2007 Bantam Draft Thread
http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpo...e-9dea15e220e3
Pats having better luck recruiting
Greg Harder, The Leader-Post
Published: Thursday, May 03, 2007
The Regina Pats are expanding their area code.
The WHL club's winning record over the past two seasons could result in a few more long-distance calls during today's WHL bantam draft. That would be a departure from the past four drafts, in which Regina stayed predominantly close to home due to challenges in securing commitments from out-of-province players.
"There are a couple (top) guys we've looked at out of province who caught our eye and have expressed interest in playing for us," offered Pats director of scouting Todd Ripplinger, whose team is slated to pick 13th overall. "It's nice to finally have the shoe on the other foot and have guys ask you about your organization instead of you always asking them (if they'd be willing to play here)."
Ripplinger credits the change in attitude to a number of key factors, most notably the team's winning direction. He also believes the Pats have benefitted from the presence of Curtis Hunt, a reputable players' coach who also has his foot in the door with Hockey Canada. Then there's the presence of blue-chip defenceman Colten Teubert, the No. 1 pick in the 2005 bantam draft. Teubert is from B.C., which had become foreign territory to the Pats in past years.
B.C. is again expected to be the leading source of WHL prospects in this year's draft.
"They've kind of taken over," noted Ripplinger, adding that Alberta is likely ranked No. 2 this year, followed closely by Saskatchewan. Manitoba's crop boasts quality but not as much quantity.
Among the Saskatchewan-born prospects who've garnered attention are forwards Drew Czerwonka of Balgonie, Graham Hood of Martensville and Saskatoon's Christian Magnus.
Regina's bantam crop is led by the likes of defenceman Taylor Ernst, goalie Derek Tendler and centre Andrew Reider. They're joined by winger Tyler McWhirter and defenceman Troy Murray, among others.
"It has been a good year (for Saskatchewan)," said Ripplinger. "There aren't a lot of high-end guys, but there's a lot of depth. There are still going to be players coming out of (the province)."
This year's draft is considered deep, but there are some differing opinions on which players belong in the elite category. That puts some added pressure on the Pats to do their homework.
"We have a group of guys that we like a lot," said Ripplinger. "We're going to have to make a decision on somebody who, maybe he wouldn't be a first-rounder in normal years, but we know we won't get him in the second and we know he's going to play and he wants to be a Pat. That's half the battle."
In the past, that approach might have limited the Pats to selecting from within their own province. That's not necessarily the case this year, although it doesn't mean the team isn't putting a premium on local ties.
"I still think there's something to be said for those kids who want to play in Saskatchewan," said GM Brent Parker. "It means something for them to play close to home and to be a Pat or to be a Blade or a Warrior or what have you. There's some merit (in staying close to home). I think all teams probably look closely at their local group."
© The Leader-Post (Regina) 2007
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