Third round picks

To the third round...

#45: Calgary:

Ben Thomas - D, 6'1", 160 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Calgary Northstar Sabres (AMBHL AAA bantam)	1	0	0	0	0
09-10: Calgary Blazers (CMHA AA bantam)	28	1	3	4	20
09-10: Calgary Blazers (CMHA AA bantam - PLF)	2	0	1	1	0
09-10: Calgary Blazers (PoCo AAA bantam tournament)	5	2	1	3	6
10-11: Calgary Northstar Sabres (AMBHL AAA bantam)	32	1	10	11	46
10-11: Calgary North Stars (Alberta Cup)	5	1	3	4	2

#46: Swift Current:

Jordan Wittman - RW, 6'0", 170 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Swift Current Raiders (SSMBHL AA bantam)	26	13	17	30	16
09-10: Swift Current Raiders (Saskatoon bantam tournament)	4	2	4	6	4
10-11: Swift Current Raiders (SSMBHL AA bantam)	22	29	24	53	10
10-11: Swift Current Raiders (Saskatoon bantam tournament)	5	2	7	9	4
10-11: Swift Current Raiders (KIBIHT AAA)	6	7	9	16	14
10-11: Zone 3 (SaskFirst)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a

#47: Regina:

Griffin Mumby - D, 5'11", 166 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Calgary Bronks (AMBHL AAA bantam)	32	3	14	17	16
09-10: Calgary Bronks (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	4	0	2	2	0
10-11: Calgary Bronks (AMBHL AAA bantam)	31	4	8	12	24
10-11: Calgary North Stars (Alberta Cup)	5	0	5	5	2
10-11: Calgary Stampeders (AMMHL AAA minor midget)	6	2	2	4	2

#48: Lethbridge:

Bryton Sayers - D, 5'9", 170 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
08-09: Prince Albert Ice (CFHL AA pee wee)	20	9	8	17	30
09-10: Prince Albert Pirates (CFHL AA bantam)	24	0	9	9	6
10-11: Prince Albert Pirates (CFHL AA bantam)	24	12	13	25	54
10-11: Prince Albert Pirates (Western Canadian bantam champ.)	4	1	0	1	2
10-11: Zone 8 (SaskFirst)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
10-11: Prince Albert Mintos (SMHL AAA midget)	1	0	0	0	0

#49: Seattle:

Michael Holub - RW, 5'11", 170 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
10-11: Mission (Jardine AAA bantam tournament)	4	2	1	3	5
10-11: Mission Stars (PCAHA AAA bantam)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a

#50: Kamloops:

Connor Clouston - D, 6'1", 170 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
10-11: Medicine Hat Hounds (AMBHL AAA bantam)	29	2	10	12	115
10-11: South Senators (Alberta Cup)	5	1	0	1	10
10-11: Medicine Hat Hounds (AMMHL AAA midget minor)	7	0	2	2	8

Son of Medicine Hat Tigers coach Shaun Clouston.


#51: Kelowna (from EVT via SAS - for Curt Gogol, Jan 10/10 (SAS acquired from EVT in Chris Langkow deal Sep 22/09; SAS also sent this pick to PG in Marek Viedensky deal; PG returned it to SAS for Sena Acolatse)):

Riley Stadel - D, 5'10", 158 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Cloverdale Colts (PCAHA AAA bantam)	12	2	1	3	8
09-10: Cloverdale Colts (PoCo AAA bantam tournament)	5	0	1	1	8
10-11: Cloverdale Colts (PCAHA AAA bantam)	30	18	22	40	n/a
10-11: Wild (B.C. Cup)	5	1	0	1	n/a
10-11: Valley West Hawks (BCMMHL AAA midget)	4	1	0	1	2

#52: Prince Albert:

Tim Vanstone - C, 5'10", 172 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Swift Current Raiders (SSMBHL AA bantam)	26	20	23	43	56
09-10: Swift Current Raiders (Saskatoon bantam tournament)	4	1	5	6	0
10-11: Swift Current Raiders (SSMBHL AA bantam)	22	27	32	59	82
10-11: Swift Current Raiders (Saskatoon bantam tournament)	5	5	3	8	15
10-11: Swift Current Raiders (KIBIHT AAA)	6	11	5	16	13
10-11: Zone 3 (SaskFirst)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
10-11: Notre Dame Hounds (SMHL AAA midget)	5	0	2	2	4

#53: Prince Albert (from Edmonton - for Jordan Hickmott, Jun 28/10):

Rylan Parenteau - G, 5'10", 150 lb	GP	GAA	W	L	T/OTL	SV%
09-10: Saskatoon Outlaws (GSHL AA bantam)	28	3.56	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
10-11: Saskatoon Maniacs (GSHL AA bantam)	34	3.19	21	7	4	0.905
10-11: Zone 6 (SaskFirst)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a

#54: Brandon (from Prince George - BRN sends James Priestner to PG for 2011 3rd rounder and rights to Aaron Ness, Aug 21, 09):

John Quenneville - LW, 6'0", 180 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Sherwood Park Flyers (AMBHL AAA bantam)	29	15	15	30	51
09-10: Sherwood Park Flyers (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	4	0	2	2	6
10-11: Edmonton SSAC (AMBHL AAA bantam)	33	35	40	75	52
10-11: Edmonton SSAC (Western Canadian bantam champ.)	5	2	1	3	2
10-11: Edmonton SSAC (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	6	3	4	7	10
10-11: Edmonton South Bruins (Alberta Cup)	5	0	2	2	6
10-11: Edmonton SSAC (AMMHL AAA minor midget)	2	1	3	4	0

#55: Victoria (from Brandon - for 2011 8th rounder & 2009 first round import pick, June 30, 2009.):

Michael Bell - RW, 5'11", 185 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
10-11: Prince George Cougars (KIBIHT AA)	7	4	4	8	23
10-11: Flyers (B.C. Cup)	5	3	5	8	n/a
10-11: Kitimat (BCAHA midget A)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a

