Four WHL Players Selected in First Round of NHL Draft

The 2016 NHL Draft began with the first round on Friday evening from the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, NY. Four WHL players heard their names called within the first 30 picks.

Jake Bean (#13 / Calgary, AB / Calgary Hitmen), Brett Howden (#27 / Oakbank, MB / Moose Jaw Warriors), Lucas Johansen (#28 / Port Moody, BC / Kelowna Rockets) and Sam Steel (#30 / Sherwood Park, AB / Regina Pats) were all selected in the first round of the NHL Draft on Friday.

#13 – Jake Bean – Carolina Hurricanes
#27 – Brett Howden – Tampa Bay Lightning
#28 – Lucas Johansen – Washington Capitals
#30 – Sam Steel – Anaheim Ducks

The NHL Draft resumes Saturday morning with the second round beginning at 10:00 a.m. ET.

In total, 15 of the 30 selections made on Friday evening developed this year in the Canadian Hockey League. With the WHL’s 50th Season recently completed, a total of 1,937 players have now been selected in the NHL Draft out of the WHL.

Jake Bean (13th overall, Carolina Hurricanes)
A native of Calgary, AB, Bean had a breakout year with the Hitmen, leading all Western Hockey League defencemen with 24 goals and in the process setting the franchise record for most goals in single season by a blueliner. His long list of accolades this past campaign included his 12 power play goals, which tied for top spot among WHL blueliners, and his 64 points, sixth among rearguards. He was also named the WHL Eastern Conference Most Sportsmanlike Player in 2015-16.

So grateful to be drafted by @NHLCanes , very special day for my family and I, looking forward to the future

— Jake Bean (@JakeBean_2) June 25, 2016

[WATCH] #Canes GM @RonFrancis10 announces @JakeBean_2 as the newest member of the #Redvolution! #CanesDrafthttps://t.co/Cx0Hn1NaD4

— Carolina Hurricanes (@NHLCanes) June 25, 2016

Brett Howden (27th overall, Tampa Bay Lightning)
This season, Howden had 24 goals and 64 points in 68 games and finished fourth in team scoring. During the 2016 WHL Playoffs he had four goals and 15 points in 10 games and was tied for third in team scoring. From Oakbank, MB, Howden was selected fifth overall by the Warriors in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft. In 2014-2015 he finished with 22 goals and 46 points in 68 games and was fifth in WHL rookie scoring.

Manitoba to Florida, the brothers Howden.@B_Howdy21's older brother @qhowden21 plays for the Panthers. #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/rQxcHjP4L9

— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) June 25, 2016

Lucas Johansen (28th overall, Washington Capitals)
Johansen played in 65 games for the Rockets in 2015-16, scoring 10 times and adding 39 assists, for a 49-point season, his second in the WHL. The Port Moody, BC native became the second Rocket chosen by the Capitals in the last three years on Friday after former Rocket Madison Bowey was drafted by Washington in the 2013 NHL Draft. Other Rockets defenceman to be drafted in the first round of the NHL Draft include Scott Hannan, Luke Schenn and Tyler Myers.

What a night! Thanks so much to all my family, friends, and teammates that helped me get to this point! Go caps! @Capitals

— Lucas Johansen (@LucasJohansen97) June 25, 2016

And the rivalry begins! @LucasJohansen97 @RyanJohansen19 @PredsNHL #CapsDraft pic.twitter.com/I3i3xPLiiF

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) June 25, 2016

Sam Steel (30th overall, Anaheim Ducks)
The Sherwood Park, AB native had a strong year for the Regina Pats during the 2015-16 Season. He played in all 72 games and tallied 70 points (23g-47a). Steel added to his totals during a strong performance in the WHL Playoffs where he averaged over a point-per-game. Over 12 games in the WHL Playoffs, Steel managed 16 points (6g-10a). Steel also earned a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2015 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament and received a spot on Team Cherry for the 2016 CHL Top Prospects game.

"I don't have many words for it. I'm truly honored and happy to be part of a great org." – @ssteel23 talks #NHLDrafthttps://t.co/L4gaB1w5ya

— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) June 25, 2016

Recent NHL Draft Results (WHL):
-A total of 35 WHL players were selected in the 2015 NHL Draft, including five in the first round.
-A total of 37 WHL players were selected in the 2014 NHL Draft, including nine in the first round.
-A total of 33 WHL players were selected in the 2013 NHL Draft, including eight in the first round.
-A total of 32 WHL players were selected in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, including six in the first round.
-A total of 33 WHL players were selected in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, including five in the first round.
-A total of 43 WHL players were selected in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, including seven in the first round.
-A total of 31 WHL players were selected in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, including five in the first round.
-A total of 37 WHL players were selected in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, including nine in the first round.
-A total of 37 WHL players were selected in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, including nine in the first round.
-A total of 24 WHL players were selected in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.
-A total of 43 WHL players were selected in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.