Hamilton and Bridgeman hope to hear name called at 2025 NHL Draft this weekend
Regina, Sask. – The 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft will take place over two days: Round 1 will be held on Friday, June 27 at 7 p.m. ET (ESPN, ESPN+, Sportsnet, TVA Sports), followed by Rounds 2 through 7 on Saturday, June 28 at 12 p.m. ET (NHL Network, ESPN+, Sportsnet, SN1).
The Regina Pats have two players from their current roster ranked by NHL Central Scouting among the top North American draft-eligible skaters. 2007-born defenceman Reese Hamilton is ranked 113th, projecting as a potential fourth-round pick. Meanwhile, 2006-born defenceman Kolten Bridgeman is ranked 190th, which projects as a potential sixth-round selection.
Hamilton, 18, was the centrepiece of the Tanner Howe trade back on November 21. The Whitewood, Sask., product has spent most of his offseason training in Calgary, Alta., at Crash Conditioning.
“Big shoutout to Crash Conditioning. They’ve always been really good to me, organizing skates with a great group of guys,” Hamilton explained. “They always want to make everyone around them better, and I love training with them. The biggest thing for me has been putting on weight. On the ice, I’ve been practicing my skills, trying to get quicker. Nothing too specific—just fine-tuning my game for next season.”
Although Hamilton didn’t complete high school in his hometown, Whitewood School worked to align his courses so he could graduate alongside Pats teammate Connor Bear.
“I think it’s pretty special,” Hamilton said. “Back home, I have so much support—it’s a town of only 1,100 people. It’s nice to know people are keeping an eye on me. It’s cool to graduate there. I’ve always stayed in touch with my classmates and have some close friends back home.”
Hamilton recorded 14 points (4G–10A) in 59 games split between the Calgary Hitmen and Pats during the 2024–25 season. The 6-foot, 170-pound left-shot defenceman has represented Canada at three tournaments: he dressed for Team Canada Red at the U17s in 2023 before winning gold at two U18 tournaments.
First, Hamilton won gold as an underager at the World U18 Championship in April 2024, followed by another gold medal at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in August. He also suited up for Team CHL at the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge in November.
For the upcoming draft, Hamilton plans to keep a close eye on the proceedings—not just for himself, but also for his former teammates and close friends who may hear their names called.
“I think I’ll be watching it on TV,” he said. “It’s special to see that my buddies could be selected, too. My parents are coming to Calgary, and we’ll all watch it together. I’ll be following it closely—not just for me, but for them. I’m not trying to overthink it. Whatever happens at the draft, happens at the draft. It won’t define your whole career. What matters is what you do after the draft. That’s my mindset—but I’m excited.”
Bridgeman, 18, tallied seven points (1G–6A) in 63 games with the Pats during the 2024–25 season. He’s been training this summer with Next Level Hockey Consulting and running his own lawn care business with his younger brother, Kai Bridgeman. The Regina, Sask., product has totaled 12 points (2G–10A) in 120 career WHL games. The 6-foot-4, 216-pound right-handed defenceman was listed by the Pats during the 2021–22 season.
This Saturday, Bridgeman plans to spend the day on the golf course to help ease his nerves while waiting for the call of his dreams.
“I’ll definitely be waiting by the phone, but I’m going golfing with some close family and friends,” he said. “I just want to take my mind off it. The day is stressful enough—I don’t need to be glued to the screen stressing about where I go. If it happens, I’ll be grateful. If it doesn’t, I’ll keep working hard. I don’t want to be stuck watching every second.”
As a Regina native, Bridgeman says the local support has made this draft experience even more meaningful.
“Everyone’s kind of rooting for me, which is a dream come true,” he added. “I’ve been talking to neighbours, friends, and family—they’re all pulling for me. I don’t know what I did to deserve that, but it’s cool to have the community behind me. Hopefully everything works out.”
