The Victoria Royals are pleased to announce that two Royals have been selected in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. The Arizona Coyotes selected Justin Kipkie with the 160th overall selection in the fifth round, while the Minnesota Wild selected Kalem Parker with the 181st overall selection in the sixth round.
Parker was ranked 93rd, while Kipkie was ranked 107th, by NHL Central Scouting amongst North American Skaters ahead of the draft.
The 17-year-old Kipkie was also named the 2023 BC Division Scholastic Player of the Year and a finalist for the Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Memorial Trophy.
Kipkie played in 67 games during the 2022-23 season in which he recorded eight goals and 25 assists for 33 points. His point total was the most among WHL rookie defencemen in 2022-23.
The blueliner hailing from Calgary, AB played his minor hockey in Calgary, AB, where he suited up for the U15 AAA Calgary Flames (AMBHL) before moving on to play for the Edge Prep School (CSSHL) as a part of their U15/U16/U18 programs.
He was drafted 126th overall by the Royals in the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft.
Parker, meanwhile, was named the Royals 2022-23 Top Defenceman for his steady play throughout the season.
The 18-year-old blueliner suited up in all 68 games this past season where he scored six goals and added 32 assists for 38 points. He led all Royals defencemen in scoring during the 2022-23 campaign.
The product of Clavet, SK., suited up for the U15 Warman Wildcats (SAAHL), U15/U18 Martensville Marauders (SAAHL) and the Saskatoon Blazers (SMAAAHL) before making his way to Victoria.
The Royals selected Parker 32nd overall in the 2019 WHL Prospects Draft.
The two blueliners add their names to prestigious list of 11 other Royals players to be drafted into the NHL:
Justin Kipkie (160th overall – 2023) Arizona Coyotes
Kalem Parker (181st overall – 2023) Minnesota Wild
Gannon Laroque (103rd overall – 2021) San Jose Sharks
Scott Walford (68th overall – 2017) Montreal Canadiens
Vladimir Bobylev (122nd overall – 2016) Toronto Maple Leafs
Jack Walker (152nd overall – 2016) Toronto Maple Leafs
Matthew Phillips (166th overall – 2016) Calgary Flames
Tyler Soy (205th overall – 2016) Anaheim Ducks
Chaz Reddekopp (187th overall – 2015) Los Angeles Kings
Austin Carroll (184th overall – 2014) Calgary Flames
Keegan Kanzig (67th overall – 2013) Calgary Flames
Steven Hodges (84th overall – 2012) Florida Panthers
Logan Nelson (133rd overall – 2012) Buffalo Sabres
