Prince George, B.C. – “Historical.” 

That’s how Prince George Cougars play-by-play broadcaster Dan O’Connor described today’s NHL draft in Sunrise, Florida.

“Historical,” because four Cats were selected by NHL teams: Jansen Harkins (2nd round, 47th overall by Winnipeg), Brad Morrison (4th round, 113th overall by the New York Rangers), Sam Ruopp (5th round, 129th overall by Columbus), and Tate Olson, (7th round, 210th overall by Vancouver).

“The Prince George Cougars for a fourth time in their history (1998, 2001, 2006, 2015) have four separate players selected in the NHL draft,” said O’Connor. “Making this one a little more unique is the fact that back in previous seasons when the Cougars had four players selected, the draft was eight rounds or 10 rounds long and this year it was only seven.”

He added the players should “benefit greatly” once they get a chance to play alongside “NHL superstars” at training camp this September.

O’Connor said the draft also bodes well for the team moving forward.

“It truly signifies this team is heading in the right direction.”