The 2025 NHL Entry Draft wrapped up today after two days of selections and four BCHL players were chosen by NHL teams.
Three players from the 2024-25 season and one college alumnus heard their names called today.
Francesco Dell’Elce (D, University of Massachusetts) – Round 3 (77th overall) – Colorado Avalanche
Dell’Elce came into the draft with the highest ranking among current or former BCHL players, so it was no surprise when his name was called first midway through the third round. The former Penticton Vee was the team’s leading scorer among defencemen last season with 38 points in 54 games and was named to the BCHL’s Second-Team All-Stars as well as the All-Rookie Team.
In 2024-25, he played his freshman year at the University of Massachusetts where he again made the conference All-Rookie Team after totaling seven goals, 17 assists and 24 points in 40 contests.
Max Heise (F, Penticton Vees) – Round 5 (150th overall) – San Jose Sharks
Heise just wrapped up his second season in the BCHL, both with Penticton. In 2024-25, he saw a huge jump in production from his rookie campaign, finishing the year with 27 goals (21 more than his first year) and 40 points (also 21 more). The 19-year-old also stepped up his game in the playoffs this season, producing at over a point per game with 17 in 14 postseason contests.
Heise is committed to Michigan State University.
Jeremy Loranger (F, Sherwood Park Crusaders) – Round 7 (198th overall) – Columbus Blue Jackets
At 17 years old, Loranger was the BCHL’s Most Valuable Player, scoring leader and Rookie of the Year in 2024-25. He finished his season with 105 points, becoming just the fifth player since 2015-16 to eclipse the 100-point plateau. He also led the league with 40 goals and tied for the most assists with 65.
He is set to play his freshman season at the University of Nebraska-Omaha in the fall.
Kale Dach (F, Sherwood Park Crusaers) – Round 7 (201st overall) – Pittsburgh Penguins
The second of two Crusaders players selected in the draft, Dach goes three picks after his linemate Loranger. In his second season with Sherwood Park, Dach finished second in league scoring in 2024-25 with 87 points and tied for the league lead in assists with 65. He was also named team captain at the age of 17.
Dach is committed to Penn State University.
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The following former BCHL payers were also selected at the draft:
Shea Busch (Vernon Vipers) – Round 4 (128th overall), Florida Panthers
Brendan Dunphy (Langley Rivermen) – Round 7 (197th overall), Florida Panthers