#56: Victoria:

Ryan Gagnon - D, 6'0", 165 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
10-11: Quesnel (BCAHA AA bantam)	19	21	19	40	n/a
10-11: Prince George Cougars (KIBIHT AA)	7	0	3	3	12
10-11: Avalanche (B.C. Cup)	5	2	1	3	n/a

#57: Edmonton (from Vancouver - in Vincour deal, Jan 10/10):

Dysin Mayo - D, 5'11", 145 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Juan de Fuca Grizzlies (Jardine AAA bantam tournament)	5	0	2	2	0
09-10: Juan de Fuca Grizzlies (South Delta tournament)	3	0	1	1	0
10-11: Kelowna Pursuit of Excellence (BCAHA AAA bantam)	51	8	33	41	30
10-11: Kelowna Pursuit of Excellence (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	5	1	2	3	2
10-11: Kelowna Pursuit of Excellence (KIBIHT AAA)	8	4	6	10	4
10-11: Bruins (B.C. Cup)	5	1	0	1	n/a

#58: Prince Albert (from Moose Jaw - in Svendsen/Hlinka deal, Jan 10/11):

Landon Welykholowa - C, 5'10", 155 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Calgary Bisons (AMBHL AAA bantam)	1	0	0	0	0
09-10: Calgary Blackhawks (CMHA AA bantam)	28	17	14	31	54
09-10: Calgary Blackhawks (CMHA AA bantam - PLF)	4	3	0	3	4
10-11: Calgary Bisons (AMBHL AAA bantam)	33	22	29	51	34
10-11: Calgary Bisons (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	5	5	2	7	8
10-11: Calgary South Flames (Alberta Cup)	5	1	5	6	4
10-11: Calgary Blackhawks (AMMHL AAA minor midget)	3	3	1	4	4

#59: Prince George (from Kelowna - in Jackson/Halliday deal, Jan 10/10):

Carson Bolduc - LW, 5'8", 145 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Kelowna Pursuit of Excellence (Jardine AAA bantam tournament)	5	0	1	1	4
09-10: Kelowna Pursuit of Excellence (South Delta tournament)	3	0	1	1	2
09-10: Kelowna Pursuit of Excellence (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	5	0	2	2	0
10-11: Kamloops Jardine Blazers (BCAHA AAA bantam)	52	44	38	82	n/a
10-11: Kamloops Jardine Blazers (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	6	4	3	7	2
10-11: Kamloops Jardine Blazers (KIBIHT AAA)	8	10	5	15	4
10-11: Avalanche (B.C. Cup)	5	5	0	5	n/a

#60: Calgary (from Tri-City - for Zak Stebner, Oct 14/10):

Braden Oleksyn - LW, 5'10", 180 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
08-09: Saskatoon Maniacs (Saskatoon bantam tournament)	3	1	1	2	0
09-10: Saskatoon Frostbite (Western Canadian bantam champ.)	4	6	0	6	4
09-10: Saskatoon Frostbite (Saskatoon bantam tournament)	4	7	4	11	6
10-11: Zone 6 (SaskFirst)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
10-11: Beardy’s Blackhawks (SMHL AAA midget)	43	19	22	41	42
10-11: Beardy’s Blackhawks (Macs Midget Tournament)	4	0	0	0	4

Along with Jordan Thomson (#4 overall to Kamloops), Oleksyn was the other prime draft prospect who played AAA midget this year instead of bantam like most.


#61: Kootenay:

Jordan Steenbergen - D, 6'0", 175 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
08-09: Sylvan Lake Lakers (NCAHL AA bantam)	6	0	0	2	0
09-10: Red Deer Rebels Black (AMBHL AAA bantam)	32	3	4	7	106
10-11: Red Deer Rebels Black (AMBHL AAA bantam)	31	5	12	17	110
10-11: Central Thrashers (Alberta Cup)	5	2	3	5	10

#62: Medicine Hat:

Chad Butcher - C, 5'7", 143 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Kamloops Jardine Blazers (PoCo AAA bantam tournament)	5	2	5	7	4
10-11: Kamloops Jardine Blazers (BCAHA AAA bantam)	52	57	69	126	n/a
10-11: Kamloops Jardine Blazers (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	6	4	11	15	6
10-11: Kamloops Jardine Blazers (KIBIHT AAA)	8	9	13	22	9
10-11: Stars (B.C. Cup)	5	1	2	3	n/a

#63: Spokane:

Markson Bechtold - C, 6'0", 155 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Wheatland Warriors (SCAHL AA bantam)	30	18	21	39	47
10-11: Okotoks Oilers (AMBHL AAA bantam)	31	22	16	38	70
10-11: South Senators (Alberta Cup)	5	1	0	1	6

#64: Portland:

Dominic Turgeon - C, 6'0", 175 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
10-11: Colorado Thunderbirds (Nike/Bauer trmt, 1996 AAA Elite division)	4	2	0	2	0
10-11: Colorado Thunderbirds (AAA bantam)	28	26	22	48	4

First American player picked. Former NHLer Pierre Turgeon's son?


#65: Vancouver (from Red Deer - for Simon Witt, Sep 15/09):

Shaun Dosanjh - D, 6'0", 165 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Seafair Islanders (PCAHA AAA bantam)	17	0	4	4	10
10-11: Seafair Islanders (PCAHA AAA bantam)	39	7	20	27	n/a
10-11: Seafair Islanders (Jardine AAA bantam tournament)	6	1	3	4	26
10-11: Seafair Islanders (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	5	0	2	2	8
10-11: North Shore Winter Club (KIBIHT AAA)	5	0	1	1	4
10-11: Thrashers (B.C. Cup)	5	0	0	0	n/a

#66: Saskatoon:

Landyn Hickmott - C, 5'10", 165 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
10-11: Mission Stars (PCAHA AAA bantam)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
10-11: Mission (Jardine AAA bantam tournament)	4	3	2	5	6
10-11: Hollyburn Huskies (KIBIHT AAA)	6	2	4	6	2
10-11: Thrashers (B.C. Cup)	5	2	0	2	n/a

Younger brother of former WHLer Jordan Hickmott

Saskatoon's first pick of the draft....

