Earlier today, the Calgary Hitmen announced that their training camp will start on Wednesday, August 28th with 80 players attending. There are a number of the club’s prospects that we can expect to be noticeable. Listed below are just a few of the young players who could definitely provide an impact at camp.
Grayden Siepmann – The right-handed shot defenseman was the first round selection of the Hitmen in this year’s (2019) bantam draft. Siepmann had an excellent 2018-19 campaign with the Yale Hockey Academy Bantam Prep, where he registered 29 points (8-21-29) in 29 games. This was a 25-point increase from his past season warranted the 13th overall selection and a Standard Player Agreement with the Hitmen. Siepmann brings terrific skating, and many aspects of his game, including transition game, mobility, and offensive awareness, are well above average. Defensive consistency and physical strength have been noted as minor weaknesses to Siepmann’s game. Despite his lack of size and minor deficiencies, the defenseman can be expected to appear in some preseason games.
Ethan Buenaventura – The Hitmen selected Buenaventura with the 77th pick in the bantam draft. The former top prospect suffered a strange ailmnent and this seems to be what caused him to slip to be the sixth goaltender picked. Buenaventura led all CSSHL goaltenders with a .925 save percentage and currently stands at a respectable 6-foot-1. With the athleticism and agility Buenaventura possesses, he could definitely be a legitimate WHL starting goaltender and an intriguing name for the 2022 NHL draft.
Brandon Whynott – Whynott was the second-round selection of the Calgary Hitmen, who along with Grayden Siepmann, played with the Yale Bantam Prep Lions and was the other 2019 draft pick to sign a Standard Player Agreement with the Hitmen so far. The right winger tallied 32 points (17-15-32) in 30 games and is heavily recognized as one of the draft’s strongest and most powerful skaters with his explosive stride. Whynott can certainly improve upon general offensive zone creativity. However, as a 15-year-old, this is an area of his game that shouldn’t amount to much concern, as overall improvements are sure to come.
It is obvious that all three of these prospects have the potential to be standouts in the WHL soon. For now, it is expected that these three will return to their respective CSSHL clubs to further prepare for WHL action. This Wednesday camp will kick off and fans and Hitmen staff alike can get a closer look at them.
