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Six WHL players commit to University of British Columbia Thunderbirds

Published on June 24, 2008 under Western Hockey League (WHL) News Release


Vancouver, BC -- UBC Thunderbirds men's hockey head coach Milan Dragicevic announced today the commitment of six WHL players to his team for the 2008-09 season.

"One of the things we tried to do this year was become a tougher team to play against," said Dragicevic, who is in his seventh year at the helm of the Thunderbirds. "With some of these additions we have added good speed, skill, and a lot of toughness and leadership on the back end - all things we think will make us a tough team to play."

One of the big name additions on the back end will be Brandon Wheat King Theran Yeo (Prince Albert, SK). The 6-foot-1, 220 lbs Prince Albert native spent four seasons with the Wheat Kings, playing in 205 regular season games. Each season saw Yeo improve his offensive numbers, finishing the 2007-08 campaign with 18 points and a +16 rating over 47 games.

"Theran is a very physical, in your face, tough defenceman," said Dragicevic. "He is not somebody you look forward to playing against and he is the type of guy that will instantly bring some leadership to our back end corps."

Joining Yeo this season on the blueline will be John Flatters (Calgary) from the Saskatoon Blades. This will be a return of sorts for Flatters who played 85 games with the Vancouver Giants in the 2005-06 and 06-07 seasons. Born in Calgary, Flatters will give the 'Birds another tough, physical defenceman who put up seven points and169 penalty minutes with the Blades last year.

"John is going to be a major asset to our team as he is such an unbelievable person, leader, and competitor," noted Dragicevic. "He plays very physical and is extremely tough in the corners."

Adding some offensive flair to the T-Birds next year will be Brandon Campos (Port Coquitlam) of the BC-based Chilliwack Bruins. Campos exploded offensively this season, his second in the WHL, registering71 points in 67 games for the Bruins. A local talent, Campos' point per game offence should immediately bolster the UBC attack.

"Brandon is going to be relied upon to produce right away, but with his talent I have no doubt he will continue to excel offensively at the CIS level," said Dragicevic. "He sees the ice so well, can play the point on the power play, and looks good both at centre and on the wing. There is nothing he can't do on the offensive side of the ice."

Another top producer coming to Point Grey will be Everett Silvertips'Clayton Bauer (Kelowna, BC). The 6-foot-1 200 lbs Kelowna native will bring a nice mix of size, skill, and speed to the wing. He played most of 2007-08 for the Silvertips, picking up 36 points, including 21 goals, in 51 games. He also spent a little bit of time with the Red Deer Rebels and the Kootenay Ice last season.

"Clayton is a guy that will produce for us in the coming season,"said Dragicevic. "He will be given every opportunity in offensive situations, and with his nice blend of speed, size, and a great shot, he will be a solid contributor."

Joining Bauer from the Silvertips will be fan favourite Brennan Sonne (Maple Ridge, BC). Sonne spent 2005-06, 2006-07, and the beginning of 2007-08 with Everett before moving to the Red Deer Rebels and then finishing his season in Edmonton with the Oil Kings. Sonne picked up18 points in 07-08 to go along with 159 penalty minutes.

"Sonne is a gritty, hard working, and fierce forechecker who I am sure will become a favourite here just like he was in Everett," said Dragicevic. "He will be part of a shut down line and fits in really well with what we are trying to do with this year's team."

The final WHL vet tabbed by Dragicevic today is Keith Voytechek (Sherwood Park, AB). He split the 2007-08 season between the Portland Winter Hawks and the Moose Jaw Warriors, tallying 26 points over 52 games. In 2006-07 with the Warriors, Voytecheck had his best WHL season, notching 18 goals and 16 assists in 58 games.

"I really like Keith's speed and skill," said Dragicevic. "He isn't the biggest guy, but he can definitely hurt you with his quickness."

The Thunderbirds finished fifth in the Canada West last season with24 points. A 12-16 regular season record saw them matched up against the Manitoba Bisons in the first round of playoff action, with the Bisons prevailing 2-0 in a best of three series.

UBC opens their home schedule on October 17th versus the Alberta Golden Bears. This season the T-Birds will play their home games out of the newly constructed Thunderbird Winter Sports Complex, a rink developed for use in the 2010 Olympic Games.

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