Second round picks

Second round picks now....

#23: Calgary:

Josh Thrower - D, 5'11", 172 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: North Shore Winter Club (PCAHA AAA bantam)	56	1	11	12	n/a
09-10: North Shore Winter Club (Western Canadian bantam champ.)	5	0	0	0	4
09-10: North Shore Winter Club (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	5	0	0	0	6
10-11: Kelowna Pursuit of Excellence (BCAHA AAA bantam)	46	8	15	23	59
10-11: Kelowna Pursuit of Excellence (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	5	0	1	1	2
10-11: Kelowna Pursuit of Excellence (KIBIHT AAA)	8	0	3	3	21
10-11: Sabres (B.C. Cup)	5	0	1	1	n/a

Younger brother of Dalton Thrower of the Saskatoon Blades


#24: Swift Current:

Dakota Odgers - F, 5'11", 184 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Yorkton Terriers (SSMBHL AA bantam)	26	24	20	44	29
10-11: Melville Millionaires (SSMBHL AA bantam)	2	2	1	3	19
10-11: Melville Millionaires (Saskatoon bantam tournament)	4	0	0	0	0

Comments from The Pipeline Show draft preview: "The riskiest pick in this year’s draft may also be the safest. Dakota missed most of the year with a shoulder injury but was a preseason top 10 pick. ...His skill and work ethic is unmatched. Son of former NHL tough guy Jeff Odgers."


#25: Regina:

Adam Brooks - C, 5'10", 153 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Winnipeg Hawks (WMHA AA bantam)	30	59	44	103	20
09-10: Winnipeg 2 (Directors Cup)	4	3	3	6	0
10-11: Winnipeg Hawks (WMHA AAA bantam)	30	53	37	90	10
10-11: Winnipeg Hawks (Western Canadian bantam champ.)	5	9	5	14	2
10-11: Winnipeg Hawks (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	5	2	5	7	2
10-11: Team Boyd (Manitoba U-16 POE camp)	3	4	3	7	0
10-11: Winnipeg Hawks (WMHA AA midget)	3	1	1	2	0

Comments from The Pipeline Show draft preview: "Adam has been Manitoba’s top forward all season long. His recent performance at the Western Canadian Bantam Championship should keep Adam in the first round."


#26: Lethbridge:

Kolten Olynek - C, 5'7", 150 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
08-09: Saskatoon Outlaws (Saskatoon bantam tournament)	3	4	1	5	0
09-10: Saskatoon Outlaws (GSHL AA bantam)	50	58	82	140	n/a
09-10: Saskatoon Outlaws (Saskatoon bantam tournament)	4	7	14	21	6
10-11: Saskatoon Outlaws (GSHL AA bantam)	46	75	58	133	n/a
10-11: Saskatoon Outlaws (Saskatoon bantam tournament)	5	16	8	24	4
10-11: Zone 6 (SaskFirst)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
10-11: Saskatoon Contacts (SMHL AAA midget)	8	3	3	6	0

Comments from The Pipeline Show draft preview: "Kolten may be a little undersized but his speed and skill more than make up for it. ....The fastest player in this year’s draft class. 75 goals in 46 games speaks well of his touch around the net."


#27: Seattle:

Austin Douglas - D, 6'5", 195 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Winnipeg Rail Cats (MB AA bantam)	27	6	12	18	101
10-11: Winnipeg Warriors (WMHA AAA bantam)	25	3	4	7	57
10-11: Team Barker (Manitoba U-16 POE camp)	3	1	2	3	8

Comments from The Pipeline Show draft preview: "A 6’5” frame makes him very hard for scouts to over look, Austin showed tremendous improvement all season long. Some improvement is still required to be an everyday WHL defenceman but Austin is well on his way."


#28: Vancouver (from Kamloops - for J.T. Barnett, Jul 30/10):

Payton Lee - G, 5'11", 165 lb	GP	GAA	W	L	T/OTL	SV%
09-10: Cranbrook Ice (SCAHL AA bantam)	17	1.53	15	1	1	0.937
09-10: Cranbrook Ice (SCAHL AA bantam - PLF)	3	2.45	2	0	0	0.909
09-10: Cranbrook Ice (Rossland-Trail AA tournament)	2	2.50	2	0	0	n/a
10-11: Kelowna Pursuit of Excellence (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	3	1.34	1	1	1	0.939
10-11: Kelowna Pursuit of Excellence (KIBIHT AAA)	4	2.21	2	2	0	n/a
10-11: Stars (B.C. Cup)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a

#29: Lethbridge (from Everett - in Brennan Yadlowski deal, Oct 5/10):

Carter Amson - LW, 6'1", 170 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Warman Wildcats (CFHL AA bantam)	18	5	13	18	34
10-11: Martensville Marauders (GSHL AA bantam)	23	21	14	35	70
10-11: Martensville Marauders (Saskatoon bantam tournament)	4	2	4	6	8
10-11: Zone 7 (SaskFirst)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
10-11: Battlefords Stars (SMHL AAA midget)	4	0	0	0	2

#30: Vancouver (from Prince Albert - for Jamie Tucker, Jan 6/10):

Jake Kohlhauser - D, 6'0", 156 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
10-11: St. Albert Sabres (AMBHL AAA bantam)	33	4	7	11	12
10-11: St. Albert Sabres (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	5	1	2	3	6
10-11: Northwest Sharks (Alberta Cup)	5	1	1	2	2

#31: Edmonton:

Mitchell Walter - RW, 5'10", 151 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: South Delta Storm (Jardine AAA bantam tournament)	5	0	1	1	8
09-10: South Delta Storm (South Delta tournament)	3	0	1	1	6
10-11: South Delta Storm (PCAHA AAA bantam)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
10-11: South Delta Storm (Jardine AAA bantam tournament)	4	1	0	1	16
10-11: Bruins (B.C. Cup)	5	5	3	8	n/a

#32: Brandon (from PG via SAS - in Brayden Schenn deal, Jan 10/11. SAS had acquired from PG for Charles Inglis, Sept 6/10):

Jayce Hawryluk - C, 5'8", 148 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Parkland (Directors Cup)	4	1	4	5	10
10-11: Russell Rams (MB AA bantam - PLF)	3	0	0	0	0
10-11: Russell Rams (Maple Leaf AA bantam Tournament)	5	9	10	19	10
10-11: Russell Rams (Saskatoon bantam tournament)	5	10	12	22	16
10-11: Team Eakin (Manitoba U-16 POE camp)	3	0	2	2	4

#33: Moose Jaw (from Brandon - in Erhardt/Hamonic deal, Jan 10/10):

Josh Uhrich - RW, 5'11", 163 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
08-09: West Central Klippers (CFHL AA pee wee)	20	30	25	55	107
09-10: West Central Klippers (CFHL AA bantam)	19	15	16	31	85
10-11: Notre Dame Hounds (SSMBHL AA bantam)	23	17	31	48	65
10-11: Notre Dame Hounds (Nike/Bauer AAA bantam tournament)	4	0	1	1	2
10-11: Notre Dame Hounds (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	5	0	0	0	19
10-11: Zone 7 (SaskFirst)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
10-11: Notre Dame Argos (SMHL AAA midget)	2	0	0	0	0

#34: Portland (from Victoria for ???):

Zach Patterson - D, 5'10", 160 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
10-11: Edmonton SSAC (AMBHL AAA bantam)	29	9	15	24	12
10-11: Edmonton SSAC (Western Canadian bantam champ.)	5	1	2	3	2
10-11: Edmonton SSAC (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	3	0	0	0	0
10-11: Edmonton South Bruins (Alberta Cup)	5	1	3	4	2
10-11: Edmonton SSAC (AMMHL AAA minor midget)	4	1	0	1	0

Comments from The Pipeline Show draft preview: "Possibly the best skating defenceman in this year’s draft. Zach was a member of the provincial champion team that dominated throughout Alberta all year long. He should be able to run a WHL power play someday."

Victoria traded this pick to Portland at the draft. Trade details still unknown to me....


#35: Vancouver:

Ryan Simpson - C, 6'1", 162 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Semiahmoo Ravens (PCAHA AAA bantam)	7	0	1	1	10
09-10: Semiahmoo Ravens (Jardine AAA bantam tournament)	5	1	1	2	8
09-10: Semiahmoo Ravens (South Delta tournament)	3	0	1	1	6
10-11: Abbotsford Hawks (PCAHA AAA bantam)	51	13	19	32	129

#36: Regina (from Moose Jaw - in swap of picks at 2011 bantam draft):

Dane Schioler - RW, 6'0", 158 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Winnipeg Hawks (WMHA AA bantam)	29	13	39	52	68
09-10: Winnipeg 1 (Directors Cup)	4	5	1	6	0
10-11: Winnipeg Hawks (WMHA AAA bantam)	30	11	52	63	34
10-11: Winnipeg Hawks (Western Canadian bantam champ.)	5	0	10	10	2
10-11: Winnipeg Hawks (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	5	2	3	5	2
10-11: Team Eakin (Manitoba U-16 POE camp)	3	4	0	4	2

#37: Kelowna:

Austin Glover - RW, 5'11", 145 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Clavet Cougars (Saskatoon bantam tournament)	4	1	2	3	4
10-11: Martensville Marauders (GSHL AA bantam)	24	14	27	41	13
10-11: Martensville Marauders (Saskatoon bantam tournament)	4	2	8	10	2
10-11: Zone 5 (SaskFirst)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a

#38: Vancouver (from Tri-City - swap of 2010 first round picks, Apr 29/10):

Reid Zalitach - D, 5'11", 160 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Winnipeg Sharks (WMHA AA bantam)	29	4	13	17	24
09-10: Winnipeg Sharks (Edmonton AA bantam tournament)	4	1	0	1	4
09-10: Winnipeg 1 (Directors Cup)	4	0	1	1	2
10-11: Winnipeg Sharks (WMHA AAA bantam)	30	5	17	22	22
10-11: Winnipeg Sharks (Western Canadian bantam champ.)	4	0	0	0	0
10-11: Team Helm (Manitoba U-16 POE camp)	3	2	2	4	2

#39: Swift Current (from Kootenay - in Cody Eakin deal, Jan 9/11.):

Cavin Leth - C, 5'11", 145 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Lethbridge Golden Hawks (AMBHL AAA bantam)	31	8	8	16	12
10-11: Lethbridge Golden Hawks (AMBHL AAA bantam)	32	28	17	45	120
10-11: South Senators (Alberta Cup)	5	1	2	3	6
10-11: Lethbridge Hurricanes (AMMHL AAA minor midget)	4	2	1	3	16

#40: Everett (from Medicine Hat - in Tochkin deal, Jan 10/11):

Dawson Leedahl - C, 5'10", 153 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Saskatoon Maniacs (GSHL AA bantam)	43	21	31	52	46
09-10: Saskatoon Maniacs (Saskatoon bantam tournament)	4	1	3	4	2
10-11: Saskatoon Maniacs (GSHL AA bantam)	54	56	71	127	196
10-11: Saskatoon Maniacs (Saskatoon bantam tournament)	4	3	2	5	9
10-11: Zone 6 (SaskFirst)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
10-11: Saskatoon Contacts (SMHL AAA midget)	6	1	1	2	6
10-11: Saskatoon Contacts (Macs Midget Tournament)	2	0	0	0	0

