Manitobans make their mark at 2025 NHL draft
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After a down year for the province in the NHL draft, which saw only a single player from the Keystone province selected, Manitoba made a strong return to the professional ranks.
Seven players were selected at the draft, which was held over two days June 27/28, just one short of the all-time record of eight, which has been set in three years (2017, 2018, 2022).
The province even had a first-rounder this year, with West St Paul’s Carter Bear taken 13th by the Detroit Red Wings. Bear has spent the last three seasons playing for Everett in the Western Hockey League, posting an 82-point season last year.
Defenseman Peyton Kettles, who played his minor hockey out of Transcona, was taken in the second round, as Pittsburgh called his name with the 39th overall pick.
The 6-5 defenseman had 14 points for Swift Current in the WHL this season.
The Flyers picked Winnipegger Matthew Gard, who had a strong season for the Red Deer Rebels this year, including a stint with Team Canada at the U18 championships.
Two Manitoba players who appeared for the Spokane Chiefs last were taken in the third round, including Oakbank’s Owen Martin by the Winnipeg Jets.
Earlier in the round, the Montreal Canadians took Hayden Paupanekis, who was traded from Spokane to Kelowna mid-season.
“I’ve played with all those guys growing up,” Paupanekis told the Winnipeg Free Press in an interview.
“I was cheering for them with my family too. I’m just excited for everybody. We’re showing everybody that Manitoba is a good hockey spot.”
The final two players taken both have connections to Brandon.
Goaltender Burke Hood, who grew up in the city, was taken 170th by the New York Islanders, while Brandon Wheat Kings winger Brady Turko was taken by Anaheim in the seventh round.
Turko helped lead one of the greatest U18 AAA teams of recent memory, the 2023/2024 Brandon Wheat Kings, to the Telus Cup.
Steinbach’s Luke Mistelbacher, who was eligible to be drafted for the second year, once again didn’t hear his name called at the draft. Raiden LeGall, who spent part of last season playing for the Niverville Nighthawks before moving to Everett in the WHL, was also a rated prospect but was not selected.
With files from Ken Weibe