The Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Penguins Elite organization would like to congratulate both Gabe Ludwig and Braxton Whitehead on their selections in the 2019 Western Hockey League (WHL) Bantam Draft. The WHL is among the three premier, junior leagues that comprise the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) along with the Ontario Hockey League and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The WHL consists of teams from both the U.S Pacific Northwest as well as provinces in Western Canada and has been regarded as one of the finest player development leagues in junior hockey. Gabe Ludwig, an Eagle River, Alaska native was selected 42nd overall by the Seattle Thunderbirds. Prior to Pens Elite, Ludwig spent his most recent season with the Anchorage North Stars’ organization where he served as team captain and recorded 14 goals and 30 assists in 25 games played. Braxton Whitehead, a Palmer, Alaska native was selected 66th overall in the 2019 draft by the Regina Pats. Prior to making the journey to Pens Elite, Whitehead played two seasons with the Anchorage North Stars’ organization as a very successful center. Both players will compete with the Pens Elite 15U squad in the upcoming 2019-2020 season. Again, congratulations to both Gabe and Braxton on their draft selections!