Cougars Select Cole Hajt and Dax Diep in 2024 US Priority Draft
PRINCE GEORGE, BC – The Prince George Cougars made two selections in the 2024 US Priority Draft on Wednesday Mat 8th, selecting forward Cole Hajt and defenceman Dax Diep.
With their first pick of the morning, the Cats selected Hajt 21st overall in the first round from the LA Jr. Kings U14AAA team. The 6’1, 165 forward owned 44 points (20-24-44) in 70 games played.
Welcome to the Cougars, Cole Hajt!#ForTheNorth • #WHLDraft pic.twitter.com/HtxbpInLsw
— xy – Prince George Cougars (@PGCougars) May 8, 2024
Hajt’s father Chris is the current coach of the Ontario Reign in the American Hockey League (AHL).
Chris Hajt played five games in the NHL with the Washington Capitals in 2003-04. He also played a part of eight seasons in the AHL. Cole’s grandfather Bill, from Radisson, SK, spent 14 seasons with the Buffalo Sabres (1973-1987). In 854 games, Bill amassed 244 points (42-202-244).
With their second and final pick, Prince George selected defenceman Dax Diep, 42nd overall.
Welcome aboard, Dax Diep!#ForTheNorth • #WHLDraft pic.twitter.com/NKe3iabvhj
— xy – Prince George Cougars (@PGCougars) May 8, 2024
Diep, from Anaheim CA, spent the 2023-24 season with the Anaheim Jr. Duck U14 club where he collected 33 points (9-24-33) in 63 games.
The Cats now will gear up for the 2024 WHL Prospect’s Draft which begins tomorrow morning at 9:00 am PDT. Prince George will kick off the draft with the 21st overall selection in round one.