Blazers select 10 players in 2015 Bantam Draft
The Blazers did not have a pick in the first round (traded to Moose Jaw for Joel Edmundson).
The Blazers first pick was the first pick in the second round, 23rd overall, as they chose forward Jackson Shepard from West Vancouver. Shepard played with the North Shore Winter Club Bantam AAA team and recorded 111 points in 61 games. He is listed at 5’8” and 155lbs.
“Jackson is a relentless hard-working player that has a great skill set,” commented Director of Player Personnel, Matt Recchi. “He is very competitive and always seems to come out of a battle with the puck. He has tremendous speed and plays bigger than his size.”
With the 26th overall pick, the Blazers chose defenseman Devan Harrison from Dysart, SK. He is listed at 6’2” and 165lbs and played for the Prairie Storm in Bantam AAA.
“Devan is a big and strong defenseman that we coveted,” said Recchi. “He skates and moves the puck well. We think he will be a steady presence on our backend in the future.”
The Blazers did not have a pick in the third round (traded to Victoria for Campese), but selected three players in the fourth round.
Among the 10 selections, the Blazers chose six forwards and four defensemen. Five players are from B.C., three players are from Saskatchewan and two players are from Alberta.
Here is a brief synopsis and quote from Director of Player Personnel, Matt Recchi, on each player chosen:
Player Stats – GP G A PTS PIM
2nd round, 23rd overall (From Saskatoon for Lipon)
LW – Jackson Shepard
5'8" 155lbs
DOB – February 28, 2000
Hometown - West Vancouver, BC
Team - North Shore Winter Club 61 - 32 - 79 - 111 – 98
“Jackson is a highly competitive and skilled player. He is relentless on the puck and prides himself with a tremendous work ethic.”
2nd round, 26th overall
LD – Devan Harrison
6'2" 165lbs
DOB – January 6, 2000
Hometown – Dysart, SK
Team – Prairie Storm Bantam AA 31 - 10 - 25 - 35 – 32
“Devan is a big, solid and steady presence on the backend. He is a smart and patient defender that moves the puck well.”
4th round, 81st overall (From Seattle for Kozun)
LC – Ryley Appelt
6'1" 166lbs
DOB – January 27, 2000
Hometown - Edmonton, AB
Team – Edmonton CAC Bantam AAA 25 - 12 - 8 - 20 – 71
“Ryley is a big powerful forward who plays a hard two-way game.”
4th round, 82nd overall (From Victoria via Red Deer)
LD – Luke Zazula
5'8" 150lbs
DOB – May 18, 2000
Hometown – Langley, BC
Team – Delta Academy Bantam Prep. 45 - 9 - 36 - 45
“Luke is an excellent skater who competes very hard. He is a smart player and plays the game the right way.”
4th round, 84th overall (From Vancouver for Bellerive via Medicine Hat)
LW – Brodi Stuart
5’9” 150lbs
DOB - March 10, 2000
Hometown – Langley, BC
Team – Delta Academy Bantam Prep 47 - 30 - 40 - 70
“Brodi has good hockey sense and a great shot. He got better and better throughout the season.”
5th round, 100th overall (From Kootenay for Bozon)
LC – Carson Denomie
5'11" 178lbs
DOB - January 27, 2000
Hometown – Regina, SK
Team – Regina Blues Bantam AAA 30 - 36 - 23 - 59 - 84
“Carson is a hard working forward. He is strong on the puck and plays with energy.”
7th round, 136th overall
LC – Jake Tremblay
5'8" 145lbs
DOB – March 2, 2000
Hometown – Pense, SK
Team – Prairie Storm Bantam AA 29 - 19 - 14 - 33 - 8
“Jake has tremendous speed and plays a solid two-way game.”
8th round, 178th overall
RD – Kaiden Collumb
6'0" 172lbs
DOB - June 4, 2000
Hometown – Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Team – Fort Saskatchewan Rangers 33 - 0 - 4 - 4 - 40
“Kaiden is a steady and safe defenseman who improved throughout the season.”
9th round, 180th overall
F – Tanner Bahm
5'9" 150lbs
DOB – April 28, 2000
Hometown – Dawson Creek, BC
Team – Okanagan Hockey Academy 21 - 3 - 7 - 10 – 38
“Tanner is a hard-nosed and gritty player with good speed.”
10th round, 202nd overall
D – Sean Strange
6'0" 150lbs
DOB – January 25, 2000
Hometown – Saanich, BC
Team – Saanich Braves Bantam AA – Stats N/A
“Sean is a big puck moving defenseman. He plays a very steady game.”
http://www.blazerhockey.com/article/...l-bantam-draft
