Anaheim Ducks wheel out new draft pick, Saskatoon born Roger McQueen

Saskatoon born Roger McQueen, drafted to the Anaheim Ducks on Friday, is getting some traction from fans thanks to his shared namesake with the lead character in Disney-Pixar's 'Cars.' (Source: Twitter.com/AnaheimDucks)

The hockey team once owned by Disney is quickly embracing the name recognition of its latest first round prospect, Saskatoon born forward Roger McQueen.

The Anaheim Ducks drafted Roger McQueen tenth overall at the NHL Draft on Friday, the team taking him directly from the draft day stage to a helicopter to Disneyland, a ten-minute drive from the arena where the Ducks play.

That’s where he was introduced to Lightning McQueen, the star of the Disney-Pixar “Cars” movie franchise, who he happens to share a name with.

It was a match made in marketing heaven.

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McQueen was asked about the shared name — and his decision to walk up to the draft stage to Rascall Flatt’s cover of “Life is a Highway,” a song straight from the movie’s soundtrack.

“It’s pretty fun. Picking the song, I thought I’d just throw something fun in there,” McQueen said.

Another Disney connection — McQueen’s pick was announced by two actors from the Disney franchise that the Ducks name comes from — the Mighty Ducks.

The connection was taken even further Sunday, when the Ducks revealed McQueen would wear the same number as the fictional race car that shares his namesake: number 95.

Outside of marketing-fuelled antics that will likely result in a number of Disney-Pixar fans buying Ducks merchandise — McQueen will have his work cut out for him if he hopes to be a rookie sensation like Lightning.

McQueen only played in 17 games last year for the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings, recovering from a fracture in his lower back.

Despite all his time missed, the 6’5” forward still scored 10 goals and picked up 10 assists as a member of the Wheat Kings last season. The previous year, he played in 53 games with 51 points on the season.

Along with Disneyland and dolphin watching, the Ducks have been keeping their new prospects busy since draft day.

McQueen was joined by two of his new teammates in throwing out the first pitch at a Los Angeles Angels game, wearing his new jersey number out for the occasion.