WHL Stars of Tomorrow: Griffin Darby, Portland Winterhawks

The 2023 WHL Prospects Draft was a memorable experience for all involved. But, admittedly, it would’ve been difficult to find a more energized group than the Darby household.

And for good reason. It’s not every day a pair of brothers learn they are headed to the same WHL club.

Queue, Griffin and Hudson Darby.

After watching his older brother, Hudson, get selected by the Portland Winterhawks in the fourth round of the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft, Griffin immediately knew Rose City was his top destination when his draft year rolled around.

So, imagine his reaction – scratch that. Imagine his entire family’s reaction when Portland announced Griffin as their 17th overall pick in May 2023.

Upon hearing his name called at the draft, the first thing Darby did to celebrate was give his big bro – and newest teammate – a bear hug.

The family’s instant reaction to his selection also made for a viral moment on the Winterhawks’ social media.

When you get drafted to the same team as your older brother 🥹

What a moment for Griffin and Hudson Darby! pic.twitter.com/1a3c1dwKxV

— Portland Winterhawks (@pdxwinterhawks) May 11, 2023

The 2008-born forward can’t stop raving about what it means to follow in the footsteps of his brother.

“It was unreal, like the best experience of my life. To experience that with [my family]. I know my brother and me were both excited, he was maybe a little more excited than I was too,” Darby laughed as he reminisced on the memory. “That was probably my number one spot to go with my brother being there.”

Minus their annual skates on the outdoor rinks in Swift Current, Sask., or their legendary mini stick matches at home, this marks the first time Griffin and Hudson will don the same uniform at the same time.

And, while ecstatic about the opportunity to slot in next to Hudson on the Winterhawks’ roster, Darby is also stoked to take part in some friendly competition with him too.

Not only does Darby enjoy their healthy rivalry, but it also benefits the duo by motivating them to best each other.

“Off the ice and not at the gym, we’re best buddies,” Darby shared. “But, I find when it comes to stuff we compete in, it’s some friendly competition. We always kind of push each other.”

Darby also feels that he has a slight advantage over other players as he heads into his second training camp in Portland – and he owes it all to his brother.

Not only has Darby been able to watch his brother suit up with Winterhawks for a season, but he also has had the opportunity to absorb any kind of advice passed down by Hudson.

“Even when we’re on the ice, [Hudson will] just say, ‘Oh, [the] coaches probably want you to do this differently,” Darby said.

The lessons and pieces of advice will only increase, as the duo no longer have to rely on phone calls, text messages, and occasional reunions to catch up. This season, Griffin and Hudson are planning on bunking up with the same billet family in Portland.

THE PICK IS IN‼️

At 17th overall, we're proud to select defenseman Griffin Darby from Swift Current, SK!#WHLDraft pic.twitter.com/r592GglBCo

— Portland Winterhawks (@pdxwinterhawks) May 11, 2023

Darby has also wasted no time in making a name for himself with the Winterhawks. Having taken part in Portland’s training camp last season, along with a pair of preseason games, the blueliner has already impressed the Club’s coaching staff.

“He’s a guy that’s got a lot of energy. He always enters the room with his eyes wide open, and the biggest thing he’s embracing, is just the willingness to learn and get better,” Winterhawks’ Head Coach Kyle Gustafson praised. “In terms of his play, [he’s] a guy that really the sees the ice well. The biggest thing you’ll notice right away is his feet, his ability to close, his ability to get up the ice, to make a play.”

According to Gustafson, the brothers also share similarities on the on-ice. Similarities such as their work ethic and level of maturity.

“We’re fortunate to have his brother, Hudson, a part of our group. And when you look at Hudson, [it’s the] same thing. He’s a very well-spoken kid, a very mature player, a guy that players seem to cling to. And, no question, Griffin has the same attributes about him,” Gustafson said.

And, as far as the upcoming season will go, Gustafson is confident that Darby will play a significant role in the team’s success.

“We’re going to need him to step up and play mature minutes for us next year. It’s a little bit of a transition year, but we have a lot of great defensemen that he’s going to look up to and that are going to be great examples for him.”

The bench boss also offers some advice to the young blueliner.

“It’s being comfortable being uncomfortable. I think when you have a 16-year-old coming in, you’re going to have to get outside your comfort zone in a lot of different areas.”

While taking things day-by-day, Darby also admits that he and his brother have already circled a return to their hometown of Swift Current when the Winterhawks take a tour through the East Division for the first time in two seasons.

Not only will the Darby duo play in front of friends and family, but they’ll also get to skate against the Western League club they once idolized.

“I’ve been to [Broncos games] my whole life, and I’ve looked up to the Broncos for a long time. So, it’d be cool.”