It was a big weekend for eight Eastman Selects players as they were selected by Manitoba Junior Hockey League teams during the 2019 Bantam Draft.

The Head Coach from last years championship team, Jordan Wohlgemuth gave his thoughts on the players that were drafted.

 

1st round - 3rd overall - Winkler Flyers - F Brody Beauchemin from Ile des Chenes

Stats: 18 goals, 25 assists for 43 points in 36 games

"Brody is a smaller forward, needs a little maturing physically but he's a really, really smart player. Comes from a good hockey family. Really smart guy. He's got a good, nice skill set. Having him go top three, we were really excited for him."

2nd round - 20th overall - Steinbach Pistons - F Bryce Warkentine from Landmark

Stats: 16 goals, 18 assists for 34 points in 34 games

"It awesome (being drafted by the Pistons) cause it's so close to home for him, going to Steinbach. He's really excited. He's a power-forward with a big league shot. He can skate like the wind. He's generally on the right side of the puck in all three zones."

2nd round - 21st overall - Swan Valley Stampeders - D Owen Pickering from St. Adolphe

Stats: 6 goals, 11 assists for 17 points in 35 games

"He's above average when it comes to smarts of the game. See's the ice really well and is an asset offensively when we have the puck, but he's still a defence first kid. He takes a real pride in that part of his game."

4th round - 37th overall - Steinbach Pistons - D Kaycee Coyle from Winnipeg

Stats: 1 goals, 11 assists for 12 points in 36 games

"Real strong D man. Big shot. Scored his first goal of the year in the last game of the year, then at the Provincial Finals, he potted two more huge goals in the third period of games two and three. A great pick for Steinbach."

4th round - 41st overall - Waywayseecappo Wolverines - G Ethan Penner from Mitchell

Stats: 19 games played, 1.62 GAA, .934 SV%

"It's awesome for him, he was the first goalie taken. He's really come a long way this year. He's stayed focused and started some huge games for us down the stretch. He's going to be a big goalie, he's very athletic and he's always square to that first puck that comes at him."

5th round - 51st overall - Swan Valley Stampeders - F Nolan van den Bussche from Dugald

Stats: 9 goals, 11 assists for 20 points in 35 games

"They picked a pretty special kid here. He's got a ton of skill in his back pocket. When he pulls it out, he can make just about anyone look a little silly. At practice, there were times he'd walk around a couple top defenders in the province."

5th round - 55th overall - OCN Blizzard - G Josh Rach from Dugald

Stats: 18 games played, 1.70 GAA, .923 SV%

"He deserves the recognition. We ran a tandem and he started some big games for us too. Josh was top 5 in a lot of categories. For a 14 year old, his stats are really special.

6th round - 65th overall - Selkirk Steelers - D Spencer Penner from Bluemnort

Stats: 14 goals, 26 assists for 40 points in 35 games

"He signed in the WHL with Seattle. He's a big, mobile defender. A pick late in the draft that might end up getting a year out of him. Elite hockey player in every area.

Undrafted Player to Watch - Mattix Carpenter from Oakbank

Stats: 2 goals, 2 assists for 4 points in 30 games

"He had a torn ACL all year. He was on one leg. There's a big offensive upside to his game. Physical kid who's a multi sport athlete, hockey, football, baseball. Has a real passion for hockey. Playing on one leg all year, that's not easy to find."