HITMEN SELECT TWO IN 2023 WHL U.S. PRIORITY DRAFT
The Calgary Hitmen selected a defenceman and goaltender in the WHL U.S. Priority Draft for 2008 born U.S players. The 2023 draft was conducted online Wednesday morning.
Calgary drafted defenceman Masen McCosh with their first pick, 11th overall. The product of Glendale Arizona, McCosh played the 2022-23 season with the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes on their 14U AAA team. In the second round of the two-round draft, Calgary selected goaltender Joel Anderson 33rd overall. Hailing from Scottsdale Arizona, Anderson also played for the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes 14U AAA and is a teammate of McCosh.
“We are very excited to draft both Masen and Joel and welcome them to our program,” said Director of Player Personnel Garry Davidson. “Masen is a right hand shot defenceman with puck moving skills and good hockey sense. Joel is your prototypical goalie with his size and is very athletic.
Masen McCosh – Defence
HOMETOWN: Glendale, AZ DOB: June. 1, 2008
HEIGHT: 5’7” WEIGHT: 136 lbs.
SHOOTS: Right
IN CASE YOU DIDN’T KNOW: McCosh’s Father, former pro hockey player Shawn McCosh, played four years in the Ontario Hockey League. McCosh is family friends with former Hitmen Captain and current Ottawa Senator Mark Kastelic.
| Regular Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | PTS |
| 2022-23 | Phoenix Jr. Coyotes 14U AAA | T1EHL 14U | 48 | 15 | 25 | 40 |
| 2021-22 | DYHA Jr. Sun Devils 13 UAA | 13U AA | 46 | 20 | 25 | 45 |
Joel anderson – GOALTENDER
HOMETOWN: Scottsdale, AZ DOB: June. 9, 2008
HEIGHT: 6’3” WEIGHT: 229 lbs.
CATCHES: Right
IN CASE YOU DIDN’T KNOW: Not just a hockey player – with his size and athleticism, Anderson has a background in football as well.
| Regular Season | Team | League | GP | GAA | SV% | SO |
| 2022-23 | Phoenix Jr. Coyotes 14U AAA | T1EHL 14U | 27 | 2.93 | .927 | 1 |
| 2021-22 | Phoenix Jr. Coyotes 13U AAA | 13U AAA | 21 | 2.27 | .900 | 4 |
Eligible for today’s draft were 2008-born players who reside in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
Players not selected in the 2023 WHL U.S. Priority Draft will remain eligible to be selected in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft on Thursday, May 11, or listed by a WHL Club at any time thereafter.
