2009 Pats Bantam Draft Thread

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http://www.leaderpost.com/sports/hockey/pats-hockey/Pats+will+looking+speed/1543415/story.html


Pats will be looking for speed
By Greg Harder, Leader-PostApril 28, 2009

REGINA -- The Regina Pats feel the need for speed.

Having watched too many opposing teams skate circles around his club last season, Pats owner Russ Parker sent word that he wants more air in the tires. GM Brent Parker set the wheels in motion by passing that order down to director of scouting Todd Ripplinger, who has followed suit with his own staff as they prepare for Thursday's WHL bantam draft.

"We want to get quicker," insisted Brent Parker. "If you look at some of our (recent) picks and some of the guys we're trying to get into the lineup, they are quicker guys. We still like to have some size in our lineup and I think you need to have that but we definitely have put an emphasis on finding more speed."

The Pats' draft philosophy had already been leaning in that direction for the past two years, but they're placing even greater emphasis on it this time around.

Since it takes a consistent draft approach through four or five years to fully reap the benefits, the Pats won't turn into a fleet-footed club overnight, but they can make incremental improvements as young players step into the lineup and make a greater impact as they get older. Some recent draft picks that fall into that category include Jordan Weal, Dominick Favreau, Myles Bell, Tyler Borstmayer, Justin Slobozian, Dyson Stevenson and Andrew Rieder.

However, Parker would also like to expedite the process as much as possible with veteran players.

"You can improve it when you're making deals," he said. "You might make a deal where a guy doesn't have blinding speed coming in but he's quicker than the guy that's going out. It may not seem like much but it's a little bump."

Parker stopped short of saying he wants a team that's built entirely around speed. He's looking for more of a mix.

"Nowadays you have to have speed in your lineup, but I don't think you can just build on speed," he said. "There's character issues, there's skill issues. You want to have some size in your lineup but gone are the days where you just focus on the biggest player. Obviously the ideal player is probably about 6'2 who can skate. That's what we're looking for."

Ripplinger agreed.

"You see the teams in the finals right now and they're big, they skate and we want to kind of emulate that," he said of the Calgary Hitmen, Vancouver Giants and Kelowna Rockets. "We've been somewhat big, haven't skated well, then (other years) we've skated well but sometimes we've been too small. We have to try to find that happy medium. We do want to build up our speed. Brent has addressed that to myself. Hopefully we can accommodate him and find some guys who can skate and fill up our draft sheet."

gharder@leaderpost.canwest.com
© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post

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http://www.leaderpost.com/sports/hockey/pats-hockey/Poor+finish+gives+Pats+high+pick/1543363/story.html


Poor finish gives Pats high pick
By Greg Harder, Leader-PostApril 29, 2009

REGINA -- The Regina Pats are hoping to turn a negative into a positive.

So far, the only silver lining to emerge from missing the playoffs in 2008-09 is the fact that Regina will pick fifth overall at Thursday's WHL bantam draft in Edmonton. Barring a trade, the Pats will have an opportunity to select a high-end player who, down the road, might help bring them the postseason success they desperately crave.

"Obviously you want to get a top player, a guy that's going to be a fixture in your lineup for four or five years," offered Pats GM Brent Parker before leaving for Edmonton on Tuesday. "But I don't think it's a case of trying to salvage anything (from a miserable season). Those guys (from this year's draft) aren't impacting your team next year anyway. You'd like to think two years down the road when they're capable of playing that the bad taste of last year will be gone."

Still, the Pats are under the gun to land an impact player at No. 5. This year's draft is deep in top-end defencemen, a group that includes B.C. product Morgan Rielly, who's attending Athol Murray College of Notre Dame in Wilcox, Calgary's Matt Dumba, Vancouver's Griffin Reinhart, Weyburn's Derrick Pouliot and Nicolas Walters of St. Albert, Alta.

