Thomson and Foote taken in first round at 2019 NHL Draft
Kelowna Rockets players Lassi Thomson and Nolan Foote were selected during the first round of the NHL Entry Draft Friday night at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, B.C.
Thomson was taken 19th overall by the Ottawa Senators while Foote was selected 27th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning.
“It’s pretty cool,” said Thomson about being selected by the Senators. “It’s an old team and a big hockey town, I think there is a lot of fans, and everyone is watching hockey games.”
They’re the ninth and tenth Kelowna Rockets players in team history to be drafted in the first round. Seven of those ten have been defensemen. Most recently, Nolan’s older brother Cal was selected 14th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning at the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.
“I couldn’t believe it,” said Nolan about being drafted by the Lightning. “Cal and I sharing that moment together was awesome.”
Thomson had a breakout rookie season in Kelowna. His 41 points (17G, 24A) led WHL rookie defencemen in all three categories.
He took home the Rockets award for Rookie of the Year – Sponsored by CapriCMW and was also named the Western Conference Rookie of the Year by the WHL. The 5′11, 190-pound defender also earned a spot on the WHL’s Western Conference Second All-Star team.
He took home the Rockets award for Rookie of the Year – Sponsored by CapriCMW and was also named the Western Conference Rookie of the Year by the WHL. The 5′11, 190-pound defender also earned a spot on the WHL’s Western Conference Second All-Star team.
Foote’s 36 goals this past season led the Rockets in goals scored, 17 of them came on the power play. Foote was second in team scoring with 63 points (36G, 27A) and lead the team in shots on goal this season with 236.
The duo were two of seven WHL players were selected in the first round.
Five Rockets players are available to be selected tomorrow when the draft continues with rounds two through seven. It will be televised on Sportsnet starting at 10:00 am PT.
