Swift Current Broncos Draft Overview
After posting a successful season, where the Swift Current Broncos pressured the Regina Pats to a Game 7 and where they were a top WHL team, the Broncos came into the draft looking to build for the future with limited picks. They only took eight players in the 2017 WHL draft but seemed to find a way to address needs and build on their strengths. They improved in all positions and areas, adding players who can create offense but also players who can take on roles. With their two picks in the first round, added both a forward and defenseman, two guys who play a two-way role in different positions. They did not take any American players and only a single goalie in this year’s draft.
First Round Selections
Joel Sexsmith (9th Overall) – Sexsmith spent this past season in Rink (Winnipeg) despite being an Edmonton kid. He found a tonne of success on their back end, being heavily relied upon in several areas. Sexsmith is a two-way defender who excels in transition. He has continued to add weight and strength, becoming a physical threat on the ice. His offensive tools stand out, he has the ability to activate himself off the blue line and make an impact in the offensive zone. Sexsmith’s maturity off the ice, and continuing improvements makes him an exciting prospect to watch down the road.
Ben King (13th Overall) – The captain of POE Bantam Prep and one of the most versatile prospects in the draft, Ben King is a big two-way forward who can play in all aspects of the game and succeed. King has excellent awareness on both ends of the rink and a shot that can get through from anywhere in the offensive zone. He has a good frame, hard to knock off the puck, the ability to make an impact in both ends of the ice and use his frame to take compete in the defensive zone. I like Ben King as a solid top six versatile player at the next level.
Notable Selections
Ethan Hein (57th Overall) – Arguably the top goalie coming out of Saskatchewan, Hein has a big frame and is strong on his angles to the puck. He has games where he can flat out take over. Hein has some exceptionally raw features and the potential to a solid goalie at the WHL level. Certainly improves their goalie prospects.
Alex Thacker (117th Overall) – The captain of the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers is coming off of a successful season where he was able to produce and lead his team to the AMBHL Championship. Thacker is a pass first playmaker who has exceptional vision and creativity to his game. Quick hands and strong on his inside edges, he is a threat when the puck is on his stick. A player who can dazzle you a few times a game with the lanes his passes go through. Potential to be an impact player at the WHL in terms of assists.
Massen Ziola (145th Overall) – Ziola really impressed us at the tail end of the year and at the Sask First tournament. A dynamic offensive threat who is very offensively minded and is set to explode offensively whenever the opportunity arises. He has creativity with the puck on his stick, quick hands and the ability to elevate the puck in tight. His scoring abilities should work well with Thacker’s playmaking abilities in the future.
Daron Cyr (154th Overall) – Cyr was the top defender on Fort Saskatchewan this past season, and took huge leaps in terms of development. His skating has continued to improve and his presence on the blue line as well. He adapts well to the change of pace and has the ability to contain players one on one. A real reliable and intelligent defender.
Conclusion
I believe this draft bodes well for the future of the Broncos. They didn’t take a lot of players but took guys who should play in the WHL. Guys who will compete for their team. I love the Sexsmith pick and the upside and maturity to him as a prospect. It will be interesting to watch these players develop next season and see who can make an impact in the league as a 16-year-old.