Despite the veritable buffet of blueliners, the Pats are more likely to target a forward. The best of the bunch includes Mike Winther of Airdrie, Alta., Weyburn's Tayler Balog, Connor Rankin of Vancouver and Chandler Stephenson of Saskatoon.

"You should be able to make those early, early picks count," said Pats director of scouting Todd Ripplinger. "The guys we have in our top five, we're very comfortable with all five of them becoming stars in this league."

The Pats are slated to make their highest pick since using the No. 4 choice in 2004 on Brett Leffler, who finally broke loose last season with 33 goals in 64 games as a 19-year-old.

Over the past six years, the Pats have been among the best in the league at drafting future WHL players, largely due to their ability to unearth talent in the later rounds. Meanwhile, Regina's first-round picks fall under an assortment of categories. Logan Pyett was a steal at No. 11 in 2003. Colten Teubert, who went first overall in 2005, was criticized for his play last season but has still accomplished more than most if not all the other top picks from his draft class. Brett Miller, traded to Red Deer last year, has been a bust after being taken 14th overall in 2006. It's too early to make a judgment on Dominick Favreau (13th, 2007), who scored just one goal in limited action as a 16-year-old last season. Myles Bell (17th, 2008) has fulfilled or surpassed expectations with his development so far and is expected to crack the lineup next season.

"We've done pretty well with our first-round picks," said Parker. "You can always sit there and look through the draft afterwards and go, 'Geez, you could have taken this guy or taken that guy,' but really the only one that hasn't panned out is Miller.

"We've done our homework (this year)," he added. "We think we'll get a very good player."

gharder@leaderpost.canwest.com
© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post

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http://www.leaderpost.com/sports/hockey/pats-hockey/Potential+Pats+players+strong+says+scout/1547140/story.html


Potential Pats players 'strong,' says scout
By Greg Harder, Leader-PostApril 29, 2009 9:01 PM

REGINA -- The Regina Pats have done their homework for Thursday's WHL bantam draft, but they still need to pass the test.

"Our top 40 picks that we have evaluated are really strong," offered director of scouting Todd Ripplinger. "Our scouts did a good job and we've compiled a group of names that we're very comfortable with.

"I think the draft is pretty solid, not as good as years gone by but there are still going to be a lot of guys who come out of the woodwork and become players down the line."

As usual, Alberta is expected to be the top source of talent, but Saskatchewan isn't far behind. Leading the pack are two top prospects from Weyburn: Defenceman Derrick Pouliot and forward Tayler Balog. Another top-five pick is Vancouver defenceman Morgan Rielly, who's attending Athol Murray College of Notre Dame in Wilcox.

There's also a solid crop of potential mid-rounders from southern Saskatchewan, including forwards Colton Heffley of Swift Current, Brady Gaudet of Redvers, Wyatt Garagan of Estevan and Allen Kilback of Whitewood, along with defencemen Logan Mason of Gull Lake and Moose Jaw's Sean Whelan.

"There's about six or seven first-round kind of guys (from Saskatchewan) and after that you get lots of character and hard-working players that block shots, that pay the price, that are physical," said Ripplinger. "I think there's going to be a lot of depth in the province."

As for Regina, forward Shea Howorko is the top prospect, slated to go anywhere from late in the first round to the second, or maybe third. After that, there's some potentially under-rated talent, including possible mid- to late-rounders like forward Tanner Eberle (no relation to Pats sniper Jordan), defenceman Tyler Mueller and winger Garret Lockeridge.

"I think there's some good players," said Ripplinger. "There are some guys that are going to come in under the radar and surprise and show everybody that Regina is developing players."

gharder@leaderpost.canwest.com
© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post

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Pats 1st pick... 5th overall...

