Jake Virtanen Selected First Overall in 2011 WHL Bantam Draft by Calgary Hitmen
Published on May 5, 2011 under Western Hockey League (WHL) News Release
Calgary, AB -- With the first overall selection in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft the Calgary Hitmen selected Jake Virtanen (vir-TAN-in) of Abbotsford, British Columbia.
Virtanen is a 5'11" 164 lbs. 15-year-old right handed left winger from Abbotsford, BC. He played AAA Bantam this past season with the Abbotsford Hawks collecting 117 points (68g 49a) in 59 games. He also had 128 penalty minutes while posting a +42 rating.
"Jake is a dynamic offensive player, a tremendous skater who also plays with a physical edge," says Hitmen Assistant General Manger and Head Scout Brad Whelen.
Virtanen becomes just the second Hitmen to be selected first overall joining Chris Nielsen who was the taken with the top pick in the 1995 WHL Bantam Draft.
The 2011 WHL Bantam Draft continues throughout the day at the BMO Centre in Calgary.
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