WHL Everett Silvertips

Everett Selects 12 Players in 2006 WHL Bantam Draft

Published on May 4, 2006 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Everett Silvertips News Release


The 2005-2006 US Division Champions, Everett Silvertips selected 12 players in the 2006 WHL Bantam Draft held in Calgary, AB on Thursday. The WHL Bantam Draft is a talent identification process which serves as the first opportunity for WHL teams to add players in the bantam age group, 1991 birthdates, to their respective 50 player lists. In the previous three drafts, the Silvertips selected Zach Hamill in the 1st Round (3rd Overall) in the 2003 WHL Bantam Draft, Eric Doyle in the 1st Round (15th Overall) in the 2004 WHL Bantam Draft and Kyle Beach in the 1st Round (10th Overall) in the 2005 WHL Bantam Draft. On the Silvertips 2006 WHL Playoff roster, 13 players were drafted by the Silvertips in the WHL Bantam Draft.

In the 1st Round (13th Overall) the Silvertips selected forward Kellan Tochkin from the Abbotsford Hawks (Bantam AAA). Tochkin led the Hawks in scoring with 107 points and was named MVP of the 2006 Western Canadian Bantam AAA Hockey Championships.

In the 2nd Round (34th Overall), Everett chose another Abbotsford Hawk in defenseman Jeff Regier. The Abbotsford, BC native was team captain for the Hawks and added 13 goals and 27 assists for 40 points this season.

Kamloops, BC native forward Brody Moen was chosen by the Silvertips in the 3rd Round (55th Overall) in the draft. Moen posted 21 goals and 39 assists for 60 points in 50 games for his Bantam AAA club in Kamloops. Defenseman Paul Sohor was selected by the Silvertips in the 5th Round (98th Overall) in the Bantam Draft. The Winnipeg, MB native played with the Winnipeg Sharks (Bantam AAA) this season. Sohor added 7 goals and 20 assists for 27 points in 30 games for the Sharks.

In the 6th Round (118th Overall) the Silvertips stayed in the state of Washington by selecting Spokane native goaltender Michael Smith. Smith played in Midget AAA with Spokane this season. Everett also selected another prospect from the United States in forward Ryan White who resides in Parker, CO. White was selected by the Silvertips in the 7th Round (139th Overall). White recorded 33 goals and 45 assists for 78 points in 47 games for the Colorado Thunderbirds in Midget AAA.

The Silvertips picked up defenseman Wade Zakaluzny in the 8th Round (160th Overall). The Glen Bain, SK native added 1 goal and 4 assists with Glen Bain Bantam AAA. Zakaluzny is a big defenseman at 6'4", 185 pounds. In the 9th Round (181st Overall) the Silvertips took forward Paul Grenier from Winnipeg, MB. Grenier played in 29 games for the Winnipeg Warriors (Bantam AAA) and tallied 15 goals and 12 assists for 27 points this season. In the 10th Round (190th Overall), Everett chose forward Riley Halwa from Grand Prairie, AB. This season with Grand Prairie Bantam AAA, Halwa posted 27 goals and 18 assists for 45 points in 33 games this season. The Silvertips had another selection in the 10th Round (202nd Overall) and drafted defenseman Ben Wilson from Calgary, AB. Wilson suited up for the Calgary Bisons (Bantam AAA) this season. For the Bisons, Wilson added 3 goals and 12 assists for 15 points.

The Silvertips selected Edina, Minnesota native Zach Budish in the 11th Round (223rd Overall). The 6'3", 195 pound forward is described as a very strong player with good puck skill and ability to control a game. The Silvertips final selection in the 2006 WHL Bantam Draft was goaltender Brett Gagnon from Winnipeg, MB. Gagnon was chosen by Everett in the 12th Round (244th Overall). Gagnon posted a 11-5 record this season and recorded a 2.79 GAA and a .907% SP.

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Western Hockey League Stories from May 4, 2006


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