Chandler Stephenson
April 22, 1994
C
Saskatoon, SK

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Stephenson's stats from Alan Caldwell's blog http://smallatlarge.blogspot.com/

Chandler Stephenson - Forward, 5'8" 161lbs
08-09: Saskatoon Generals (SMHA AA bantam) -- 48gp-49g-61a-110pts
08-09: Saskatoon Blazers (SMHL AAA midget) -- 9gp-2g-1a-3pts-2pim
08-09: Saskatoon Blazers (Macs Midget Tournament) -- 1gp-0g-1a-1pts-0pim

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Pats press release...

http://reginapats.com/News/616/


Pats select Stephenson in the 1st round
2009-04-30

Edmonton, Alberta – With their 1st pick, 5th overall in the WHL Bantam Draft, the Regina Pats have selected Chandler Stephenson out of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

With the Saskatoon Generals this past season, Stephenson amassed 72 points in 46 games. He was also an AP with the Saskatoon Blazers of the SMAAAHL last season, playing in 9 games picking up two goals and an assist, and was with the club during the Mac’s Midget Tournament over the holiday season. His brother, Colton Stephenson is currently a forward with the Edmonton Oil Kings

Regina Pats General Manager, Brent parker, “We’re thrilled to get Chandler, he is a skilled centre with great vision and a quick accurate shot. He’s a great skater and competes hard every night.”

Player comparison – Doug Gilmour

Other past Regina Pat 1st round selections include Myles Bell (2008), Dominick Favreau (2007), Colten Teubert (2005) and Brett Leffler (2004).

C - Chandler Stephenson
5’9” 155lbs.
Saskatoon, Sask.
08-09 Saskatoon Generals (Stn Bantam) GP-46 G-49 A-61 PTS-110 PIM-72
08-09 Saskatoon Blazers (SMAAAHL) GP-9 G-2 A-1 PTS-3 PIM-2

The Pats will next pick in the 2nd round, 28th overall.

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Pats 2nd pick... 28th overall

Taylor Balog
April 21, 1994
LW/C
Kipling, SK

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Stats from Alan Caldwell's blog http://smallatlarge.blogspot.com/


Taylor Balog - Left Wing, 6'0" 172lbs
08-09: Weyburn Wings (SSMHL AA bantam) -- 26gp-44g-32a-76pts-34pim
08-09: Moose Jaw Warriors (SMHL AAA midget) -- 2gp-0g-1a-1pts-2pim
08-09: Weyburn Wings (Saskatoon bantam tournament) -- 3gp-8g-1a-9pts-2pim
08-09: Weyburn Wings (Western Bantam Championships) -- 4gp-3g-2a-5pts-4pim
07-08: Weyburn Wings (SSMHL AA bantam) -- 25gp-23g-29a-52pts-14pim

Balog was rated as a top-ten talent on some lists. A poor second half of the season may have led to his drop in the draft. Could be a steal for the Pats?

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Pats press release...

http://reginapats.com/News/617/


Pats select Balog in the 2nd round
2009-04-30

Edmonton, Alberta – With their second pick, 28th overall, the Regina Pats selected Taylor Balog out of Kipling, Saskatchewan.

The Kipling, Saskatchewan native played with the Weyburn Crescent Point Wings of the South Sask. Minor Hockey League this past season, and picked up 76 points in 26 games

Pats General Manager, Brent Parker, “Balog is a big power forward, a great skater and has a hard shot.”

C – Taylor Balog
Born – April 21st, 1994
Shoots - Left
Hometown - Kipling, Sask.
6’1” 170lbs.
Weyburn (SSMHL) GP-26 G-44 A-32 PTS-76 PIM-34

Past second picks include Graham Hood (2007), Garrett Mitchell (2006), Nick Ross (2004) and Justin Bernhardt (2003).

The Pats will next pick in the 3rd round, 50th overall.

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3rd round... 50th overall....

