WARRIORS SELECT NINE IN WHL BANTAM DRAFT

The Moose Jaw Warriors selected nine players today during the 2020 WHL Bantam Draft.  We selected four forwards, four defenceman and one goaltender.

Breaking down the draft geographically, the Warriors selected five players from Saskatchewan, one from Manitoba, two from Alberta, and one from British Columbia.  Back in March, they selected forwards Cameron McEwan and Josh Halliday in the inaugural U.S. Prospects Draft.

In the 1^st round, they selected forward Brayden Yager 3^rd overall.  Yager, 5’11”, 165lbs, is from Dundurn, Saskatchewan and was an underage player last season with the Saskatoon Contacts (SMAAAHL).  In 44 games, Yager finished third in team scoring with 18 goals, 24 assists, and 42 points.

In the 2^nd round, 33^rd overall, they selected forward Ben Riche.  From Bethune, SK, Riche, 5’9”, 155lbs, played last season with the Prairie Storm (SBAAL) and had 34 goals, 37 assists, and 71 points in 29 games.

In the 3^rd, 54^th overall, we selected goaltender Jackson Unger.  Unger, 6’0”, 167lbs, is from Calgary and played last season with the Calgary Bisons (AMBHL), in 20 games he was 11-6-3 with a 2.45gaa and a .930sv%.

In the 7^th round, the Warriors acquired the 136^th overall pick from Prince George in exchange for a 7^th round pick in 2022.  We used this selection to draft defenceman Cosmo Wilson from the West Van Warriors (CSSBP).

Still in the 7^th, the Warriors traded another 7^th in 2022 to Kamloops in exchange for the 151^st overall pick.  With this pick, we drafted defenceman Gavin Sawatzky from the Warman Wildcats (SBAAL), he had 11 goals and 18 points in 29 games.

In the 8^th round, 156 overall, we selected Regina defenceman Keelan Mansuy.  Playing with the Regina Monarchs he had 9 goals, 31 assists and 40 points in 31 games.

In the 9^th round, 178 overall, we selected forward Job Peters from Mitchell, Manitoba.  Peters played last season with the Eastman Selects (WBD1) and had 23 goals 33 assists, and 56 points in 23 games.

In the 10^th round, 200^th overall, we selected forward Thomas Matte from the Calgary Flames (AMBHL).  Last season he had 15 goals, 16 assists, and 31 points in 32 games.

With our final pick in the 2020 WHL Bantam Draft, we selected forward Hunter Lolacher from the Notre Dame Hounds (CSSBP).  In 27 games last season he had seven goals, nine assists, and 16 points.