#41: Spokane:

Rhett Gardner - C, 6'1", 175 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
08-09: Moose Jaw Warriors (South Central bantam A)	3	4	2	6	0
09-10: Moose Jaw Warriors (SSMBHL AA bantam)	20	13	12	25	52
10-11: Moose Jaw Warriors (SSMBHL AA bantam)	22	27	14	41	84
10-11: Zone 3 (SaskFirst)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
10-11: Moose Jaw Generals (SMHL AAA midget)	10	2	3	5	12
10-11: Moose Jaw Generals (Macs Midget Tournament)	4	2	0	2	6

#42: Portland:

Tyler Sandhu - C, 5'10", 148 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Seafair Islanders (PCAHA AAA bantam)	18	12	11	23	36
09-10: Seafair Islanders (Jardine AAA bantam tournament)	4	1	7	8	0
09-10: Seafair Islanders (South Delta tournament)	3	1	4	5	0
10-11: Seafair Islanders (PCAHA AAA bantam)	40	46	45	91	n/a
10-11: Seafair Islanders (Jardine AAA bantam tournament)	6	5	6	11	4
10-11: Seafair Islanders (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	5	2	4	6	6

#43: Red Deer:

Haydn Fleury - D, 6'1", 175 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Camrose Kodiaks (AMBHL AAA bantam)	33	1	8	9	36
10-11: Notre Dame Hounds (SSMBHL AA bantam)	21	7	19	26	30
10-11: Notre Dame Hounds (Nike/Bauer AAA bantam tournament)	4	0	0	0	2
10-11: Notre Dame Hounds (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	5	1	2	3	12
10-11: Zone 1 (SaskFirst)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
10-11: Notre Dame Argos (SMHL AAA midget)	3	0	1	1	0

#44: Regina (from SAS via MJ in swap of picks at 2011 bantam draft (MJ had acquired from SAS for Connor Cox, Nov 11/10)):

Bryar Ortynski - F, 6'1", 155 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Edmonton SSAC (AMBHL AAA bantam)	33	7	11	18	12
09-10: Edmonton SSAC (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	4	0	2	2	2
10-11: Edmonton SSAC (AMBHL AAA bantam)	32	13	32	45	18
10-11: Edmonton SSAC (Western Canadian bantam champ.)	5	2	1	3	15
10-11: Edmonton SSAC (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	6	1	1	2	4
10-11: Edmonton South Bruins (Alberta Cup)	5	2	1	3	0
10-11: Edmonton SSAC (AMMHL AAA minor midget)	1	0	0	0	0

First round picks

And we're underway...

#1: Calgary:

Jake Virtanen - LW, 6'0", 172 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
10-11: Abbotsford Hawks (PCAHA AAA bantam)	59	68	49	117	128
10-11: Predators (B.C. Cup)	5	5	0	5	n/a

Comments from The Pipeline Show draft preview: "The premier forward in this draft class. "....He dominates with size, skill and speed like no one else, you build around a true franchise player like him". He could be the first BC raised player since Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to be selected first overall."


#2: Swift Current:

Brycen Martin - D, 6'1", 168 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Calgary Bisons (AMBHL AAA bantam)	33	2	22	24	18
09-10: Calgary Bisons (Western Canadian bantam champ.)	5	0	1	1	0
09-10: Calgary Bisons (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	4	0	0	0	2
10-11: Calgary Bisons (AMBHL AAA bantam)	31	6	36	42	60
10-11: Calgary Bisons (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	5	1	8	9	8
10-11: Calgary South Flames (Alberta Cup)	5	1	3	4	4
10-11: Calgary Rangers (AMMHL AAA minor midget)	1	0	0	0	0

Comments from The Pipeline Show draft preview: "A big frame and elite skating truly separates Brycen from the rest of his defending brethren. "...Brycen is the best PP dman in this draft hands down..". His exceptional vision and passing skills will make his future WHL coaches very happy."


#3: Lethbridge (from Regina - in first Carter Ashton deal, Dec 9/09):

Ryan Pilon - D, 6'2", 170 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
08-09: Beardy’s Blackhawks (CFHL AA pee wee)	20	17	12	29	39
09-10: Warman Wildcats (CFHL AA bantam)	16	4	9	13	18
10-11: Warman Wildcats (CFHL AA bantam)	21	28	20	48	48
10-11: Warman Wildcats (Saskatoon bantam tournament)	4	4	3	7	8
10-11: Warman Wildcats (KIBIHT AAA)	6	4	3	7	4
10-11: Zone 8 (SaskFirst)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
10-11: Beardy’s Blackhawks (Macs Midget Tournament)	4	0	0	0	0

Nephew of former WHLer & NHLer Rich Pilon

Comments from The Pipeline Show draft preview: "The top defenceman for most of the season until injury and fatigue really hurt his stock. Ryan can play a skill game or can be one of the top shut down guys in this year’s draft. ".....No one shoots the puck better than this kid.""


#4: Kamloops:

Jordan Thomson - D, 5'11", 165 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Souris Elks (MB AA bantam)	2	0	0	0	n/a
09-10: Souris Elks (Maple Leaf A bantam Tournament)	5	13	7	20	4
09-10: Westman (Directors Cup)	4	5	4	9	8
10-11: Team Eakin (Manitoba U-16 POE camp)	3	1	0	1	0
10-11: Southwest Cougars (MMHL AAA midget)	40	2	14	16	42

Comments from The Pipeline Show draft preview: "One of very few bantams that was capable of playing AAA Midget as a bantam this year. Jordan brings a complete game that really showed well at last month’s director’s cup in Winnipeg.....A very versatile player that also saw time at forward this year"


#5: Lethbridge:

Reid Duke - C, 5'10", 170 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Calgary Royals (AMBHL AAA bantam)	33	10	13	23	50
10-11: Calgary Royals (AMBHL AAA bantam)	30	28	36	64	79
10-11: Calgary Royals (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	5	8	5	13	2
10-11: Calgary South Flames (Alberta Cup)	5	2	3	5	2
10-11: Calgary Royals Gold (AMMHL AAA minor midget)	6	5	4	9	4

Comments from The Pipeline Show draft preview: "The best individually skilled forward that will hear his name called on May 5th. "...this kid has the ability to 'wow' you on a regular basis." 64 points in 30 games makes him one of the best offensive players in this draft."


