The Los Angeles Kings selected a local New Jersey kid this week, as they took Alex Laferriere in the third round, 83rd overall, of the 2020 NHL Draft.
Laferriere, a forward from Chatham, NJ, proved to be one of the top young talents in the United States Hockey League (USHL), the premier junior ice hockey association sanctioned by USA Hockey, last season.
The 6-0, 180-pounder registered a team-high 45 points on 19 goals and 26 assists with the Des Moines Buccaneers last year.
Laferriere, 18, played two years with the Chatham Cougars Boy’s Hockey Team, posting 11 goals and 13 helpers as a sophomore and guided the Cougars to the Public C state championship game in the 2017-18 campaign.
Laferriere plans on returning to the Buccaneers this season. He said he is heading to Des Moines on Saturday, per Des Moines Register.
— Jerry Del Priore (Photo: Des Moines Buccaneers)