Landon Peel
April 12, 1994
D
Virden, MB

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Stats from Alan Caldwell's blog http://smallatlarge.blogspot.com/

Landon Peel - Defence, 5'9" 140lbs
08-09: Virden Oil Kings (MB AA bantam) -- no stats
08-09: Virden (Westman H.S.) -- 18gp-1g-8a-9pts
08-09: Westman South (Director's Cup) -- 4gp-1g-1a-2pts-2pim

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Greg Harder's take on the Stephenson pick

http://communities.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/blogs/slapshots/archive/2009/04/30/pats-pick-stephenson-fifth-overall.aspx


Pats pick Stephenson fifth overall

By Greg Harder 04-30-2009 COMMENTS(0) Slap Shots

In the absence of a trade offer to their liking, the Regina Pats used the fifth overall pick in the 2009 WHL bantam draft to select talented centre Chandler Stephenson of Saskatoon.
This might be regarded in some circles as a bit of a surprise pick, since Stephenson wasn't generally ranked in the top five, although he was very close. However, he was at the top of the Pats' wish list heading into the draft and has been on their radar for some time, given their objective of picking a forward with dynamic offensive skill. They chose Stephenson over Airdrie, Alta., speedster Mike Winther, whom many prognosticators had ranked as the most explosive forward at the top of the draft. Stephenson, however, is regarded as a more complete player. It was thought the Pats might be able to trade down and still grab Stephenson in the top 10, but they obviously didn’t receive an offer to their liking. It’s also a possibility they had information that another team would pick Stephenson if they didn’t grab him at No. 5.
Stephenson is small — listed at 5-foot-9, 155 pounds — but according to scouting reports sees the ice well, is a skilled playmaker, has an accurate shot, is an excellent skater and also handles himself well in the corners. He played for the Saskatoon Generals bantam team this season and is expected to join the midget AAA Saskatoon Contacts in 2009-10. He’ll be eligible to join the Pats on a full-time basis in 2010-11.
Stephenson’s brother Colton was drafted by Edmonton in the third round of the 2007 draft. He’s also cousins with former WHLers Shay and Logan Stephenson from Outlook.

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Greg Harder's take on the Balog pick

http://communities.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/blogs/slapshots/archive/2009/04/30/pats-steal-balog.aspx


Pats steal Balog in second round?
By Greg Harder 04-30-2009 COMMENTS(0) Slap Shots

Forward Tayler Balog, who was projected to land in the top 10, slipped all the way to the second round, where the Pats were quick to snap him up at No. 28. The natural assumption is that there were some recruiting issues for him to fall that far. However, the Pats wouldn't have used a second-rounder on him if they weren't sure he'd play. There were also reports that his stock dropped due to a sup-par showing at the Western Canadian bantam championship. That said, he was still ranked sixth overall by International Scouting Services and was considered by many to be the third-best forward in the draft behind Mike Winther (went sixth overall to P.A.) and Connor Rankin (No. 7 to Tri-City).

Balog is a left wing/centre from Kipling who played in Weyburn this season — along with first-overall pick Derrick Pouliot — on the Saskatchewan bantam champions. He's listed at 6'0, 170 pounds. According to scouting reports, he's a power forward and a natural goal scorer. Could be a nice complement to Stephenson.

As expected, the first Regina product to be selected was forward Shea Howorko, taken in the second round (37th overall) by the Swift Current Broncos. Howorko was projected as a possible top 10 pick early in the season, but his stock dropped off considerably late in the campaign and in the playoffs. He has also been dropping hints that he might be headed for the NCAA, so that probably scared some teams as well. Regardless, he could end up being a steal for the Broncos.

[witness]

Balog went 2nd round?
Wow, what a great pick for the Pats.

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Media release:

Edmonton, Alberta – With their 3rd pick, 50th overall, the Regina Pats selected defenceman Landon Peel out of Virden, Manitoba.
D – Landon Peel
5’10” 160lbs.
Shoots – Left
Born – April 12th, 1994
Hometown – Virden, Manitoba
Past 3rd round picks include: Justin Slobozian (2007), Alex Pym (2006), Jeff Bosch (2005), Linden Rowat (2004) and Matt Delahey (2004).
The Pats will next pick in the 5th round, 90th overall.

