The WHL’s Victoria Royals have announced the signing of 2008-born defenseman Odin Vauhkonen.

Hailing from Newport Beach, Vauhkonen is coming to Victoria after three years at Shattuck-St. Mary’s in Minnesota.

Drafted by the Royals with the 25th overall selection in the second round of the 2023 U.S. Priority Draft, Vauhkonen put up 43 points (seven goals, 36 assists) in 51 games played with the Shattuck 16U AAA team this past season.

“Odin is a good young player that will add to our ‘D’ core,” said Royals GM Jake Heisinger. “We are excited Odin chose our program to further his hockey development and welcome him and his family to Victoria.”

Vauhkonen, an Anaheim Jr. Ducks alum, is committed to NCAA Division I Harvard.

Photo/USA Hockey

— WHL Staff

(July 5, 2025)