PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Last year having three first round picks, the Pens used their only, the 22nd overall, on Liam Ruck from British Columbia. In 2022-23 in U-15 in Canada, Ruck scored 53 goals in 27 games with 90 points.
“I think I’m a smart, 200-foot player, a competitive guy that has good stick details and is pretty good in the scoring areas,” Ruck said with Pittsburgh reporters after the pick on Friday.
That would play out given his numbers. Last year with Medicine Hat in the Western Hockey League he scored 45 goals with 59 assists in 68 games. He had another eight goals in 14 playoff games with four assists. This year with the Canadian U18 team in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, he had two goals and an assist in five games.
The 18-year-old, 6’, 176-pound, right-hand shot was ranked anywhere from 10th to 43rd as an overall prospect with the majority of scouts having him in the twenties. Ruck played in juniors with first-overall pick Gavin McKenna and is committed to the University of North Dakota with his twin brother.
Ruck said the Pens were the most interested team throughout the draft process. He said he needs to gain weight but says his brain is a big advantage for him.
On Saturday the Pens have a pair of second round selections, a third rounder and a sixth-round pick.
Ruck says his brain helps set him apart from other players
Ruck says his brain helps set him apart from other players