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5th round.... 94th overall

Mason Logan
June 15, 1994
D
Gull Lake, SK

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Mason Logan's stats

2008-09 stats
Regular season: Swift Current (SSMHL) 26gp-6g-17a-23pts-40pim
Playoffs: Swift Current (SSMHL) 3gp-0g-2a-2pts-2pim

http://southsaskminorhockey.com/

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Stats from Alan Caldwell's blog


Mason Logan - Defence, 5'10" 152lbs
08-09: Swift Current Raiders (SSMHL AA bantam) -- 26gp-6g-17a-23pts-40pim
08-09: Swift Current Legionnaires (SMHL AAA midget) -- 1gp-0g-0a-0pts-0pim
08-09: Swift Current Raiders (Saskatoon bantam tournament) -- 3gp-1g-1a-2pts-6pim
07-08: Swift Current Raiders (SSMHL AA bantam) -- 25gp-1g-7a-8pts-24pim

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7th round.... 138th overall.....

Ryan Leonzio
January 20, 1994
D
La Salle, MB

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Stats from Alan Caldwell's blog....

Ryan Leonzio - Defence, no ht/wt
08-09: MacDonald Lightning (Maple Leaf AAA bantam tournament) -- 5gp-2g-2a-4pts-6pim
08-09: Pembina Valley (Director's Cup) -- 4gp-1g-1a-2pts-2pim
07-08: MacDonald Lightning (Maple Leaf AAA bantam Tournament) -- 6gp-2g-3a-5pts-6pim

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8th round.... 160th overall....

Jack Rodewald
February 14, 1994
LW
Winnipeg, MB

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Stats from Alan Caldwell's blog

Jack Rodewald - Right Wing, 5'11" 130lbs
08-09: Winnipeg Monarchs (WMHA AAA bantam) -- 30gp-16g-9a-25pts-43pim
08-09: Winnipeg Monarchs (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament) -- 5gp-0g-2a-2pts-12pim
08-09: Winnipeg Monarchs (Western Bantam Championships) -- 4gp-2g-2a-4pts-8pim
07-08: Winnipeg Monarchs (WMHA AA bantam) -- 28gp-14g-18a-32pts-20pim

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9th round.... 182 overall....

Pats pick local product

Garrett Lockeridge
April 30, 1994
RW
Regina, SK

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Stats from Alan Caldwell's blog

Garrett Lockeridge - Right Wing, 5'9" 160lbs
08-09: Regina Canucks (SSMHL AA bantam) -- 22gp-20g-11a-31pts-45pim
08-09: Regina Capitals (SSMHL AA midget) -- 4gp-0g-0a-0pts-4pim
08-09: Regina Capitals (SSMHL AA midget - PLF) -- 1gp-0g-0a-0pts-4pim
07-08: Regina Hurricanes (SSMHL AA bantam) -- 24gp-7g-3a-10pts-54pim

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10th round.... 204 overall....

Jesse Roden
March 21, 1994
D
Saskatoon, SK

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Stats from Alan Caldwell's blog....

Jesse Roden - Defence, 5'10" 151lbs
08-09: Saskatoon Stallions (SMHA AA bantam) -- 20g-28a-48pts-48pim
08-09: Saskatoon Stallions (Saskatoon bantam tournament) -- 3gp-4g-6a-10pts-2pim

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Pats must have swung a deal with Kamloops (originally had the pick)...

10th round.... 208 overall....

Darrin Robinson
September 11, 1994
G
Aurora, CO

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Stats from Alan Caldwell's blog....

Darren Robinson, Goaltender, no ht/wt
08-09: Chicago Mission (Tier 1 Elite bantam AAA) -- 14gp-8w-1l-4t-1.21gaa-0.918sv%

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11th round..... 226 overall.....

