The Medicine Hat Tigers will have the first overall pick at this year’s WHL Prospects Draft on May 19. 

The WHL held its draft lottery on Thursday afternoon with the Tigers, Regina Pats, Swift Current Broncos, Calgary Hitmen, Victoria Royals and Tri-City Americans vying for the top six picks in the draft. 

Each non-playoff team retains their first round pick, but winning the lottery could move a team up a maximum of two positions. Medicine Hat, Tri-City and Victoria were the only teams that could have moved into the number one position. The first six picks will be as follows:

  1. Medicine Hat Tigers
  2. Tri-City Americans
  3. Victoria Royals
  4. Calgary Hitmen
  5. Swift Current Broncos
  6. Regina Pats

The Moose Jaw Warriors have the 14th overall pick in the first round. 

Results from the U.S. Priority Draft lottery were also announced. The U.S. Priority Draft is set for May 18 and will be conducted at WHL.ca.  

All 22 WHL teams had an equal opportunity to win the U.S. Priority Draft Lottery. 

The Edmonton Oil Kings will get the first overall pick, followed by the Brandon Wheat Kings. The Regina Pats have the third overall pick, the Lethbridge Hurricanes will be fourth and the Moose Jaw Warriors have the fifth pick. 

The U.S. Priority Draft will consist of two rounds and 44 selections. Teams will choose from 2007-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.