The Calgary Hitmen drafted 10 players in the 2006 WHL Bantam Draft including five defencemen, three left wingers and two centers. With the team’s first pick the Hitmen selected Chase Schaber (SHAY-ber) 20th overall.

Schaber is a 15 year-old 5’10” 165 lbs. left winger from Red Deer, Alberta. He had a tremendous season in the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League with the Red Deer Rebels. Schaber played 34 games collecting 59 points (35G, 24A).

“Chase is a well rounded player who works hard at both ends of the rink,” said Hitmen Head Scout Brad Whelen. “He’s a point-a-game player who has good offensive upside.”

The following is a summary of players selected by the Hitmen in the 2006 WHL Bantam Draft:

1st Round -20th overall
Chase Schaber
5'10" 165
Left Wing
Red Deer, AB
05/06 Bantam Team: Red Deer Rebels

2nd Round -41st overall
Matt McKenzie
6'1" 180
Defence
Burnaby, BC
05/06 Bantam Team: Burnaby Winter Club

3rd Round -62nd overall
Shane Harle
6'1" 190
Left Wing
North Vancouver, BC
05/06 Bantam Team: North Shore Winter Club

4th Round -75th overall
Erik Bonsor
6'0" 170
Defence
Calgary, AB
05/06 Bantam Team: Calgary Blackhawks

4th Round -83rd overall
Jesse Mireau
5'10" 165
Left Wing
Martensville, SK
05/06 Bantam Team: Matensville Marauders

6th Round -116th overall
Derek Ginnell
6'1" 155
Center
Brandon, MB
05/06 Bantam Team: Brandon Wheat Kings

8th Round -167th overall
David McKelvey-Gunson
6'1" 165
Defence
Winnipeg, MB
05/06 Bantam Team: Winnipeg Monarchs

9th Round -188th overall
Otis Rabbit
5'9" 155
Defence
Calgary, AB
05/06 Bantam Team: Calgary Royals Blue

10th Round -209th overall
Chris Brown
6'2" 170
Center
Flower Mound, TX
05/06 Bantam Team: Texas Alliance Bantams

11th Round- 230th overall
Tyler Amburgey
6'2" 170
Defence
Rowlett, TX
05/06 Bantam Team: Texas Alliance Bantams

“Overall we’ve drafted a good mix of size and skill,” added Whelen. “We also feel the players we’ve selected have good character and will all bring something to the table.”

For a complete list of the WHL Bantam draft go to www.whl.ca