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WHL Red Deer Rebels

Rebels' Picks in US Priority Draft Both Express Interest in Coming North

December 8, 2021 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Red Deer Rebels News Release


Contrary to the first-ever US Priority Draft held in March of last year , Red Deer Rebels associate GM Shaun Sutter is confident the team selected a pair of keepers in Wednesday's event.

Red Deer took Gracyn Sawchyn first overall in the 2021 draft and picked Aidan Willis in the second round. Sawchyn's rights were traded to the Seattle Thunderbirds in May and the Rebels have yet to get a commitment from Willis, who's playing high school hockey in Minnesota.

"The kids we picked before, that was very much a case where we had no idea where that was going to go," Sutter said Wednesday, after taking defenceman Quentin Bourne eighth overall and forward Jonah Jasser in the second round.

"We swung for the fences last year, I think, whereas these guys have legitimate interest in coming here. There's a good chance we'll see both of them next fall.

"I've talked to Quentin as well as his parents and they're pretty keen on having him play here."

Bourne, a native of Lawndale, Calif., situated within Los Angeles County, is a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 15s this season and has scored one goal and added three assists in six games.

"He was with the LA Kings junior program and then went to Pittsburgh to play," said Sutter. "He's not a tall kid but he's a good player. He's smart, skilled and competitive. He's just a real good player and he has real interest in playing in Red Deer."

Bourne confirmed as much when reached via cell phone.

"I'm excited to be selected by such a prestigious organization as Red Deer," he said. "I've had a lot of contact with Shaun Sutter."

Bourne moved across the US to give himself a better chance of developing into a complete player.

"It's a good program with good coaching and they have a very good school system set up for us," he explained.

Bourne, a five-foot-seven, 150-pound rearguard, describes himself as "an offensive defenceman who likes to push the pace".

He started skating at the age of four and decided to give competitive hockey a try after visiting his grandfather 120 miles up the highway in Bakersfield and attending minor pro games.

"My grandfather always took me to Bakersfield Condor games and then from there I told my parents I wanted to try it out and that's how it started," said the 15-year-old.

And yes, he's excited about the prospects of joining the Rebels organization.

"I'd like to attend training camp next year, for sure. That's what I'm looking forward to," said Bourne.

Jasser, who was taken with the 15th pick of the second round, 37th overall, has scored nine goals and collected 16 points in 29 games with the Dallas Stars U16 elite team this season.

"He's s tall guy who's kind of a power forward," said Sutter of the six-foot, 165-pound Jasser. "He's a strong kid who can shoot and skate and he uses his size.

"Our US scout, Adam Shaner, has talked to him quite a bit. He's seen the guy play and I've watched him on video. He's another kid who has interest in coming here."

Jasser, reached by cell phone, confirmed he's jacked by the notion of playing in Red Deer.

"I was very hopeful of getting drafted today and when it happened I was very excited, " said the 15-year-old, who was born in Houston and lives in Flower Mound, just outside of Dallas. "I think it's awesome, great.

"I want to come to training camp for sure . . . definitely."

Jasser agreed with Sutter that he employs his size to play a power game.

"I definitely feel I'm a power forward," he said. "I'm a really good skater, I have a good shot and I like to get to the front of the net and get greasy goals."

Sutter was pleased with how the draft played out for the Rebels and praised Shaner for his work in identifying and evaluating the prospects.

"Adam has put a lot of work into this and we're really happy with everything he did," said Sutter.

Both Bourne and Jasser will be eligible to play in the WHL in the 2022-23 season.

The 2021 WHL Prospects Draft, also involving 2006-born players, will be held Thursday.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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