LA Kings select Alex Turcotte fifth overall; much more to come

Much more to come. First, the press release, courtesy LA Kings PR:

The Los Angeles Kings tonight selected center Alex Turcotte with the 5th overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft in Vancouver.

“I can’t even believe it. I am at a loss for words,” said Turcotte as part of the National TV Broadcast. “I am just so excited. I am happy they believe in me and I can’t get wait to get to camp.”

Turcotte, 18, is a native of Island Lake, Illinois. A 5-11, 185-pounder, Turcotte has played the past two seasons with the U.S. National Under-18 and Under-17 teams. In 16 USHL games this year he had 34 points (12-22=34) and in 21 exhibition games this year he had 28 points (15-13-28). Having represented the U.S. in several international tournaments, among Turcotte’s highlights is earning a silver medal at the 2018 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship in Russia.

His father, Alfie, was originally selected in the first round by the Montreal Canadiens in 1983 and he played in 112 total NHL games throughout his long pro career. Alex’s uncle, Jeff, played in the NHL and is a coach with the Jr. Kings program. Alex has committed to play at the University of Wisconsin which is coached by former Kings forward Tony Granato.

The Kings tonight also are slated to choose 22nd overall.

All subsequent rounds – rounds 2 through 7 – take place Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. and will be broadcast on NHL Network.

Royal Lineage: Alex Turcotte

–Lead photo via Rena Laverty/U.S. National Development Team

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