WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

Prospects Draft: Wheat Kings Select Saskatchewan Sniper Fresh off Historic Season

May 9, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


The last time anyone in the Saskatchewan U15AA ranks put up more points than Chase Surkan did in 2023-24 was exactly 20 years ago in 2003-04. And that was at a time where the league schedule was twice as long.

With their first pick in the WHL Prospects Draft, the Wheat Kings selected the ultra-skilled forward from the Regina Pats Blues. With the Pat Blues this past season, Surkan put up 135 points in just 27 games played, for exactly five points per game.

"His hockey sense and IQ, both playmaking and scoring ability are off the charts," said Wheat Kings head coach and GM Marty Murray . "We've talked about adding skill to our group, and he's certainly a guy that fits that mold."

Surkan has already dipped his toe in the waters of the U18AAA ranks with the Regina Pat Canadians, and has already scored his first goal in three games played. He's setting up to develop in a league that's known for producing mature, responsible players, and that regularly sends teams to the TELUS Cup.

"He's going to gain great experience there, playing on a great team in a men's league at U18," Murray said. "It's a great path for him, and we're really excited to have him under our umbrella."

With his elite offensive skill and eye-popping numbers, there were some that expected Surkan to be off the board by the time the Wheat Kings were picking, but their scouts were sure glad to see him still around when the 14th pick came up.

"He's one of those guys that he's so dynamic that he could've easily been a top-ten pick," said Murray. "He was in a small group of guys that we had categorized with our pick, and when he was available it was a no-brainer for us."

The next pick for the Wheat Kings will be 36th overall in the second round.

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Western Hockey League Stories from May 9, 2024


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