#6: Seattle:

Ryan Gropp - LW, 6'1", 160 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Kamloops Jardine Blazers (BCAHA AAA bantam)	46	12	21	33	18
09-10: Kamloops Jardine Blazers (PoCo AAA bantam tournament)	5	0	7	7	4
10-11: Kamloops Jardine Blazers (BCAHA AAA bantam)	49	53	53	106	n/a
10-11: Kamloops Jardine Blazers (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	4	4	6	10	21
10-11: Kamloops Jardine Blazers (KIBIHT AAA)	8	7	12	19	12
10-11: Bruins (B.C. Cup)	5	2	0	2	n/a

Comments from The Pipeline Show draft preview: "The top forward from a very skilled Kamloops team and scouts say Ryan has shown vast improvement all year long. Skill, size and able to make things happen around the net should make Ryan a top 15 pick."


#7: Everett:

Ty Mappin - C, 5'11", 168 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
08-09: Kneehill Chiefs (NCAHL AA bantam)	21	12	19	28	31
08-09: Kneehill Chiefs (NCAHL AA bantam - PLF)	3	0	0	4	0
09-10: Kneehill Chiefs (NCAHL AA bantam)	23	33	41	74	64
09-10: Kneehill Chiefs (NCAHL AA bantam - PLF)	2	1	1	2	8
09-10: Kneehill Chiefs (Saskatoon bantam tournament)	4	4	6	10	16
10-11: Red Deer Rebels White (AMBHL AAA bantam)	33	37	34	71	66
10-11: Red Deer Rebels White (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	5	3	4	7	20
10-11: Central Thrashers (Alberta Cup)	5	4	5	9	4

Younger brother of former WHLer Cassidy Mappin

Comments from The Pipeline Show draft preview: "Ty capped off a sensational bantam campaign with an outstanding performance at the Alberta Cup. "...this guys is the best forward in the entire province of Alberta no question. Ty’s versatile play also allows him to play defence when called upon, thus making him one of the top defenceman in this year’s draft as well!"


#8: Prince Albert:

Reid Gardiner - C, 5'11", 172 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
08-09: Humboldt Broncos (CFHL AA pee wee)	20	49	30	79	40
09-10: Humboldt Broncos (CFHL AA bantam)	24	44	29	73	50
10-11: Humboldt Broncos (CFHL AA bantam)	24	50	31	81	30
10-11: Zone 5 (SaskFirst)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
10-11: Humboldt Broncos (CFHL AA midget)	1	0	1	1	0

Comments from The Pipeline Show draft preview: "A strong two way player that some feel is could step in and play in the WHL right now. A work horse that loves to compete…a true leader, he could be a captain in the WHL by the time he's 18"


#9: Edmonton:

Aaron Irving - D, 6'0", 165 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Edmonton SSAC (EMHA AA bantam)	29	13	18	31	62
09-10: Edmonton SSAC (Edmonton AA bantam tournament)	5	1	5	6	6
10-11: Edmonton SSAC (AMBHL AAA bantam)	33	6	12	18	48
10-11: Edmonton SSAC (Western Canadian bantam champ.)	5	1	3	4	4
10-11: Edmonton SSAC (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	6	1	2	3	20
10-11: Edmonton South Bruins (Alberta Cup)	5	1	0	1	10
10-11: Edmonton SSAC (AMMHL AAA minor midget)	1	1	1	2	4

Comments from The Pipeline Show draft preview: "A strong second half of the season has really vaulted Aaron in most scouts’ rankings. A physical game makes him very hard to play against. "....Aaron can also run a power play and is an effective penalty killer.""


#10: Prince George:

Jordan Harris - D, 6'1", 170 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
08-09: Prince Albert Ice (CFHL AA pee wee)	20	7	13	20	24
09-10: Prince Albert Pirates (CFHL AA bantam)	24	6	10	16	6
10-11: Prince Albert Pirates (CFHL AA bantam)	23	10	24	34	28
10-11: Prince Albert Pirates (Western Canadian bantam champ.)	4	0	1	1	0
10-11: Zone 8 (SaskFirst)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
10-11: Prince Albert Mintos (SMHL AAA midget)	1	1	0	1	0

Comments from The Pipeline Show draft preview: "Another top defenceman that was part of a championship team. Jordan led his Pirate team to an almost perfect season that saw his team only lose two hockey games. But could disappointing outing at the Western Canadian Championships may see his stock slip?"


#11: Brandon:

Kord Pankewicz - D/LW, 5'10", 165 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Leduc Oil Kings (AMBHL AAA bantam)	31	22	20	42	32
09-10: Leduc Oil Kings (Edmonton AAA bantam tournament)	4	3	1	4	4
09-10: Leduc Oil Kings (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	4	4	3	7	0
10-11: Leduc Oil Kings (AMBHL AAA bantam)	33	22	26	48	69
10-11: Leduc Oil Kings (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	5	5	4	9	29
10-11: Northwest Sharks (Alberta Cup)	5	2	2	4	8
10-11: Leduc Oil Kings (AMMHL AAA minor midget)	1	0	0	0	0

Pankewicz played half the season at left wing and half at defence. We'll see which position the Wheat Kings picture him playing at the WHL level....


