Brandon Wheat Kings
The Brandon Wheat Kings had a solid draft class where they added a good crop of right-handed defenders and under-sized hard working forwards with speed in the ten picks that they had. They did not draft a goalie this year, and some of the defenders who were taken have been rumoured that they could potentially land in college. With the last pick of the draft they took there only American born player in Owen Gallatin a left-handed defenseman from Minnesota. All in all, we think that if they can snag one of those second round right handed defenders to commit to the WHL than it will be a big boost to their future line up and could look like a steal down the line.
1st Round Selection
Ridly Greig (8th Overall) – Ridly had one of the most successful seasons in the AMBHL this past season posting 71 points in 35 games played with the Lethbridge Golden Hawks and was the key reason why they made it to the AMBHL finals. Greig is a slippery and quick offensive forward who plays a smart play making game and recognize passing and skating lanes well. His father also played in the NHL. We project him to be a top line player in Brandon and believe he will be able to step in as a 16-year-old and make an impact.
Notable Picks
Vincent Iorio (27th Overall) – Intelligent right handed defender who played in Shattuck St. Mary this past season A rangy build with a reliable two-way game. Was ranked 6th by DraftGeek and is someone who has college rumours around him but is worth that risk at pick 27.
Jack Zayat (74th Overall) – The captain of the Calgary Bison’s is coming off of a successful season where he was heavily relied upon on the back end. Zayat can play a versatile role and is someone who has been consistent physically. He is a proven leader who could one day bare the “C” in B-town.
Cameron McDonald (96th Overall) – Skilled hardworking winger who had a great season with Yale and came up big when it mattered most. He plays a creative offensive game with relentlessness. He put up 38 points this year on a great team and is someone who has big upside with his raw potential.
Bode Hagan (162nd Overall) – Potentially the biggest steal in this year’s Brandon Wheat Kings draft class spent the season with OHA Edmonton of the CSSHL. Hagan is a smaller more dynamic player who loves to have the puck on his stick and plays with his head up. Good skill and footwork makes him an intriguing prospect who has the potential to be a depth forward on Brandon someday.
What I would have liked to see?
I respect the picks that the Brandon Wheat Kings took this year, high risk in the second round with both picks is something I would have avoided and potentially adding a goalie in the middle rounds is something I would have expected. I think that this class is a good sign that Brandon will be a skilled team in the future with some good depth scoring from skilled two-way players up front. Adding McDonald and Zayat also brings character and a good hard working atmosphere to the team.
