WHL Draft preview with Cougars’ Director of Scouting Bob Simmonds

The 2022 WHL Prospects Draft is set for next week on Thursday, May 19th. One day earlier in the two-round WHL U.S. Priority Draft.
Prince George Cougars broadcaster Fraser Rodgers recently spoke with Cougars’ Director of Scouting Bob Simmonds. The two touched on the unique timing of two drafts in six months (the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft was held in December), the 2007-born draft group, and the Cougars’ plans heading into next week.
The Cougars have 13 picks over the first 10 rounds of the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft, including two third-round picks, and three seventh rounders. Prince George is picking ninth overall and 28th overall in the first two rounds, and sixth overall in all subsequent rounds.
2022 WHL PROSPECTS DRAFT – FIRST ROUND ORDER OF SELECTION
1. Medicine Hat Tigers | 12. Brandon Wheat Kings |
2. Tri-City Americans | 13. Saskatoon Blades |
3. Victoria Royals | 14. Moose Jaw Warriors |
4. Calgary Hitmen | 15. Seattle Thunderbirds (from Kelowna) |
5. Swift Current Broncos | 16. Medicine Hat Tigers (from Seattle) |
6. Regina Pats | 17. Red Deer Rebels |
7. Vancouver Giants | 18. Portland Winterhawks |
8. Spokane Chiefs | 19. Kamloops Blazers |
9. Prince George Cougars | 20 Everett Silvertips |
10. Prince Albert Raiders | 21.Vancouver Giants (from Edmonton) |
11. Lethbridge Hurricanes | 22. Vancouver Giants (from Winnipeg) |
Players eligible for the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft are 2007-born players who reside in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, Yukon, Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.