#12: Victoria:

Joe Hicketts - D, 5'6", 169 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Kamloops Jardine Blazers (BCAHA AAA bantam)	46	11	32	43	32
09-10: Kamloops Jardine Blazers (PoCo AAA bantam tournament)	5	2	2	4	2
10-11: Kamloops Jardine Blazers (BCAHA AAA bantam)	50	18	39	57	n/a
10-11: Kamloops Jardine Blazers (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	6	2	3	5	24
10-11: Kamloops Jardine Blazers (KIBIHT AAA)	8	1	12	13	6
10-11: Stars (B.C. Cup)	5	1	4	5	n/a

Comments from The Pipeline Show draft preview: "The most exciting dman in this year’s draft, Joe’s combination of skill, energy and work ethic make him a true fan favourite. Will his size be the only thing that could keep him out of the top 10?"


#13: Swift Current (from VAN via KTN - in Cody Eakin deal, Jan 9/11. KTN had acquired from VAN for
David Musil, Jun 24/09):

Zach Gonek - D, 6'1", 174 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: St. Albert Sabres (AMBHL AAA bantam)	28	6	9	15	16
09-10: St. Albert Sabres (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	5	0	0	0	2
10-11: St. Albert Sabres (AMBHL AAA bantam)	28	9	13	22	28
10-11: St. Albert Sabres (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	5	0	1	1	4
10-11: Northwest Sharks (Alberta Cup)	5	1	1	2	0
10-11: St. Albert Flyers (AMMHL AAA minor midget)	8	1	4	5	2

#14: Moose Jaw:

Brayden Point - C, 5'5", 130 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Calgary Bisons (AMBHL AAA bantam)	33	21	12	33	26
09-10: Calgary Bisons (Western Canadian bantam champ.)	5	4	3	7	0
09-10: Calgary Bisons (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	4	0	0	0	2
10-11: Calgary Bisons (AMBHL AAA bantam)	33	42	60	102	12
10-11: Calgary Bisons (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	5	4	4	8	16
10-11: Calgary South Flames (Alberta Cup)	5	3	3	6	2

One of the most interesting picks, I think....Point is an extremely skilled player but that size is really small and slight. He needs to grow and fill out.


#15: Kelowna:

Rourke Chartier - C, 5'7", 140 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Saskatoon Outlaws (GSHL AA bantam)	51	86	45	131	n/a
09-10: Saskatoon Outlaws (Saskatoon bantam tournament)	4	10	8	18	4
10-11: Saskatoon Stallions (GSHL AA bantam)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
10-11: Saskatoon Stallions (Saskatoon bantam tournament)	5	10	9	19	2
10-11: Zone 6 (SaskFirst)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
10-11: Saskatoon Contacts (SMHL AAA midget)	7	2	0	2	4
10-11: Saskatoon Contacts (Macs Midget Tournament)	1	0	0	0	0

Another smaller player with big skills. WHL teams are not shying away from the small skilled guys like they used to....


#16: Moose Jaw (from Regina in swap of picks today, Regina had acquired from Tri-City in second Carter Ashton deal, Dec 10/10)

Miles Warkentine - C, 6'0", 175 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
08-09: Melfort Mustangs (CFHL AA pee wee)	13	29	24	53	24
09-10: Melfort Mustangs (CFHL AA bantam)	23	26	15	41	30
10-11: Prince Albert Pirates (CFHL AA bantam)	21	33	37	70	39
10-11: Prince Albert Pirates (Western Canadian bantam champ.)	4	4	2	6	2
10-11: Zone 8 (SaskFirst)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
10-11: Prince Albert Mintos (SMHL AAA midget)	4	0	0	0	2

Comments from The Pipeline Show draft preview: ""....The best true power forward in this year’s draft." Miles combines a very gritty game with a knack for the net, one of the toughest kids to play against all year long."

(Moose Jaw acquired this pick from Regina, along with the 80th overall pick, for the 36th, 44th, and 106th overall picks today)


#17: Kootenay:

Collin Shirley - LW, 5'11", 150 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Saskatoon Outlaws (GSHL AA bantam)	49	40	32	72	n/a
09-10: Saskatoon Outlaws (Saskatoon bantam tournament)	4	10	7	17	1
10-11: Saskatoon Bandits (GSHL AA bantam)	n/a	63	39	102	n/a
10-11: Saskatoon Bandits (Saskatoon bantam tournament)	4	5	5	10	4
10-11: Zone 6 (SaskFirst)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
10-11: Saskatoon Blazers (SMHL AAA midget)	10	2	2	4	2

#18: Medicine Hat:

Blake Penner - C, 5'9", 153 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Medicine Hat Hounds (AMBHL AAA bantam)	27	15	12	27	72
10-11: Notre Dame Hounds (SSMBHL AA bantam)	24	42	26	68	40
10-11: Notre Dame Hounds (Nike/Bauer AAA bantam tournament)	4	1	1	2	4
10-11: Notre Dame Hounds (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	5	3	0	3	12
10-11: South Senators (Alberta Cup)	5	1	3	4	12
10-11: Notre Dame Argos (SMHL AAA midget)	3	1	1	2	2

Penner is the younger brother of 2006 4th overall pick (by Prince Albert), Cole Penner.


#19: Spokane:

Tanner MacMaster - C, 5'8", 135 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Calgary Bisons (AMBHL AAA bantam)	27	18	21	39	50
09-10: Calgary Bisons (Western Canadian bantam champ.)	5	1	2	3	0
09-10: Calgary Bisons (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	1	0	0	0	0
10-11: Calgary Bisons (AMBHL AAA bantam)	32	49	43	92	80
10-11: Calgary Bisons (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	5	4	6	10	2
10-11: Calgary South Flames (Alberta Cup)	4	2	2	4	2
10-11: Calgary Blackhawks (AMMHL AAA minor midget)	3	4	0	4	6

MacMaster is the younger brother of Nathan MacMaster of the Calgary Hitmen

Comments from The Pipeline Show draft preview: "One of the top scorers in the AMBHL, Tanner has a skill set that should translate very nicely at the WHL level. A major injury at the AB Cup left many scouts scratching their heads....his size is still a big question as is his durability."


