Scott Bonner, a veteran agent, likens Keaton Verhoeff’s temperament and work ethic to those of former Giant Craig Cunningham, noting that such praise is rarely bestowed.
Bonner, who represents players through his Edmonton‑based agency, represents Verhoeff, a defenseman projected to be an early selection in the upcoming NHL draft after a standout season with the University of North Dakota following a year with the Victoria Royals.
Bonner served as general manager of the Vancouver Giants from the franchise’s inception in 2001‑02 until 2016, when he transitioned to an agency role; during that time, Craig Cunningham emerged as one of the club’s most celebrated alumni.
Cunningham’s narrative is well known. He experienced cardiac arrest during a pre‑AHL game in 2016, resulting in the amputation of his lower left leg. Despite this, he has remained involved in hockey, transitioning to a scouting role with the Vegas Golden Knights.
Within the Giants organization, Cunningham earned a reputation for relentless hustle, disciplined work ethic, and steadfast leadership. He began his rookie season in 2006‑07 with no goals and five points in 48 games, but by age 19 he had evolved into a MVP candidate, tallying 37 goals and 97 points across 72 contests.
Standing 6‑4 and weighing 212 pounds, Verhoeff shoots right‑handed and has contributed six goals and 20 points in 36 NCAA games this season, having previously recorded 21 goals and 45 points in 63 games for the Victoria Royals in 2024‑25.
Combined with the intangible qualities highlighted by Bonner, these attributes make Verhoeff, a Fort Saskatchewan native who will turn 18 on Friday, an attractive prospect for NHL clubs.
The Vancouver Canucks hold the third overall pick, which is most commonly associated with Brantford Bulldogs centre Caleb Malhotra; however, the San Jose Sharks might trade out of the second spot to acquire veteran defensive assistance, potentially altering the draft landscape.
Sportsnet analyst Jason Bukala previously positioned Verhoeff at the top of his November mock draft; more recent projections have varied, with The Athletic placing him at eighth overall to the Winnipeg Jets.
“I think everyone’s entitled to their own opinion and there’s lots of say around where everyone’s going, but, at the end of the day, it’s the list behind the scenes that matters most,” Verhoeff said in regards to all the pre‑draft hype and hoopla. “For me, I’m honestly just looking forward and excited to see where I go and where the journey begins.”
Regardless of the drafting team, he will bring the same work ethic, competitiveness, and energy daily, aiming to help the team win a Stanley Cup.
American defenseman Chase Reid, currently the top‑ranked draft prospect among defensive backs, is joined by a cohort of Western Canadian prospects including Verhoeff, Carson Carels, Daxon Rudolph, and Ryan Lin.
These western defensemen have known each other for years. Verhoeff acknowledges a “healthy competition” among them, stating that while each strives to be the best, they also celebrate each other’s successes.
When any of them receives a draft invitation, Verhoeff said he will be genuinely excited for his peers.
Originally a goaltender until age 11, Verhoeff transitioned to defence because he preferred not to wait in the crease for the puck.
Prior to joining the Victoria Royals, Verhoeff spent two seasons at Kelowna’s Rink Academy, where he trained under Calgary Flames legend Jarome Iginla, even residing with Iginla’s family for a year.
He accelerated his education to graduate a year early, planning to focus on hockey for the draft, but when NCAA eligibility rules opened, he chose to commit to the University of North Dakota.
The transition from major junior to NCAA placed significant pressure on him, which he acknowledges.
Although he aspires to be selected as high as possible, Verhoeff emphasizes that the ideal fit with a team is paramount.
While many analysts project Lin to be selected in the middle of the first round, he was the only defenseman among Team Canada’s top three at the Under‑18 World Championships in Slovakia in April; Verhoeff was also a member of that squad.
These relationships have been built through years of competition in Hockey Canada events, and each player looks forward to celebrating the others’ milestones.
Verhoeff noted that competing with these peers helps each other grow; when one receives a draft opportunity, he will be genuinely excited for them.
He aims to bring the same work ethic, competitiveness, and energy daily, aiming to help the team win a Stanley Cup.
SEwen@postmedia.com
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