May 10, 2023

WHL DRAFT: Tips select two players from Dallas Stars Elite 14U in U.S. Priority Draft

Booker Toninato Cameron Dillard U.S. Priority Draft whl draft

Casey Bryant

EVERETT, Wash. — The Everett Silvertips selected two players from the Dallas Stars Elite 14U club in Wednesday’s U.S. Priority Draft. Defenseman Cameron Dillard was drafted with the 10th overall pick, while forward Booker Toninato was selected 32nd overall.

“We’re very excited to add two new members to Silvertip Country,” commented assistant general manager Mike Fraser. “[U.S. Scout] Michael Devellano has put in a ton of work in preparation for this draft, and we all feel we’ve added two quality prospects. We’re looking forward to seeing them in training camp.”

Dillard, an ’08-born Arlington, TX native, appeared in 66 games for the Stars, registering 12 goals and 45 assists. Measuring at 6-3, 180 pounds, Dillard was a stalwart on the blueline, helping the Stars to a 65-7-3 record in the regular season.

“Cameron is a number-one right shot defenseman,” noted Silvertips U.S. scout Michael Devellano. “He’s an above-average skater and a very strong defender. He’s very difficult to play against one-on-one with his positioning and his willingness to play physically. He also makes excellent first-pass decisions on breakouts and is strong on the offensive blueline with a heavy shot from the point.”

Toninato, an ’08-born Tulsa, OK native, played 70 games for the Stars in 2022-23, tallying 36 goals and 68 assists for 104 points.

“Booker is a fast two-way center with excellent skating and puck skills,” Devellano said of the 5-10, 160-pound Toninato. “He has a high hockey IQ and is a superb playmaker with above-average goal-scoring skills. He pressures defenders on the forecheck, regularly creating turnovers and offensive opportunities for himself and his linemates.”

Live coverage of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft will be live-streamed FREE via WHL Live on CHL TV on Thursday. No subscription is necessary. The 2023 WHL Prospects Draft Pre-Show begins with co-hosts Chris Wahl and Taylor Rocca at 8:30 a.m. PDT, with live draft coverage beginning at 9 a.m. PDT.