Kipkie with the 160th overall selection in the 5th round, while the Minnesota Wild selected Kalem Parker just 21 picks later, in the 6th round.
As per the Times Colonist,
Kipkie was scrimmaging in Northwest Calgary while the draft was underway.
Credit: @grufh
He drove into his driveway and was greeted to a group hug by awaiting parents Craig and Anne Kipkie and brothers Owen and Mason.
“There were a few tears. You think of everything they have done for you, and for which you are so grateful,” said Kipkie.
“It’s a dream come true. My phone is blowing up,” added Kipkie.
Credit: @grufh
Parker was working at his landscaping job in Saskatoon when he heard.
“It was a cool moment and I texted Justin [Kipkie],” said Parker.
“We were a pairing last season on the blue line in Victoria and our team has a lot of upside coming into next season.”
“You can’t be satisfied with being drafted. The job is not finished. I want to make this my career, my job,” said Parker.
The two blueliners add their names to prestigious list of 11 other Royals players to be drafted into the NHL:
Justin Kipkie (160th overall – 2023) Arizona Coyotes
Kalem Parker (181st overall – 2023) Minnesota Wild
Gannon Laroque (103rd overall – 2021) San Jose Sharks
Scott Walford (68th overall – 2017) Montreal Canadiens
Vladimir Bobylev (122nd overall – 2016) Toronto Maple Leafs
Jack Walker (152nd overall – 2016) Toronto Maple Leafs
Matthew Phillips (166th overall – 2016) Calgary Flames
Tyler Soy (205th overall – 2016) Anaheim Ducks
Chaz Reddekopp (187th overall – 2015) Los Angeles Kings
Austin Carroll (184th overall – 2014) Calgary Flames
Keegan Kanzig (67th overall – 2013) Calgary Flames
Steven Hodges (84th overall – 2012) Florida Panthers
Logan Nelson (133rd overall – 2012) Buffalo Sabres
