A Texas Dream Takes Flight
J.P. Hurlbert was chosen with the 23rd overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft by the Detroit Red Wings, turning a lifelong aspiration into reality. Growing up in Texas as a fervent Red Wings fan, his early exposure to the team’s history — watching Stars versus Red Wings matchups and sporting a nameless Red Wings jersey — set the stage for his selection.
The news was celebrated in Dallas, where his name was added to a community banner honoring local NHL draft picks. His father’s Red Wings fandom and deep connection to the franchise further reinforced the personal significance of the moment, linking his family’s legacy to the organization’s storied past.
Michigan: The Next Arena
Hurlbert will begin his collegiate career at the University of Michigan, where he will train alongside prospects such as Michael Hage and Landon DuPont under the guidance of coach Brandon Naurato. The move to Michigan offers a platform to refine his skills against future NHL talent and prepare physically and mentally for the professional ranks.
During development camp, he will room with fellow Red Wings first‑rounder Carter Bear, creating a direct link between the draft and the next phase of his growth. The Red Wings’ historical ties to Texas hockey, exemplified by players like Cross Hanas, provide a broader context for Hurlbert’s place in a lineage that stretches from the Lone Star State to Detroit.