Carolina picks Ste Anne’s Zach Lansard in third round of NHL draft

All of Ste Anne was on high alert as soon as the third round of the NHL draft started. Zach Lansard, who was ranked as high as 80th in prospect rankings, didn’t have to wait long, with the cup champion Hurricanes jumping the rankings by taking the Regina Pats forward with the 68th overall pick June 27.

The selection was just four picks into the third round, made with a pick the Hurricanes traded into the day before, moving back from 42nd overall and receiving the 51st and 68th picks in return from Calgary. Lansard was the first forward selected by Carolina in this year’s draft.

The selection was a shock to Lansard and his family, who were watching the draft from their home in Ste Anne. There was no pre-selection phone call, with Lansard noting he had his last meeting with Carolina a few weeks ago.

“When my name got called, everyone on the couch blacked out and was silent for a bit and then we realized it happened,” Lansard said in a phone call later in the day.

“It was unreal.”

Hurricanes associate general manager Darren Yorke praised Lansard’s grit and skill level in an interview posted to the team’s website.

“He’s a kid who kept getting better and better every single year, and throughout the year this year,” Yorke, who runs the ‘Canes draft, said.

“(He has) the ability to hold onto the puck and defend guys, and get them on his back hip, while also being able to see the open man.”

Lansard’s season with the Regina Pats ended early after a match-up with top team Medicine Hat in the first round of the Western Hockey League play-offs. He attended the U18 world championships in Europe after that, before the long wait for the draft.

“It’s been a very stressful few weeks so for it to be all over and done with is amazing,” Lansard said.

“I’ve been sitting at home twiddling my thumbs just waiting for this day.”

Hurricanes development camp began June 29 with a pair of on-ice skills sessions. Lansard said he hopes to bring his game to Carolina and make a strong first impression while trying to resist the temptation to try and push beyond his normal game.

“It doesn’t feel real, it still hasn’t sunk in,” Lansard said.

“I’m really dedicated to my craft and the work only begins now. I’m looking forward to see what the future brings for me.”

The Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup this year, defeating the Vegas Golden Knights. It was the franchise’s second championship win.

“The history there is unbelievable and to be on their team is a dream come true,” Lansard said.

Lansard shared the draft spotlight with Beausejour’s Brek Liske. The duo played together on the U15 Eastman Selects in the 2021/2022 season, where they lost in the semi-finals.

“We grew up together, we train together, he’s got a really bright future,” Lansard said on his one-time teammate.

Liske was selected in the second round by Philadelphia, the team he roots for. Four Manitobans were selected in the NHL draft this year, with three in the first three rounds. Cypress River’s Carson Carels was picked sixth overall by Calgary.

The three top picks from Manitoba all played significant time in minor hockey at different Hockey academies across Western Canada. Carels suited up for Pilot Mound, Liske moved West to the Alberta Xtreme and Lansard played at Rink Hockey Academy in Winnipeg.

“Without RHA, I definitely wouldn’t be where I’m at right now,” Lansard said.

“I personally think there’s no better place to play at that age in the city.”