Bragg Creek's Dylan Holloway selected in first round by Oilers

Bragg Creek's Dylan Holloway has been picked 14th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the NHL draft.

Holloway was with his family watching the draft when the Oilers announced the 19-year-old forward as their first pick of the 2020 NHL draft. The room burst out in cheers, applause and hugs when his name was called.

"I was super pumped to be selected, but sitting there, I was just patiently waiting for my name. I knew in the NHL draft anything could happen," said Holloway.

In his rookie season with the Wisconsin Badgers, of the NCAA Big Ten, he appeared in 35 games and registered 8 goals and nine assists. He's in Madison right now preparing for his sophomore season with the Badgers.

At an early age, Holloway started hockey on the outdoor rink in Bragg Creek before playing in Calgary from age 6 on. He went on to play for both the AAA bantam and midget hockey with the Calgary Flames.

He played for both Canada's U17 Red team and Canada's U18 team, and was a member of the Alberta team that won the WCCC-16 title.

He's proud to continue to call Bragg Creek home.

"Growing up in Bragg Creek was awesome. I love it out there."

Holloway grew up cheering on the Flames. That's no longer the case for him and his family.

He heaped praise upon the Oiler organization.

"The Edmonton Oilers have a tonne of history and are a good organization. That, number one, is why I'm super excited, and also it's close to home. I have a lot of family friends there from Calgary, so it's pretty close to Edmonton."

His father Bruce, president and operations manager for Elbow River Helicopters, was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in 1981, and played two games in the NHL. A serious injury prevented him from continuing.

When Holloway hits the ice for our northern neighbours it will be his second time as an Oiler. In his final season in the Alberta Junior Hockey League, he was named theleague's most valuable player, after posting 40 goals and 48 assists in 53 games with the Okotoks Oilers. He played two full seasons with the AJHL team.

Holloway was considered a top prospect by NHL scouts heading into the draft.

Also last night, Airdrie's Jake Neighbours was the first pick for the St. Louis Blues in round one. He was the 26th selection overall.

The NHL draft continues today.