Defenseman John Whipple (Morristown, N.J.) was selected 144th overall by Detroit. (Rena Laverty/USA Hockey’s NTDP)
The 2024 NHL Draft, held June 28-29 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, was a whirlwind experience for John Whipple.
The 18-year-old defenseman from Morristown, N.J., who played the past two years with USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program, was celebrating with family and friends at home after getting selected in the fifth round — 144th overall — by the Detroit Red Wings. The next morning, he was on his way to Detroit’s development camp. The quick turnaround was perfectly fine for Whipple, as having an opportunity to play in the NHL always has been a lifelong dream of his.
