WHL Vancouver Giants

Vancouver Giants 2011 WHL Bantam Draft Preview

May 4, 2011 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Vancouver Giants News Release


Thursday's WHL Bantam Draft is a big day for the Vancouver Giants organization. With 5 selections in the first 38 picks, and 13 picks overall, it is a great opportunity for the team to replenish its talent pool with high end players.

For Giants Director of Player Personnel, Jason Ripplinger, this is what he works for. He and his scouting staff have been busy tracking all the top end talent throughout western Canada and the United States for the better part of a year. Ripplinger estimates he has watched over 400 games since September in preparation for Thursday's draft. "The goal for this year's draft is to get bigger and tougher," said Ripplinger, who has been with Giants since year one. "Simply put, we need to be a harder team to play against. Ideally you would love every guy to be 6'4, but the reality is those type of players are few and far between. Because of that we need to find guys that are competitive and play with an edge."

Right now, the club has 5 picks in the first 2 rounds. Obviously there is a chance one of those selections could be traded if the right deal comes along, but if not it will be the most picks the organization has ever had through the first 2 rounds in the franchise's draft history. "I have a list of 40 guys right now who I believe can one day make a serious impact in the WHL. The beauty is I know we are going to get 5 of those players," said Ripplinger. "Best case scenario we get 2 forwards, 2 defencemen, and 1 goalie with those first 5 picks, but more than likely we will be drafting the best player available at the time, regardless of their position."

While the Giants expect to get prime time players in the early rounds, they do have a history of selecting a number of diamonds in the rough in the late rounds. Jonathon Blum and Craig Cunningham are both 7th round picks, while Brendan Gallagher and James Henry were taken in the 9th round. This year the Giants also have one 3rd round pick, a 6th round pick, two 7th round picks, an 8th round pick, and one pick in the 10th, 11th, and 12th rounds. Ripplinger says the key to picking in the late rounds is not to look for a home run, but rather to focus on specific attributes the player has. "We knew when we selected Brendan Gallagher in 2007 that he could score. Yes, size was a concern, but if he could score at the bantam level then we figured there was a good chance he could do it at our level. The same can be said for James Henry in 2006. Again, he wasn't the biggest guy, but he played hard and was a leader even at 15 as the captain of his team."

This year's draft will be held in Calgary and gets going at 7:35 AM PST. It will be webcast for free on the WHL website.

Here are a look at the Top 10 Forwards in the 2011 Bantam Draft courtesy of The Pipeline Show.

1. Jake Virtanen - Abbotsford 6'0" 172lbs The premier forward in this draft class. "....He dominates with size, skill and speed like no one else, you build around a true franchise player like him". He could be the first BC raised player since Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to be selected first overall.

2. Ty Mappin- Red Deer White 5'11" 168 lbs Ty capped off a sensational bantam campaign with an outstanding performance at the Alberta Cup. "...this guys is the best forward in the entire province of Alberta no question" Ty's versatile play also allows him to play defence when called upon, thus making him one of the top defenceman in this year's draft as well!

3. Reid Gardiner- Humboldt Broncos 5'11" 172 lbs A strong two way player that some feel is could step in and play in the WHL right now. A work horse that loves to compete "...a true leader, he could be a captain in the WHL by the time he's 18"

4. Reid Duke- Calgary Royals 5' 10" 170 lbs The best individually skilled forward that will hear his name called on May 5th. "...this kid has the ability to 'wow' you on a regular basis." 64 points in 30 games makes him one of the best offensive players in this draft.

5. Dakota Odgers- Melville Millionaires 5'11" 184 lbs The riskiest pick in this year's draft may also be the safest. Dakota missed most of the year with a shoulder injury but was a preseason top 10 pick. "...His skill and work ethic is unmatched." Son of former NHL tough guy Jeff Odgers.

6. Ryan Gropp- Kamloops Blazers 6'1" 160 lbs The top forward from a very skilled Kamloops team and scouts say Ryan has shown vast improvement all year long. Skill, size and able to make things happen around the net should make Ryan a top 15 pick.

7. Kolten Olynek- Saskatoon Outlaws 5'7" 150lbs Kolten may be a little undersized but his speed and skill more than make up for it. "....The fastest player in this year's draft class." 75 goals in 46 games speaks well of his touch around the net.

8. Miles Warkentine- Prince Albert Pirates 6'0"175 lbs "....The best true power forward in this year's draft." Miles combines a very gritty game with a knack for the net, one of the toughest kids to play against all year long.

9. Adam Brooks- Winnpeg Hawks 5'10" 153 lbs Adam has been Manitoba's top forward all season long. His recent performance at the Western Canadian Bantam Championship should keep Adam in the first round.

10. Tanner MacMaster- Calgary Bisons 5'8" 135lbs One of the top scorers in the AMBHL, Tanner has a skill set that should translate very nicely at the WHL level. A major injury at the AB Cup left many scouts scratching their heads. "...His size is still a big question as is his durability."

Here are a look at the Top 10 Defencemen in the 2011 Bantam Draft courtesy of The Pipeline Show

1.Brycen Martin (Calgary Bisons) 6'1" 168lbs A big frame and elite skating truly separates Brycen from the rest of his defending brethren. "...Brycen is the best PP dman in this draft hands down..". His exceptional vision and passing skills will make his future WHL coaches very happy.

2. Jordan Thomson (South West Cougars) 5' 11" 168lbs One of very few bantams that was capable of playing AAA Midget as a bantam this year. Jordan brings a complete game that really showed well at last month's director's cup in Winnipeg. "....A very versatile player that also saw time at forward this year"

3. Ryan Pilon (Warman Wildcats) 6'1" 175lbs The top defenceman for most of the season until injury and fatigue really hurt his stock. Ryan can play a skill game or can be one of the top shut down guys in this year's draft. ".....No one shoots the puck better than this kid."

4. Austin Douglas (Winnipeg Warriors) 6'5" 196lbs A 6'5" frame makes him very hard for scouts to over look, Austin showed tremendous improvement all season long. Some improvement is still required to be an everyday WHL defenceman but Austin is well on his way.

5. Aaron Irving (South South Athletic Club) 6'0" 168lbs A strong second half of the season has really vaulted Aaron in most scouts' rankings. A physical game makes him very hard to play against. "....Aaron can also run a power play and is an effective penalty killer."

6. Joe Hicketts (Kamloops Bantam Blazers) 5'6" 165lbs The most exciting dman in this year's draft, Joe's combination of skill, energy and work ethic make him a true fan favourite. Will his size be the only thing that could keep him out of the top 10'

7. Jordan Harris (Prince Albert Pirates) 6'1" 172lbs Another top defenceman that was part of a championship team. Jordan led his Pirate team to an almost perfect season that saw his team only lose two hockey games. But could disappointing outing at the Western Canadian Championships may see his stock slip'

8. Zach Paterson (South Side Athletic Club) 5' 10" 160lbs Possibly the best skating defenceman in this year's draft. Zach was a member of the provincial champion team that dominated throughout Alberta all year long. He should be able to run a WHL power play someday.

9. Sam Ruopp (Balgonie Prairie Storm) 5' 10" 150lbs One of Saskatchewan's top defenders this season, "....Sam brings a complete game that shows lots of room for growth." Many scouts see positive comparisons between him and his brother at the same age (Harrison Ruopp-PA Raiders).

10 Lucas Mercer (Burnaby Winter Club) 6'3" 177lbs A very big piece of BWC's Western Canadian Championship puzzle, Lucas brings a rare combination of size and skill to this year's draft class. A consistent rate of development gives scouts reason that the sky may be the limited for the BC blue liner.

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