The Americans are proud to congratulate Allen native J.P. Hurlbert on being selected by the Detroit Red Wings with the 23rd overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft.
Long before he became one of the top prospects in hockey, Hurlbert was a familiar face at Americans games. As a young player growing up in Allen, he proudly served as a junior starter, skating onto the ice with the Americans before puck drop.
Hurlbert's rise has been nothing short of remarkable. After developing his game through the Dallas-area youth hockey system, he continued his path with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program before starring for the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League during the 2025-26 season. The dynamic forward led the Blazers with 42 goals, 55 assists, and 97 points, earning WHL Rookie of the Year honors and establishing himself as one of the premier offensive talents in the 2026 NHL Draft class.
Hurlbert becomes another success story in the expanding hockey landscape that has flourished throughout North Texas over the past two decades. His journey serves as an inspiration to every young player attending an Americans game, lacing up skates for the first time, or dreaming of one day playing in the NHL.
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