Daneault, Morrison grateful to be selected at WHL Prospects Draft

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It added excitement to an already exciting week for Daneault, who was in Philadelphia for a tournament, only to return home on May 6 and get drafted that same day. May 7 was also his 15th birthday.

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“It meant so much, and it’ll definitely be a moment I’ll remember for the rest of my life. It’s just so awesome,” Daneault said.

The young forward watched the draft at his cousins’ inside a big shop, accompanied by family, friends, teammates, and a lot of great food.

It was an emotional moment for Daneault, who’s had a lot of eyes on him for several years because of the pure skill and leadership he’s displayed and the ability to leave spectators in awe.

“After I heard my name get called first, I stood up and went to go hug my parents right away. They already had tears of joy in their eyes, and that made me shed some tears as well,” Daneault said. “Even my brothers had some happy tears in their eyes. It meant a lot.”

Daneault was expected to be selected within the top two, according to multiple mock drafts constructed by scouting agencies.

His dominant season earned him a comparison to the likes of San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini or Berkly Catton of the Seattle Kraken.

He’s also compared himself to the likes of his idols Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers and Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

It’s hard not to since he broke the U15 AAA Alberta Elite Hockey League’s single-season scoring record with 149 points in 34 games with the Red Deer Rebels, including 65 goals and 84 assists.

The old record of 146 points dates back to 2012-13, and was held by former Edmonton Oiler Tyler Benson.

It was really cool to be talked about going first overall, but he said it was a totally different feeling once it actually happened.

He said it was a huge honour.

“As soon as I got drafted by the Rockets, their coach, GM, and head scout called me. Even all the players on the team now gave me a text. I’m already feeling like family with this team. I’m so grateful to go to such a great organization that cares so much about their players and wants the best for them,” he said.

Plans are already in the works for Daneault to go to Kelowna to meet the players, staff, and maybe even take in some action at the upcoming Memorial Cup.

He won’t be able to join the Rockets as a full-time player until the 2027-28 season and plans to play for the U18 AAA Red Deer Optimist Chiefs next season.

It will be a squad with high expectations if they can retain the majority of the players graduating from the U15 AAA team that finished the regular season undefeated. They also went unbeaten in the playoffs until they fell in the provincial final.

Among his other teammates that were drafted were Luke Pierson (54th overall by the Wenatchee Wild), Nate Lodge (88th overall by the Edmonton Oil Kings), Finn Visser (91st overall by the Wenatchee Wild), Madden Rome (134th overall by the Victoria Royals), and Lucas Seidel (176th overall by the Brandon Wheat Kings).

“Seeing all my other teammates get drafted, it just shows that our coach Justin [Jarmolicz] puts on a very great program and pushes us all the time during workouts and practices,” Daneault added. “At the end of the day, it obviously pays off with seven draft picks. It’s pretty awesome.”

Red Deer defenceman Jevin Morrison (Image Credit: Rebecca Jane Photography)

Meanwhile, when it came to Morrison, the Wild wanted him so badly they gave up four picks, including a first-round pick next year, in a trade with the Victoria Royals to acquire the fifth overall selection.

They used that pick to select Morrison, who put up 64 points in 24 games last season as a defenceman. He possibly could have put up even more if it weren’t for an injury that sidelined him for a stretch.

He said getting drafted by the Wild is an accomplishment he’s super proud of.

“I’m really excited for the opportunity. It’s any kid’s dream to be drafted that high, and the WHL is the best place for development for young hockey players,” Morrison said.

“Trades like that, they happen all the time, but to be involved in something like that, it really means a lot. It shows that they picked me for a reason and they believe in me.”

He watched the draft with his dad and his grandparents, and his mother was on FaceTime as they watched the events unfold.

He said it was special to get to share it with them.

“They’ve helped me throughout my entire hockey career. Everyone says it, but it’s true, I couldn’t be in the spot that I am right now without them, so it’s really huge they could be a part of it,” Morrison added.

Morrison also plans to join the Chiefs next season before he’s eligible to join the Wild in the 2027-28 season.

He said he hopes to crack a spot on the roster to try and continue the success he and his teammates accomplished last year.

He said seeing his teammates also get drafted shows the improvement the team showed during the season.

“We improved throughout the year a lot, and it just goes to show that scouts noticed us for how hard we play and how fast we play,” he said. “We couldn’t have done it without each other, so being a part of that team was a big part of me being drafted.”