WHL Tri-City Americans

Americans Go Big in 2008 WHL Bantam Draft

May 1, 2008 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release


KENNEWICK, WA - Tri-City Americans General Manager/Governor Bob Tory and his scouting staff had a common theme when looking at potential players in this year's WHL Bantam Draft...size and skill.

With their first choice (22nd overall), the Americans selected 6'1, 200 pound defenseman Zach Yuen who had 12 goals, 46 points and 108 penalty minutes in 52 games played for the North Shore Winterhawks AAA Bantam. Yuen, a native of Vancouver, British Columbia, was named the Most Valuable Defenseman at the Burnaby Minor Tournament in late December. The Winterhawks, who held a 19-0-1 regular season record, fell one win short of the provincial tournament.

Later, Tri-City made right wing Nils Moser of the Airdrie Extreme its second round selection (44th overall). Moser is listed at 6'1, 150 pounds and hails from Canmore, Alberta. Moser, who will play for the Notre Dame Hounds next season, appeared in 33 games with the Airdrie Extreme, totaling 22 goals, 61 points and 126 penalty minutes. Moser finished in the top-5 in scoring in the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League.

Scouts have described both players as big, physical players who are good skaters and have good offensive potential.

"We are always looking for the most talented players available," said Tory. "We feel we got some very skilled players and are very excited with our picks."

Complete results of the 2008 WHL Bantam Draft can be viewed at www.whl.ca by clicking on the WHL Bantam Draft icon on the left side of the homepage to get the results.

The following is a summary of players selected by the Americans in the ensuing rounds:

1st round (22nd overall), defenseman Zach Yuen, 6'1 200 lbs, Vancouver, BC (52/12/34/46/108)

2nd round (44th overall), right wing Nils Moser, 6'1 150 lbs, Canmore, AB (33/22/39/61/126)

5th round (110th overall), left wing Max Moline, 6'3 165 lbs, Lethbridge, AB (32/17/10/27/20)

6th round (132nd overall), center Zach McPhee, 6'2 165 lbs, Vernon, BC (24/3/17/20/16)

8th round (172nd overall), defenseman Brett Pile, 6'0 160 lbs, Winnipeg, MB (26/2/4/6/8)

8th round (176th overall), center Brendyn Illchuk, 5'11 160 lbs, Winnipeg, MB (30/4/6/10/6)

9th round (194th overall), goaltender Jordan Liem, 5'10 150 lbs, Surrey, BC (No stats available)

9th round (198th overall), center Mark Barden, 5'9 150 lbs, Surrey, BC (No stats available)

Check out the Tri-City Americans Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from May 1, 2008


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