Dylan Garand is heading to Broadway.
The Blazers goaltender was taken by the New York Rangers in the fourth round, 103rd overall – the third North American goalie taken in the 2020 draft.
“It’s just pure excitement. Before my name popped up, my phone was ringing and I figured this was it,” Garand told NL Sports. “It’s such an honour to be picked by the Rangers. I’ve worked so hard for this my whole life.”
During the 2019-20 season, Garand backstopped the Blazers to their first B.C. Division title since 2012, as he posted a 28-10-2-1 record in 42 games with four shutouts. He also maintained a 2.21 goals-against average, and a .921 save percentage.
The Victoria native was also named the WHL scholastic player of the year after a 93 per cent average in his core Grade 12 courses.
Fellow Blazer Connor Zary was a first round pick by the Calgary Flames yesterday, 24th overall. The two Blazers also shone for Team White at 2020 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in January.
Meanwhile, new Blazers Swedish defenceman Viktor Persson was a seventh round pick of the Vancouver Canucks – 191st overall. He was the 44th ranked European skater by NHL Central Scouting heading into the draft.
Pick No. 103: Dylan Garand ☑️ pic.twitter.com/0qknpanyaj
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 7, 2020
. @DylanGarand31 turns out to be the 3rd NA goaltender chosen behind Comesso and Daws who were rated 1-2 by NHL Cent. Scouting. He’s the 8th goaltender taken in the NHL draft. #Kamloops
— Jon Keen (@JonKeenNLSports) October 7, 2020
Congratulations to @blazerhockey defenceman Viktor Persson, selected 191st overall by the @Canucks! #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/sZtxQqj2DB
— The WHL (@TheWHL) October 7, 2020
Just the Persson we wanted! Welcome to the #Canucks, Viktor! pic.twitter.com/sNbv4AuI0w
— Vancouver #Canucks (@Canucks) October 7, 2020
