Hurlbert Breaks Texas Drought in First-Round Selection

J.P. Hurlbert from Allen, Texas, became the first player from the Lone Star State to hear his name called in the first round since 2013, ending a 13-year drought for Texas-born talent at the top of the draft. The accomplishment carries weight in a state that's produced plenty of hockey talent but hasn't seen recent first-round success. Hurlbert's selection suggests the next wave of Texas hockey prospects may finally be breaking through at the highest levels.