The Winkler Flyers added nine more prospects to the fold during the Manitoba Junior Hockey League Bantam Draft, Sunday in Winnipeg. The Flyers drafted seven Manitoba born players and selected two players from Winkler with their Auto-Protect picks as the club continues to build their team for not only the upcoming season, but for the future.
“We are very happy with the players we added today.” said Flyers Head Scout and Assistant General Manager Craig Anderson.
“I think we got a good mix of players. There is a lot of skill, grit and character in the guys we selected and I can’t wait to see how they will continue to improve in the years to come.” added Anderson.
Below is a breakdown of the seven drafted players and the two Auto-Protected players. The Flyers took four forwards and three defensemen in the draft and the Auto-Protects consist of one forward and one defenseman all born in 2002.
ROUND 1 – PICK 10: CALDER ANDERSON (FORWARD)
Team: Brandon Wheat Kings (Bantam AAA)
Hometown: Brandon, Manitoba
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 146lbs
Scouts Comments: Skilled, gritty player that works hard. Makes an impression on the game in all areas.
ROUND 2 – PICK 21: HAYDEN FORREST (DEFENSE)
Team: Winnipeg Monarchs (Bantam AAA)
Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 150lbs
Scouts Comments: Puck moving Defenseman with very good hockey sense.
ROUND 3 – PICK 30: KYLE LAMOUREUX (DEFENSE)
Team: Winnipeg Warriors (Bantam AAA)
Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 134lbs
Scouts Comments: Elite skater, strong puck moving Defenseman that plays in a lot of key situations.
ROUND 3 – PICK 32: MITCH THIESSEN (FORWARD)
Team: Brandon Wheat Kings (Bantam AAA)
Hometown: Brandon, Manitoba
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 143lbs
Scouts Comments: Two way Forward, strong, skates well with a good shot. Plays against other teams top lines.
ROUND 5 – PICK 54: ANTON URUSKI (DEFENSE)
Team: Winnipeg Monarchs (Bantam AAA)
Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 148lbs
Scouts Comments: Physical, two way Defenseman. Good on special teams.
ROUND 6 – PICK 57: GRAEME PATRICK (FORWARD)
Team: Winnipeg Sharks (Bantam AAA)
Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Height:6’0”
Weight: 149lbs
Scouts Comments: Big power Forward that skates well. Starting to develop into his game.
ROUND 6 – PICK 65: NATHANAEL HINDS (FORWARD)
Team: Winnipeg Warriors (Bantam AAA)
Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 151lbs
Scouts Comments: Highly skilled Forward, creates chances and makes everyone around him better.
AUTO-PROTECT: LIAM FRIESEN (FORWARD)
Team: Winkler Flyers (Bantam AA)
Hometown: Winkler, Manitoba
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 150lbs
Scouts Comments: Skilled forward that skates well. Gets involved in the play.
AUTO-PROTECT: RYLAN THOMAS (DEFENSE)
Team: Winkler Flyers (Bantam AA)
Hometown: Winkler, Manitoba
Height: 5’4”
Weight: 115lbs
Scouts Comments: Puck moving defenseman, with great compete level.
The Winkler Flyers are pleased to welcome all nine of these players and their families to the organization and look forward to seeing them at Main Camp in August.