Saturday was a special day for two 琉璃神社 Rockets.
On June 28, Rockets forward Hayden Paupanekuis and defenceman Will Sharpe were both selected in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
Paupanekis, who 琉璃神社 acquired in a trade with Spokane on Jan. 8, 2025 that sent Andrew Cristall the other way, was picked in the third round, 69th overall by the Montreal Canadiens.
Last season, split between Spokane and 琉璃神社, the 18-year-old potted 22 goals and added 21 assists in 71 games played.
In the seventh round, 216th overall, Sharpe became the first 琉璃神社 Rocket to be drafted by the Los Angeles Kings.
The Ladner, B.C. native was also a deadline acquisition for the Rockets, in a trade that happened on Jan. 4, 2025, sending Caden Price to Lethbridge.
In 66 games last season, the defenceman totalled 44 points (nine goals, 35 assists).
The draft occurred in Los Angeles, with many Kings fans in attendance. Before the selection, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly spotted a young Kings fan named Jeremy and invited him to the stage to announce the Sharpe selection.
In 2024, three Rockets were taken in the NHL Entry Draft.