Sean Whelan
February 11, 1994
D
Moose Jaw, SK

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Stats from Alan Caldwell's blog.....

Sean Whelan - Defence, 5'11" 175lbs
08-09: Moose Jaw Warriors (SSMHL AA bantam) -- 26gp-12g-20a-32pts-38pim
08-09: Moose Jaw Warriors (SSMHL AA midget) -- 5gp-1g-4a-5pts-2pim
08-09: Moose Jaw Warriors (SSMHL AA midget - PLF) -- 2gp-0g-0a-0pts-2pim
07-08: Moose Jaw Warriors (SSMHL AA bantam) -- 25gp-3g-10a-13pts-24pim

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12th round..... 248 overall.....

Tyler Mueller
June 13, 1994
D
Regina, SK

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Stats from Alan Caldwell's blog.....

Tyler Mueller - Defence, 5'8" 130lbs
08-09: Regina Hurricanes (SSMHL AA bantam) -- 26gp-7g-9a-16pts-34pim
07-08: Regina Senators (SSMHL AA bantam) -- 25gp-1g-4a-5pts-34pim

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Balog happy to join Pats (http://www.leaderpost.com/sports/hockey/pats-hockey/Balog+happy+join+Pats/1562965/story.html)


Balog happy to join Pats

By Greg Harder, Leader-PostMay 4, 2009

REGINA -- When it came to Thursday's WHL bantam draft, Tayler Balog was a lot more concerned about 'where' than 'when.'

In fact, any disappointment the highly rated prospect may have felt after slipping to the second round was forgotten when his name was called by the Regina Pats, who eagerly grabbed him with the 28th overall pick.

"It's great; that's exactly where I wanted to be," offered Balog. "I grew up cheering for the Pats so it's kind of my team. They've been my favourite for a while."

Balog — a big, strong power forward with good wheels and a nose for the net — was generally regarded as a top-10 prospect for this year's draft. The Pats had him rated as a first-rounder as well, so they were pleasantly surprised to find him available with the 28th pick.

Balog wasn't complaining, either.

"I didn't even really care, as long as I got drafted," he said. "There are lots of people who didn't get a chance to get drafted. When it comes to training camp, you're all in the same place, you all have to make the team, so it doesn't really matter where you get drafted."

Balog said he had "no clue" why he wasn't selected higher, except to point out that different teams look for different things at different places in the draft — and he must not have been what they wanted at the time. The Pats' only explanation was that Balog may not have been as dominant in the second half of the season — and in the playoffs — as he was in the first half.

"I talked to a whole bunch of teams that said if I was still there by their pick in the first round they would take me," noted Balog, a 6-foot-1, 170-pounder. "I guess that ended up not happening so I kinda lucked out going to Regina in the second."

The Pats may be the ones who "lucked out" when they landed Balog. At least, that's the opinion of fellow Weyburn product Derrick Pouliot, who was selected first overall in Thursday's draft by the Portland Winter Hawks.

"He'd be a great asset to the team and I think he's going to do very well there," said Pouliot, who teamed with Balog to help the Weyburn Wings win the provincial bantam title this season.

"He's a hard worker, he has good skating and a really good shot and he's a good playmaker, too. He's a good guy in the dressing room. He's a positive leader and I think he's a really good person."

Balog, a native of Kipling who recently moved to Weyburn, lived in Regina for a brief time and still has family in the city. He also has a history with the Pats' first-round pick, Chandler Stephenson of Saskatoon, who was his linemate last summer with the Saskatoon Huskies summer team.

"We had one tournament in Edmonton, we scored (almost) every time we were on the ice," added Balog, who likes the idea of being reunited with Stephenson. "That would be great. He's a good, solid all-around player, especially for how small he is (5-foot-9, 155 pounds). He's really gritty. If I was that small I don't think I could do the stuff he does."

gharder@leaderpost.canwest.com