Shawn Horcoff had an even better reason than representing the Detroit Red Wings for being at the 2025 NHL Draft in Los Angeles.
That moment arrived in the latter half of the first round on Friday, June 27, when his son, William Horcoff, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins at No. 24.
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Shawn Horcoff, an assistant general manager to Steve Yzerman, said on ESPN that William, “has a passion for the game. He loves to play hockey, he puts everything he can into it. We’re really proud of him.”
Michigan Wolverines forward Will Horcoff (44) handles the puck during the first period against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Yost Ice Arena in Ann Arbor on March 8, 2025.
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William Horcoff (6 feet 5, 203 pounds) was born in Birmingham and plays for the University of Michigan. The 18-year-od had 10 points in 18 NCAA games after joining the Wolverines in December. He had 14 points in 28 games with the U.S. National Team Development Program U-18 team.
Horcoff’s fellow Wings executive Kris Draper, whose so, Kienan, was drafted by the Wings in 2020 in the seventh round, was thrilled for his friend.
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“It was fantastic to see Shawn be able to be there with Will and him being selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins,’ Draper said. “The whole organization is really excited for Shawn. Will is a great kid. He’s at university of Michigan with my son, Kienan. They’ve become really good friends. They’re actually going to live right next door to each other next year. They’ve become really good friends.”
Shawn Horcoff translated a standout four seasons at Michigan State into a long NHL career, playing 1,008 games, mostly with the Edmonton Oilers. He joined the Wings as director of player development in 2016 and was promoted to assistant GM in 2022. He also served as GM of the Grand Rapids Griffins.
Contact Helene St. James at hstjames@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Red Wings executive’s son a first round pick in 2025 NHL Draft