The Victoria Royals selected defenceman Keaton Verhoeff with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft on Thursday. Verhoeff tallied 13 goals and 33 assists for 46 points in 27 games with RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna U15 Prep during the 2022-23 season. Hailing from Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Verhoeff stands at 6’3 and 191lbs. 

Verhoeff becomes the second highest player selected in Royals franchise history, at fourth overall. The right-handed defenceman finished second in CSSHL U15 Defenceman Scoring and first in CSSHL U15 Defenceman Scoring for 2023 WHL Draft Eligible players. Verhoeff also played two games for the RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna U16 team and one game for the RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna U18 team over the course of the season. 

“We are very proud to be able to select Keaton with the 4th overall pick,” said Royals Assistant General Manager and Director of Player Personnel, J.F. Best. “Keaton checks all the boxes.  He is a person of high character with a great work ethic, who embodies what it means to be a Royal.  As a player, he is a skilled defenceman with dynamic abilities and creative offensive instincts.  Defensively, he plays with a good stick and is an imposing presence down low and around the net.  We are excited to welcome him and the Verhoeff family to the Royals organization.”

The Victoria Royals selected defenceman Keaton Verhoeff with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft on Thursday. Verhoeff tallied 13 goals and 33 assists for 46 points in 27 games with RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna U15 Prep during the 2022-23 season. Hailing from Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Verhoeff stands at 6’3 and 191lbs.    Verhoeff becomes the second highest player selected in Royals franchise history, at fourth overall. The right-handed defenceman finished second in CSSHL U15 Defenceman Scoring and first in CSSHL U15 Defenceman Scoring for 2023 WHL Draft Eligible players. Verhoeff also played two games for the RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna U16 team and one game for the RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna U18 team over the course of the season.    “We are very proud to be able to select Keaton with the 4th overall pick,” said Royals Assistant General Manager and Director of Player Personnel, J.F. Best. “Keaton checks all the boxes.  He is a person of high character with a great work ethic, who embodies what it means to be a Royal.  As a player, he is a skilled defenceman with dynamic abilities and creative offensive instincts.  Defensively, he plays with a good stick and is an imposing presence down low and around the net.  We are excited to welcome him and the Verhoeff family to the Royals organization.”

Listen to Marlon Martens, 10:00 am–4:00pm Saturdays and Sundays in The Weekend Zone.

Listen to Marlon Martens, 10:00 am–4:00pm Saturdays and Sundays in The Weekend Zone.