Tri-City Takes Defenseman with Top Pick in 2008 Bantam Draft
May 1, 2008 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release
KENNEWICK, WA - The Tri-City Americans today made defenseman Zachary Yuen their first pick (22nd overall) in the 2008 WHL Bantam Draft, held at the Round-up Centre in Calgary, Alberta.
Yuen, a 6'0 200 lb left defenseman from Vancouver, British Columbia, played for the North Shore Winterhawks Bantam AAA, appearing in 60 games, while recording 16 goals, 51 points and 124 penalty minutes. The Winterhawks finished their regular season with an 11-0-1 record.
"We were thrilled to get a player of (Yuen) caliber at this point of the draft," said Americans GM/Governor Bob Tory. "He has excellent size and good offensive upside. He is excited to be drafted and we expect him to play in our pre-season."
Past Tri-City Americans first-round picks include Jason Gardiner (2006), Eric Mestery (2005), Joel Broda (2004), Jonathan Toews (2003) and Carey Price (2002). The Americans did not have a first-round pick in 2007 after sending that pick to Lethbridge as part of the Colton Yellow Horn deal.
For subsequent Tri-City picks from today's Bantam Draft, visit the Americans' website at www.AmsHockey.com. A final list of draft picks will be sent out following the conclusion of the draft.
In other news, the Americans traded the rights to prospect Thomas Carr to the Medicine Hat Tigers in exchange for a conditional 4th round pick in the 2009 Bantam Draft.
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