WHL Bantam Draft Today

Regina, Saskatchewan – The Western Hockey League Bantam Draft begins this morning in Calgary.  The Pats make their first selection (2^nd overall) shortly after 8:30 a.m.  The Blue and White are projected to make their next pick in the 28^th spot of the draft (6^th in the second round).  Notable past selections by the Pats in the first two rounds include: Barret Jackman (1996 – 1^st), Morgan Klimchuk (2010 – 1^st), Garth Murray 1997 – 1^st), Chandler Stephenson (2009 – 1^st),
Garrett Mitchell (2006 – 2^nd), Colten Teubert (2005 – 1^st).

Outside of their early picks, the Pats hold multiple mid-round picks, including three in the fourth round (68, 79 and 80).  The Pats have found success drafting in these mid-to-late rounds finding key players for the organization over the years including: Jordan Eberle (2005 – 7^th), Kyle Burroughs (2010 – 3^rd), Josh Harding (1999 – 3^rd), Brad Stuart (1994 – 3^rd), Jordan Weal (2007 – 4^th), Kyle Calder (1994 – 8^th), Dyson Stevenson (2008 – 5^th).

“There are kids who separate a bit at the top and there’s a second tier as we have it mapped out,” says Regina Pats Head Scout Dale McMullin.  “Obviously some of the second tier and even third tier players, down the road, turn out to be the best players three or four years out.”

Pats Picks in the 2013 Bantam Draft

1^st Round – 2                                                  

2^nd Round – 28                                   

4^th Round – 68, 79 and 80      

6^th Round – 116                                              

7^th Round – 138                                  

8^th Round – 160          

9^th Round – 182

The first round of the 2012-13 WHL Bantam Draft will be streamed live on WHL.ca starting at 8:30 a.m.

For Draft Day coverage, visit ReginaPats.com and follow the Pats on Twitter (@WHLPats).