Calgary, AB – Garnet Kazuik, Director of Scouting for the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club today announced Defenseman Griffin Mendel has been selected 11^th overall by the club in the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft.  The 25^th annual WHL Bantam Draft began at 8:30 am today in Calgary and is for players born in 1999 and playing in the four Western Provinces and selected regions of the United States.

 

“We have been watching Mandal since he was 13 and although he is recovering from an injury there are many qualities in him we feel will make a great fit in our organization.,” commented Kazuik.  “He has a similar playing style to former ICE players Joey Leach and Brayden McNabb and is a big body and heavy hard player.  We are excited to welcome Griffin to the Kootenay ICE organization.” 

 

Mendel becomes the 19^th first round draft pick in the history of the ICE franchise.

2013 Draft – Forward Jared Legien – 9th Overall

2012 Draft – Defenseman Tory Murray – 10^th Overall

2011 Draft – Forward Collin Shirley – 17^th Overall

2010 Draft – Forward Sam Reinhart – 15^th Overall

2009 Draft – Forward Colby Cave – 13^th Overall

2008 Draft – Forward Brendan Hurley – 15^th Overall

2007 Draft – Forward Drew Czerwonka – 20^th Overall

2006 Draft – Goaltender Nathan Lieuwen – 16^th Overall

2005 Draft – Defenseman Jordan Wilkins – 20^th Overall

2004 Draft – Defenseman John Negrin – 7^th Overall

2003 Draft – Defenseman Todd Panchyson – 12^th Overall

2003 Draft – Forward Ben Maxwell – 2^nd Overall

2001 Draft – Forward Jeremy Schenderling – 19^th Overall

2000 Draft – Forward Dale Mahovsky – 17^th Overall

1999 Draft – Defenseman Andy Thompson – 7^th Overall

1998 Draft – Goaltender Dan Blackburn – 3^rd Overall

1997 Draft – Forward Jarret Stoll – 1^st Overall

1996 Draft – Defenseman Steve McCarthy – 1^st Overall

 

Griffin Mendel

Birthdate:  February 18, 1999           * Hometown:  Kelowna, BC

Position:  LD  * Height:  6’1”  * Weight::  185 lbs.

2013-2014 Team:  Okanagan Hockey Academy – OMAHA AAA