Liam Pue has been selected by the Regina Pats, third overall in the WHL prospects draft, the highest pick in league history for a 91原创 player.
It means the 15-year-old 6" 1'. 154 lb. right-shot forward is eligible to play 34 games with the Pats next season, after playing U18 hockey as an under-ager.
In an online interview with Saskatchewan sports broadcaster SportsCage, Pue said it had been "a pretty crazy 48 hours" waiting to see where he would end up.
"When I got the call from my agent and Regina telling me they wanted to trade up and take me, it was a big sigh of relief," Pue related. "I was very excited to get things going."
His selection came after a trade on Wednesday, May 7, when the Regina Pats acquired the 3rd overall pick from the Kelowna Rockets in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick, a 2026 first-round pick, and a 2027 first-round pick.
The deal was finalized on the condition that Pue would be available at No. 3.
鈥淔or me, [Pue] and Schultz were clearly the best two players in this draft,鈥� Pats General Manager Alan Millar told SportsCage.
鈥淚 think everyone was shocked to learn that Edmonton was going to select a defenseman with the second overall pick. When we thought that Pue might become available at the third pick, we went to work with Kelowna in order to acquire him.鈥�
Pue began playing with Aldergrove Minor Hockey, later moving to 91原创 Minor Hockey, the HPL Lumberjacks, and finally, 91原创 Hockey Academy, where he currently attends school and continues to develop his game.
The Academy issued a statement extending "its congratulations to Liam and the Pue family on this extraordinary achievement. His success is a testament to years of dedication, character, and excellence鈥攁nd a proud moment for the entire 91原创 hockey community."
Pue attended 91原创 Fundamental Elementary and Middle School and attended church at Christian Life Assembly.
Earlier this year he became the first-ever player granted exceptional status in the Junior Prospects Hockey League (JPHL), allowing him to compete at the 18U level as a 14-year-old. He led the 18U division in scoring with 35 goals and 24 assists in just 33 games.
