Five potential future Flin Flon Bombers were picked in last Friday’s Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League Bantam Draft.
With the fourth overall pick, the Bombers tabbed talented forward Jayden Wiens from Carrot River. He was a sixth round selection of the Saskatoon Blades of the major junior Western Hockey League earlier this year. Flin Flon did not have a second round pick due to a trade with Yorkton. In the final four rounds of the six-round draft, the Bombers picked three forwards and a defenceman – two of which were also WHL draft picks.
The 2003-born athletes selected will play at least a season or two at the midget level before trying to earn a spot on the Bombers. The SJHL Bantam Draft was held during league meetings in Nipawin.
Forward, Carrot River
Rd 1, 4th overall
North East Wolfpack
23 GP, 17 G, 19 A, 36 TP, 28 PIM
Drafted by the Western Hockey League’s Saskatoon Blades in the sixth round.
“He is the hardest worker around. He has a hate-to-lose attitude. I have never met a person who hates to lose more than him. I have coached him for the last two years and I have really enjoyed him. He is not only an amazing hockey player, but an even better person. The Bomber organization got an amazing hockey player and person.”
– Dennis Kubat, Wolfpack head coach
Ashton Ferster
Forward, Prince Albert
Rd 3, 28th overall
Prince Albert Pirates
31 GP, 24 G, 36 A, 60 TP, 30 PIM
Drafted round four, 77th overall, by the Medicine Hat Tigers
“He competes hard every shift of every game. His ability to get pucks out of the zone and willingness to block shots makes him extremely reliable in the defensive zone. He possesses a high hockey IQ and has scored at every level that he has played at. His commitment to improving as a player and his will to win makes him an asset wherever he plays. He is captain material and leads by example. A great pick!”
– Shawn Phaneuf, Pirates head coach
Hunter Larocque
Defenceman, Saskatoon
Rd 4, 40th overall
Saskatoon Maniacs
28 GP, 21 G, 34 A, 55 TP, 70 PIM
Drafted in sixth round, 131st overall, by the Edmonton Oil Kings.
“Hunter is a big, strong, talented kid who possessed one of the best shots in the bantam league this past year. He has a great upside due to his strong skating and his puck-moving ability and can be a difference maker on the ice.”
– Ashley Buckberger, Maniacs head coach
Connor Yager
Forward, Dundurn
Rd 5, 52nd overall
Martensville Marauders
29 GP, 24 G, 14 A, 38 TP, 111 PIM
“He has very good speed with a hard shot. He likes to play in the ‘dirty’ areas and plays a tough, physical game. He has the ability to get the opposition off their game but still maintain his focus [and] self control to continue helping his team.”
– Shaun Priel, Marauders head coach
Grayson Chell
Forward, Saskatoon
Rd 6, 64th overall
Saskatoon Stallions
30 GP, 19 G, 14 A, 33 TP, 20 PIM
“Grayson is very skilled, has decent strength, and good size. He will be a very good player and be an excellent SJHL player at 19.”
– Dave Chartier, Stallions head coach
