Calgary's Landon DuPont picked 1st overall in WHL draft

The selection came as a surprise to nobody, but that didn't dull the excitement for hockey phenom Landon DuPont.

The 14-year-old Calgary defenceman was picked first overall by the Everett Silvertips in the Western Hockey League draft Thursday.

He was granted exceptional status by the WHL in April, joining former Regina Pats forward and current Chicago Blackhawk Connor Bedard as the only other person on that list.

The distinction makes him eligible to play in the league at the age of 15, which is younger than the typical minimum age requirement of 16.

"I'm super excited and honoured to be picked," said DuPont.

"I've been to a few [Silvertips] games live … it was crazy. The fans go crazy with their cowbells. It was super fun to watch."

DuPont, who turns 15 at the end of May, spent the previous season playing hockey at the U18 level with Calgary's Edge School, scoring 19 goals and 43 assists over 30 games.

He's described as a 5-11, 170-pound dynamic player who can do it all.

"He's the whole package," said Mike Fraser, assistant general manager for the western Washington team. "He's got great skating and edges, scoring ability, great skill, smarts. I think he's a bit of an underrated defender as well."

DuPont is the ninth player — and third defenceman — in Canadian Hockey League history to receive the designation since it was created in 2005.

Others who received the designation include Toronto Maple Leafs centre John Tavares, Florida Panthers defencemen Aaron Ekblad and Edmonton Oilers centre Connor McDavid.

Of the seven exceptional status players who have graduated from the CHL, six of them were selected in the first round of the NHL draft. Four of those — Tavares, Ekblad, McDavid and Bedard — were chosen first overall in the pros.

DuPont is the Everett Silvertips' only first overall selection since the Seattle-area franchise was established in 2003.

"I can't wait to get things going," he said. "It's an amazing organization that's run really well."