Campbell River hockey player picked up by Calgary Flames in NHL Draft

A Campbell River hockey player’s lifelong dream came true Friday when the Calgary Flames drafted him 155th overall in this year’s NHL Draft.

Parker Bell, who has spent the past three years with the WHL’s Tri-City Americans, heard the news in his hometown while watching the draft with friends and family.

An unforgettable moment for @parkerbellll and his family. ❤️#CofRed 𝙭 @NHLFames pic.twitter.com/7ZsQlDbhpd

— Tri-City Americans (@TCAmericans) July 8, 2022

“I was just trying to be patient with it, I didn’t know what was going to happen. Obviously I’m happy with where I went,” Bell said in an interview with CHEK News. that I have encountered so far, a wonderful organization. I’m just excited to start.

Although he spoke to members of the organization before he was drafted, Bell said he had no idea Calgary was going to be looking for him.

With the 155th overall pick in 2022 #NHLDraftthe #Flames select Parker Bell! pic.twitter.com/9oxnbdzW0c

— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) July 8, 2022

In his first two years with the Tri-City Americans, he scored just six points in 61 games.

However, in its third year, Bell had a bumper year. Score 49 points in 64 games and lead his team with 31 assists. He said a combination of his hard work in the offseason and having more opportunities on the ice is what made him thrive.

“I’ve had more opportunities this year and the confidence has come with that, and I feel like I’ve run with that over the season,” Bell said. “I worked on my skating lots in the offseason and I feel like everything went well for me in this third year.”

Bell joins Brett Connolly and Len Lunde as one of six Campbell River players to enter the NHL.