Courtesy Brooks Bandits

By Lisa Parent

Three Brooks Bandits players picked in 2023 NHL Draft

Jun 29, 2023 | 12:54 PM

BROOKS, AB – Three players from the Brooks Bandits and one incoming recruit have been directly drafted into the NHL today.

Forward Hudson Malinoski was selected in the 5th round, 153rd overall, by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Malinoski recorded 69 points (16 goals and 53 assists) in 44 games during the 2022-23 regular season. His point tally placed him third among all rookies in the AJHL (Alberta Junior Hockey League). His 53 assists were the second-highest in the league.

Additionally, defenseman Aiden Celebrini was chosen in the 6th round, 171st overall, by the Vancouver Canucks. Celebrini, a defenseman for the Bandits, played 47 games in the 2022-23 season, contributing 21 points (5 goals and 16 assists). He ranked eighth in scoring among AJHL rookie defensemen.

Forward Aiden Fink was picked in the 7th round, 218th overall, by the Nashville Predators. Fink received the prestigious Canadian Junior Hockey League MVP award and was named the Most Valuable Player and Top Forward in the Alberta Junior Hockey League. He led the AJHL offensively with an impressive 97 points, consisting of 41 goals and 56 assists, in 54 regular-season games.

Incoming recruit to the Bandits Sebastian Bradshaw was also selected in the 7th round of the 2023 National Hockey League Entry Draft, going 221st overall to the Dallas Stars.

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Malinoski, Celebrini and Fink join the esteemed list of Bandits players, including Cale Makar, Parker Foo, Corson Ceulemans, and Taylor Makar, who have been directly drafted into the NHL.

There were no Medicine Hat Tigers players drafted.