The Victoria Royals have signed 2002-born Swiss forward Keanu Derungs to a Western Hockey League Standard Player Agreement.

 

A product of Ilanz, Switzerland, Derungs was selected by the Royals with the 28th overall pick in the 2019 Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Import Draft in June.

 

The 5-11, 168 lb winger spent the majority of last season in the U-20 Elit League, Switzerland’s top junior league, with the EHC Kloten Under-20 team. In 34 contests with the club, Derungs recorded 14 points (5g-9a) and 57 penalty minutes. He also played for EHC Kloten’s Under-17 team of the U-17 Elit League and registered 23 points (14g-9a) and 18 minutes in penalties in just 11 games.

 

“Keanu is a smart, skilled young player with good puck skills and the ability to finish,” Royals’ President and General Manager Cameron Hope said. “He has played well while representing Switzerland in international tournaments, and he should adapt well to our league.”

 

Throughout multiple international tournaments this past season, Derungs suited up in 16 games for Switzerland’s Under-17 team and collected three goals and six assists.

 

During the 2017-18 season, a 15-year-old Derungs split time between the EHC Kloten U-20 team and the EHC Kloten U-17’s. He would go on to finish second in team scoring with the U-17’s as he collected 42 points (21g-21a) and a team-high 21 goals. Derungs also scored a goal in 10 games with the U-20 team.