(Submitted image/BC Lions)

By Pete McIntyre

Linebacker

Vernon product taken by BC Lions in CFL Draft

May 4, 2021 | 8:30 PM

The B.C. Lions have drafted a former Vernon Panthers star in the 2021 Canadian Football League Draft.

Ben Hladik, an all-star linebacker from the UBC Thunderbirds, was chosen by the Lions in the third round with the 22nd overall pick in Tuesday’s draft.

“Welcome to the den, Ben,” said the Lions Instagram account after drafting Hladik.

The 22-year-old Hladik was named the provincial MVP in powering the Vernon Secondary School Panthers to their first B.C. AA high school football championship game in 2016, where they lost to the Seaquam Seahawks of Delta.

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Click here for all six rounds of the CFL Draft.