The road to the National Hockey League is built one step at a time, and former Drumheller Dragons defenceman Will McLaughlin has taken another significant stride.
Fresh off being selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2026 NHL Draft, McLaughlin was among the organization’s top prospects invited to the 2026 Vegas Golden Knights NHL Development Camp, held from Monday, June 29, through Thursday, July 2, at City National Arena in Las Vegas. The four-day camp brought together the franchise’s newest draft picks and top young prospects for on-ice sessions, off-ice testing, meetings, and professional development.
For the Drumheller Dragons organization, seeing McLaughlin continue his climb toward the NHL is a proud moment and for the Drumheller community, this feels especially meaningful. McLaughlin’s journey is also a reminder of the important role the Drumheller Dragons continue to play in developing elite talent. The Dragons organization is extremely proud of Will’s accomplishments. Every season, young players arrive in Drumheller chasing their hockey dreams, and McLaughlin’s success is another example of what can happen through dedication, opportunity, and a commitment to getting better every day.
Long before he was skating in front of NHL coaches and management, McLaughlin patrolled the blue line at the Drumheller Memorial Arena wearing the Dragons crest. As one of the youngest players in the AJHL, he showcased the poise, skating ability, and hockey IQ that would eventually earn him opportunities in the WHL with the Portland Winterhawks, the NHL Draft, and now the Vegas Golden Knights NHL development camp.
Development camps are about much more than on-ice drills. They give prospects their first opportunity to learn an NHL organization’s expectations, culture, and daily habits while working with professional coaches, strength staff, and player development personnel. For McLaughlin, was another chance to demonstrate the same work ethic and maturity that made him a standout throughout his junior career.
From the Memorial Arena to the bright lights of NHL Development Camp, Will McLaughlin continues to make the entire Dragons family proud.
Congratulations, Will! We are grateful you left your jersey in a better place contributing to the culture of the Drumheller Dragons.
