WHL Draft Update
May 5, 2011 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release
Calgary, Alberta - Three rounds are now complete at the WHL Bantam Draft in Calgary and the Brandon Wheat Kings have chosen two forwards, one defenceman and a highly touted goalkeeper.
With two first round picks, the Wheat Kings opted for defenceman Kord Pankewicz and Edmonton netminder Jordan Papirny eleventh and 22nd overall.
A 5'10" 170 lb native of Drayton Valley, Alberta, Pankewicz scored 22 goals and 48 points in 33 games with the Leduc Bantams this past season. Kord is a cousin of former Regina Pat and Manitoba Moose forward Greg Pankewicz.
Meanwhile Papirny was thought to be the best goaltender available in Thursday's draft. A 5'10" 140 lb Edmonton product, he posted a 14-2-2 record, a goals against average of 1.81 and a .918 save percentage with the Edmonton SSAC Lions this past season.
In round two, the Wheat Kings selected Roblin product Jayce Hawryluk. A 5'9" 150 lb center, Hawryluk scored 138 goals and 264 points in 54 games with the Russell Rams Bantams in the Manitoba Parkissimo League this past winter. In the third round of Thursday's draft, Brandon returned to the Edmonton SSAC Lions, opting for 6' 190 lb leftwinger John Quenneville. In 33 games with the Bantam Lions in 2010-11, Quenneville scored 35 goals and 75 points.
Brandon's second first round pick this season was one of the key pieces that the Wheat Kings acquired from the Blades in January's deal that saw former captain Brayden Schenn go to Saskatoon.
The Calgary Hitmen used the first overall selection to take right-winger Jake Virtanen of Abbotsford B.C., a 5'11" 165 lb product of Abbotsford, B.C. The Swift Current Broncos had the second pick and opted for defenceman Brycen Martin of Calgary. With their first of two first round picks, Lethbridge selected Warman, Saskatchewan blueliner Ryan Pilon.
The top Manitoban chosen was Wawanesa's Jordan Thomson, who went fourth overall to the Kamloops Blazers. Thomson is a 5'11" 165 lb blueliner who spent this past season with the Southwest AAA Midget Cougars.
The WHL Bantam Draft continues throughout the day in Calgary. For up to date selections, click on WHL News at www.wheatkings.com.
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Western Hockey League Stories from May 5, 2011
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- Vancouver Giants Select Thomas Foster in 1st Round of WHL Bantam Draft - Vancouver Giants
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- Ice Select Forward - Kootenay Ice
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