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WHL Victoria Royals

Royals Select 10 Players in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft

May 3, 2012 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Victoria Royals News Release


Calgary, AB - The Victoria Royals are proud to announce that they have selected 10 players in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft which included two first round draft picks.

Victoria native and goaltender Markus Daly became the Royals' first local draftee and one of three BC born players chosen. Alberta supplied Victoria with four picks while two Saskatchewan products and one American (Oregon) selection rounded out the Royals' 2012 draft class. By position, Victoria picked up five forwards, four defencemen and one goaltender.

"Every draft you look back on what you've done as soon as it's over," Director of Scouting Garry Pochipinski said. "While the draft is still fresh in our minds, our staff are very pleased with this year's selections and the players are genuinely excited to be a part of the Royals organization."

Round 1

Victoria began the day by choosing centre Tyler Soy with the 8th overall selection. The Surrey, BC native spent the 2011-12 season as captain of the Cloverdale Colts Bantam A1-T1 team where he amassed 65 points (24g-41a) in just 20 games played. The 5-11, 160 lb forward was named Tournament MVP and Top Forward of the John Reid Memorial Tournament in St. Albert, AB where he led the Colts with 20 points (9g-11a) on route to a tournament victory.

"Tyler is an offensively dynamic player who possesses leadership skills and we view him as the total package," Pochipinski said.

With the 13th overall pick in the first round, the Royals selected defenceman Chaz Reddekopp. The West Kelowna, BC native skated with the Pursuit of Excellence Bantam Team 1 where he collected 59 points (18g-41a) along with 72 penalty minutes. The 6'2, 188 Ib defenceman also participated in nine games with the Pursuit of Excellence Midget Team 3 where he recorded seven points (2g-5a) and eight minutes in penalties.

"We had Chaz rated as the top defenceman in the draft," Pochipinski said, "and to have him still available at 13 was both surprising and great news."

Round 2

Victoria took forward Regan Nagy with the 27th overall pick. The Ogema, SK resident dressed for the Weyburn Energy Wings Bantam AA team in 2011-12 where he scored 46 points (30g-16a) and had 77 penalty minutes in 23 games played. The 5-11, 148 lb Nagy also played four games with the Moose Jaw Generals Midget AAA team.

"Regan is an exceptional player in all areas of the ice," Pochipinski said. "In my mind, he's a very special player that we were thrilled to get at the 27th spot. Regan is a very intelligent player who has great vision and a good shot."

Round 3

The Royals used their 49th overall pick to select Matthew Campese. Born in Prince Albert, SK, Campese is the son of Prince Albert Raiders' General Manager Bruno Campese. The 5'10, 167 lb forward played for his hometown Venice House Raiders Bantam AA team where he notched 53 points (32g-21a) along with 98 penalty minutes in 23 games last season.

"Matthew is a natural born leader who possesses a very high compete level," Pochipinski commented. "He led his team to a number of post-season upsets which speaks to not only his talent but his leadership ability."

Round 4

Victoria selected Edmonton, AB native Matthew Dykstra at the 71st overall position of the draft. In 2011-12, the 6-1, 170 lb centre from Edmonton's Canadian Athletic Club Bantam AAA team collected 34 points (16g-18a) and 86 penalty minutes over 33 contests in the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League.

"Matthew is a hard-working power forward that loves to go to the net," Pochipinski emphasized. "Matthew is also a very committed player which will serve him well as his career progresses."

Round 5

Victoria native Markus Daly was taken with the 93rd overall pick in the draft to become the first ever hometown draft pick in franchise history. The 5'11, 165 lb Victoria Racquet Club Bantam Team 1 netminder posted a 1.73 goals against average and a 2-1 record before being named team MVP at the 2011 Rick Lapointe Memorial Bantam Showcase Tournament.

"Markus is highly regarded by our scouting staff," Pochipinski said. "He is a very sound goaltender in all areas that competes hard to make every save."

Round 6

Victoria drafted their first USA born player in Hermiston, OR native Keith Anderson with the 115th overall pick. The 6-0, 200 lb right winger dressed for the Phoenix Firebirds. Anderson participated in the Wild West Showdown Tournament in Phoenix, AZ where he recorded 10 points (4g-6a) and five penalty minutes through six games played. He also notched four goals and four penalty minutes during the Phoenix Firebird Invitational.

"Keith is a power forward that brings another dimension to the game with his size and skill," Pochipinski said, "he really impressed us at the Los Angeles U.S. Prospects Camp."

Round 7

The Royals used the 137th pick to draft defenseman Devon Brooks from Edmonton's Southside Athletic Club Bantam AAA team. The 5-10, 150 lb resident of Edmonton, AB played in 33 games last season, recording 23 points (4g-19a) along with 34 penalty minutes.

"Devon is a very steady defenceman with good vision that continually demonstrates the ability to make the right decisions," Pochipinski described.

Round 8

Victoria's eighth round pick was traded to the Spokane Chiefs in 2010 by the Chilliwack Bruins in exchange for centre T.C. Cratsenberg.

Round 9

With the 181st pick, the Royals selected Calgary, AB born defenceman Oliver Lester. The 5-11, 155 lb rearguard played with the Calgary Bisons Bantam AAA team where he appeared in 30 games, collecting 16 points (3g-13a) and 44 penalty minutes.

"Oliver stood out to us as a real character player," Pochipinski said, "he is an intelligent hockey player with good puck skills and skates well."

Round 10

At the 203rd overall position, Victoria selected defenceman Brendan Grier from Calgary, AB. The 6-5, 197 lb Grier dressed for the Calgary Northstars Bantam AAA team in 2011-12 where he recorded one assist and 44 penalty minutes in 23 games played.

"Brendan's size is a clear advantage," Pochipinski stated, "but he also moves the puck very well and is a really tough individual to play against."

The Royals passed on their remaining picks of the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft at 225th (11th round), 247th (12th round), 269th (13th round), 291st (14th round) and 313th (15th round).

Victoria Royals 2012-13 season tickets and mini-plans are on sale now. Guarantee yourself the best seats by visiting www.victoriaroyals.com, calling 250-220-7889, or emailing vrtickets@victoriaroyals.com before its too late!

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