Hitmen Select Jackson Van De Leest 16th Overall in the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft

May 5, 2016 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Calgary Hitmen News Release

Calgary, AB - The Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club is pleased to announce the selection of Jackson Van de Leest with the 16th overall pick in the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft.

Van de Leest is a 6-5, 190-pound, defenceman from Kelowna, BC. The 15-year-old played with Yale Hockey Academy (CSSBHL) this past season in the Bantam Prep Division where he tallied 10 points (2g, 8a) in 23 games.

"We like Jackson's size, the way he approaches the game and how he moves the puck out of the zone," said Hitmen Director of Player Personnel Dan Bonar. "He was also the recipient of the 2016 Canadian Sport School Hockey League Bantam Prep Top Defenceman award."

"I couldn't be happier that Calgary was the one that chose me," said Van de Leest. "I have a big body, so I have that going for me, and I can make a good first pass. I'm trying to work on my offensive game but I don't see myself turning into that type of player just yet. I would probably play more of a shutdown role."

The Hitmen have made four selections thus far with the draft continuing throughout the day at Hotel Arts in Calgary. Follow the picks live as they happen at the bottom of http://prospects.whl.ca.

More than 85 former Hitmen bantam picks have gone on to play for the franchise including the following: Mark Kastelic (2014), Beck Malenstyn (2013), Jordy Stallard (2012), Jake Virtanen (2011), Colby Harmsworth (2010), Kenton Helgesen (2009), Cody Sylvester (2007), Matt Mackenzie (2006), Martin Jones (2005), Brett Sonne (2004), Karl Alzner (2003) and Ryan Getzlaf (2000).

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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