The WHL’s US Priority Draft was today and the Kamloops Blazers chose a pair of teammates from Dallas, Texas.

This should come as no surprise, as the Blazer’s co-owner Tom Gaglardi is also the owner of the Dallas Stars NHL franchise. 

Photo Credit: Kamloops BlazersDennis Emesibe (Left) JP Hurlbert (Right)

In the first round, 20th overall, Kamloops selected JP Hurlbert, a 5’10” forward from the Dallas Stars Elite 14U AAA team. 

Hurlbert had an outstanding season, playing in 75 games and scoring 112 goals. He added on 83 assists to finish the year 195 points. 

Dennis Emesibe, a 5'10" forward, also played on the Dallas Stars Elite 14U AAA team alongside Hurlbert, and he was taken 42nd overall by the Blazers.

He only played in four games this past season, but managed to post six points. Last year, on the 13U team, he played in 20 games and had 25 points. 

The WHL Prospects Draft is tomorrow and the Blazers will not be making any selections until the third round, where they are slated to pick 64th overall. 

Their first and second round picks from this year's draft were traded to the Everett Silvertips, along with eight other picks, in the blockbuster January trade that saw Olen Zellweger and Ryan Hofer come to Kamloops.