#20: Vancouver (from Portland - in Craig Cunningham deal, Dec 28/10):

Thomas Foster - C, 5'10", 150 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Spruce Grove Saints (AMBHL AAA bantam)	22	3	13	16	4
09-10: Spruce Grove Saints (Edmonton AAA bantam tournament)	3	0	1	1	4
09-10: Spruce Grove Saints (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	1	0	0	0	0
10-11: Spruce Grove Saints (AMBHL AAA bantam)	33	32	21	53	4
10-11: Spruce Grove Saints (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	6	4	4	8	6
10-11: Spruce Grove Saints (KIBIHT AAA)	6	6	6	12	4
10-11: Northwest Sharks (Alberta Cup)	5	5	2	7	0
10-11: Spruce Grove Saints (AMMHL AAA minor midget)	1	1	1	2	0

#21: Red Deer:

Conner Bleackley - C, 5'11", 170 lb	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
09-10: Okotoks Oilers (AMBHL AAA bantam)	33	9	12	21	20
10-11: Okotoks Oilers (AMBHL AAA bantam)	29	36	32	68	62
10-11: Keystone Raiders (AMMHL AAA minor midget)	5	7	2	9	4

#22: Brandon (from Saskatoon - in Brayden Schenn deal, Jan 10/11):

Jordan Papirny - G, 5'10", 135 lb	GP	GAA	W	L	T/OTL	SV%
09-10: Edmonton SSAC (AMBHL AAA bantam)	17	2.12	13	3	1	0.906
09-10: Edmonton SSAC (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	2	2.27	1	1	0	0.912
10-11: Edmonton SSAC (AMBHL AAA bantam)	18	1.81	14	2	2	0.918
10-11: Edmonton SSAC (Western Canadian bantam champ.)	4	2.00	2	2	0	n/a
10-11: Edmonton SSAC (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament)	4	3.01	2	1	1	0.924
10-11: Edmonton South Bruins (Alberta Cup)	3	3.20	1	2	0	0.886
10-11: Edmonton SSAC (NAMHL midget AA)	1	5.14	0	0	0	0.875

Last pick of the first round, Brandon picks the guy many felt was the best goaltender available this year.

Hawks vs Ice it is

With Portland's 6-3 over Spokane last night in game six, the Hawks have clinched the Western Conference title 4-2 over the Chiefs and the WHL Final is now set with Portland hosting the Eastern champion Kootenay Ice.

I think this should be an excellent final series, with the team many observers thought would be there (Portland) facing a Kootenay team that was somewhat of an underdog (only 4th in their conference) but which is red-hot at the right time.

I'll put up a prediction on Friday, the day the series starts. Tiny bit preoccupied with the draft at the moment.

Friday stuff

Few things today....day or two late on some of them, I know....

First, the Kootenay Ice are into the WHL final after sweeping Medicine Hat in the Eastern conference final. The Ice have now won 11 straight playoff games (that's one game off the WHL record, held by five teams) and includes four straight wins over the #1 (Saskatoon) and #3 (Medicine Hat) teams in the East, plus 3 straight wins over the #5 team (Moose Jaw). Considering that the Ice themselves are #4, the only team in the top five that they haven't plowed over in the last five weeks is Red Deer.

Spokane and Portland may have finished higher in the overall league standings than the Ice did, but the Ice are playing awesome hockey right now and I sure wouldn't want to play them in the league final if I had a choice. The Chiefs/Hawks winner isn't going to have a choice, however.

Speaking of league finals, the OHL's final is all set with the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors taking on the Owen Sound Attack. And since the Majors are hosting the Memorial Cup this year, the Attack are now guaranteed a berth in the Cup regardless of which team wins the OHL title.

Owen Sound also accomplished another feat in getting to the OHL final - they eliminated the Windsor Spitfires in the semifinal. That's the first time Windsor has been eliminated in three years. Of course, they were the back-to-back Memorial Cup champs, but there won't be a three-peat.

In the QMJHL, the Saint John Sea Dogs have advanced to the final, where they are now awaiting the winner of the other semifinal between Quebec and Gatineau.

Another interesting factoid about that QMJHL final - former Seattle Thunderbirds and Brandon Wheat Kings goalie Jacob DeSerres plays for the Sea Dogs. Should the Sea Dogs win the QMJHL (and they will be favored to do so), DeSerres will play in the Memorial Cup for a 2nd straight year, but in a different league. Now, I do not have the kind of stats library I need to look this stuff up, but I would venture a guess that there haven't been very many players in CHL history who can say they played in the Memorial Cup with entries from two different leagues. Different teams, there's dozens and dozens of those players, I'm sure. But different leagues.....maybe that has never happened before?

Back to the WHL now, but still with the Ice and with the Memorial Cup - the longtime coach of the Ice, the man who coached them to their Memorial Cup win in 2002, Ryan McGill, is out of work today after the NHL's Calgary Flames declined the option on his assistant coach contract for 2011-12. McGill may have other pro offers coming to him, but if he wants to return to the WHL I am positive there will be teams with vacancies who will be interested. He made the Ice into a perennial contender in his years there.

Lastly, an interesting bit of news out of the WHL office yesterday when they announced that for the first time ever, the bantam draft this year will be streamed live on the league website, and free of charge to boot. I'm not sure how interesting it will be to watch, as opposed to just following the results page, but it'll certainly be worth checking out at least. It's unlikely any of the players being picked will be there - maybe Calgary might have the #1 pick there for a photo op, but since they are the only team that knows ahead of the draft who they are picking, it'll be hard for other teams to bring players in. So probably all you'll get is a video shot of the lectern where you can see scouts/GMs for the teams going up there and making the announcements. Not terribly exciting stuff but I'll probably check it out anyway for fun.