The Avalanche picked up more Canadian flair Friday night.
With two picks in the opening round of the NHL Draft, Colorado used both to select players from Canada — defenseman Bowen Byram and center Alex Newhook.
Bryam was taken with the No. 4 overall pick and Newhook about an hour later at No. 16. Both players are 18 years old.
Byram played in 67 games for the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League over the 2018-19 season, recording 71 points (26 goals, 45 assists).
"After (the first two picks) nobody knew what was going on. Then Denver got up there and I had a really good feeling about them from the start," Byram said. "When they called my name, it was pretty cool."
Newhook has played with the Victoria Grizzlies of the British Columbia Hockey League the past two seasons. He has recorded 168 regular-season points with an additional 33 in 27 postseason games.
"Throughout the year, I definitely had a good connection with (the Avalanche) and felt like it could be a fit," Newhook said. "I'm really happy to be part of the Avalanche family right now."
American center Jack Hughes was selected first overall by the New Jersey Devils.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS | Local stories from 9NEWS
