Victoria, B.C. – The Victoria Royals selected two players in the 2024 WHL U.S. Priority Draft on Wednesday. The Royals held the 8th and 30th overall selections in the draft.
With the 8th overall pick in the first round, the Royals selected Forward Brayden Willis from the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes 14U. Willis appeared in 46 games this season, scoring 27 goals and 27 assists for 54 points. Hailing from Gilbert, AZ., Willis stands at 5’7” and 151 lbs. The 14-year-old led the Jr. Coyotes in scoring during the 2023-24 campaign.
In the second round, the Royals selected Defenceman Cooper Avelar from MN Walleye 14U AAA. In 15 games this season, Avelar scored 3 goals and added 7 assists for 10 points. The product of Medina, MN., stands at 5’7” and 134 lbs. His 10 points this season were tied for third most on the Walleye.
Players eligible for the 2024 WHL U.S. Priority Draft were 2009-born players who hold residence in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington or Wyoming. Players not selected in the U.S. Priority Draft remain eligible for the WHL Prospects Draft
The WHL Prospects Draft will take place on Thursday, May 9th, beginning at 9:00AM PST.
