Lethbridge Hurricanes
It is interesting to look at the Lethbridge Hurricanes draft class because you immediately notice that their main focus was size. They were able to add some big players while also addressing future needs and took a good mix of different styles. They took one American in Jeff Montoya, a well-rounded right handed defenseman who we liked at John Reid. Lethbridge also added one of the top goalies in the draft in the second round. All in all, we think they did an excellent job bringing in players who will play in the WHL and have potential to play big minutes.
1st Round Selection
Noah Boyko (16th Overall) – A big skilled forward who loves to attack with speed. Boyko had a solid season with Fort Saskatchewan and really continued to improve his mental tools as the season wore on. He has one of the best backhands in the draft and is going to be a pure goal scorer at the WHL level. Works well off the cycle and can attack through traffic. Boyko has top tier potential and his tools make him a solid 1st round selection.
Notable Selections
Bryan Thomson (37th Overall) – Thomson improved a lot as the season went on, he posted an .895 save percentage and a 3.72 goals against average with the Notre Dame Hounds. He’s a big goalie who tracks the puck well lets the puck come to him. We liked how he was able to become more mobile as the season went on and is someone we think has the potential to play at the WHL level.
Jonah Regier (38th Overall) – A big left handed defender who is an outstanding skater and transitions well. He is a strong puck transporter and someone we really liked at the Sask First Tournament. Didn’t produce a whole bunch but was an effective two-way defender for Notre Dame this past season. Regier has the potential to be a bottom four defender at the WHL level.
Drew Englot (76th Overall) – A real blue collar winger who competes hard and never gives up on the play. Englot is a player that coaches will love to have on their team and someone who will brings character and determination to Lethbridge. He has a big frame and uses it well to win battles. He can also provide some offence and has potential to be a solid depth forward for Lethbridge who plays a physical game.
Jacob Boucher (187th Overall) – Boucher is a speedy winger who was one of the top skaters in the AMBHL this past season. He plays with good intensity and compete. Boucher also has some grit to his game and doesn’t back down from bigger competitors. We like him as a later round pick and think he will succeed if he develops properly in the next couple seasons. Watch for him to be a depth winger potentially at the WHL level.
Conclusion
We think this draft class is one that will be the beginning of a solid WHL team that is hard to play against. Adding a tonne of size and speed, as well as players who compete. They added all the Canadian born players from Notre Dame, Delta and Fort Sask. The three Delta players are some that a big and compete hard with their two way versatile games.
