Broncos to Warriors Pipeline Continues

News Release:

Warriors Welcome Nyhagen to Front Office Staff

The Moose Jaw Warriors are pleased to announce the hiring of Corey Nyhagen as the organization’s Director of Corporate Sales & Marketing.

Corey is familiar with the Western Hockey League, more specifically the Eastern Division, as he served as the Director of Marketing & Sales for the Swift Current Broncos for two seasons prior to taking employment as the Development officer of special events & sponsorship with the Hospitals of Regina Foundation.The entire organization would like to welcome Corey, his wife Sheri, son Braydan and daughter Skyla to the Warriors familyCorey will begin his duties Monday June 2nd, 2008.

Wudrick at NHL Combine

The top prospects according to Central Scouting have gathered in Toronto for the NHL combine. The would be NHL'ers are put through a series of events testing their strength and endurance. Broncos forward Geordie Wudrick is one of 25 WHL'ers at the event.

There's a great on-the-scene blog at www.tsn.ca



Jon

Kehler to Guide Team Pacific at U-17's

Swift Current Broncos Assistant Coach Tim Kehler will guide Team Pacific for this winter's Under 17 World Hockey Championships in Port Alberni, BC.

Kehler, who just completed his first season as an Assistant Coach with the Broncos has been named Head Coach for the team made up of B.C. and Alberta born players.

The tournament consists of five Canadian regional teams plus international teams from Russia, Slovakia, U.S.A, Finland and Germany.

The tournament runs late December and into January.

Kehler was an assistant to Team Pacific two years ago when the tournament was held in Regina.

Tokarski, Not Good Enough For "AAA" Legionnaires

Ok, so Spokane Chiefs goaltender Dustin Tokarski may have not been good enough to play for our local "AAA" midget team but apparently he was good enough to win the Telus Cup later that year with Prince Albert and the Memorial Cup with Spokane yesterday.

Just found this note in the Saskatoon Star Phoenix recently and checked it out a bit further.

"There were like six or seven (failed tryouts)," recalls Tokarski. "Both Saskatoon teams, the Blazers and Contacts, Beardys, Tisdale, North Battleford, Swift Current"

To the Legionnaires defense, they weren't the only ones who didn't see Tokarski's potential around the Saskatchewan Midget "AAA" Hockey League.

The Watson, SK native is quite the story. His 53 save performance in the Memorial Cup Championship game was the biggest reason why the Chiefs pulled it out.

Good for him.

Now for the Legionnaires sake and with Western Regionals coming to our city this April, let's hope they make the right decisions come fall.

Jon

Did You See That?

The Spokane Chiefs won their 70th game of the season and in the process won the 90th edition of the Memorial Cup... and then this:


Congratulations anyways. I was happy to see another 'dub team win it. It's just too bad the fans of teams in the East Division never got a chance to see the Chiefs play in person with the current edition of the WHL schedule. Next year I guess.


Jon

Update

Not much hockey talk right now and that's fine by me....

I did get a call from Mike Boyle (Spokane Chiefs Broadcaster) today from the Memorial Cup in Kitchener. It seems he just got my message which I left... in April! Hey, he's a busy guy! I don't even remember why I called him.

Boyler was in the media area watching Belleville/Kitchener tonight. He's gearing up to broadcast the Memorial Cup final to the Chiefs faithful back in Spokane.

If I know Mike, he's having a great time in Kitchener despite the pressure packed situation of broadcasting the big games. He's veteran that's for sure.

Regan Bartel (reganbartel.blogspot.com) summed up my thoughts in a recent post when it comes to posting regularly in the off-season. It's just not going to happen. First of all there isn't much to talk about. Secondly, I don't think anyone really cares all that much.

Before you know it the season wil be upon us again and then it'll be back to business and the hectic WHL schedule.

For me, the summer is almost booked-up as it is anyways. Moving into a new house and doing some minor renovations took up a little time. A couple weddings to attend, a golf trip, a three-day stag party in Montana, the NHL draft next month, some camping trips, a side project unrelated to radio and the annual Labour Day weekend in Regina will pretty much take me right into training camp. By that time I should be ready for it to all return.

Golf has taken up some time lately."You have to be the worst player for the amount you play Jon" was a comment a buddy made to me last year on the tee at the 15th at the Elmwood. While he meant no harm and everyone got a laugh, I really thought about it and seeked out some solutions at the beginning of this season.My first stop was spending some range sessions with our local golf guru and longtime professional John Gaudet at the Chinook Golf Course. John knows his stuff. He's been teaching for decades and has received instruction for some of the best in the world. He has me hitting it pretty well...although there's still some work to do. I hope to get my handicap into the single digits by the end of the summer.

I had the Lanigan crew up on May long weekend for some fishing and golf. It's not often you can get a group of guys around 30 for a weekend like that anymore. It's something you kind of take for granted when you're younger. And thanks to the crew at the radio station for coming out in hurricane force winds for our annual slo-pitch game against the local Kidsport committee Tuesday night. The game ended in an extra innings 16-16 tie under the lights at Mitchell Field.

I think everyone from the station had a good time. Special thanks to "Smokin" Joe Carnahan who was our honorary ringer. The three time WMBL MVP and now coach of the Swift Current Indians is just one of the guys. He's one of our favorites.

I plan to have a couple hockey related posts in the coming weeks...

Till then, enjoy your summer.

Jon

Fight Fans... This One is For You

I was doing some surfing this morning and came across this on espn.com. It's their e-ticket feature and it's all about fighting in hockey and the fans that follow and adore it.

Former WHL'er Jon Mirasty, Aaron and Derek Boogaard and WHL tough guy in-training Josh Kemp (a Kelowna Rockets prospect) all are featured. Have a look here if you have some time.






Jon

Have a Great Long Weekend

Mets' Wagner calls out teammates for ducking media

ESPN.com news services

Outspoken Mets closer Billy Wagner lashed out at truculent teammates Thursday for dodging reporters and ducking "being accountable" by failing to talk to the media.

Wagner, who ripped his teammates earlier this season, caused the flap on Thursday when he questioned some players' failure to make themselves available to the media after the team's deflating 1-0 loss to Washington.

"You should be talking to the guys over there," he snapped to reporters in the clubhouse.

He apparently, according to The New York Times, then gestured toward the lockers of Carlos Beltran, Luis Castillo and, especially, Carlos Delgado.

"Oh, they're not there. Big shock," he said.

The 36-year-old reliever later added to his furious finger-pointing of teammates during his weekly radio appearance, voicing frustration that he is one of only a few players reporters can interview after a crushing loss.

"I didn't even play today, I was not a participant in the game and the guys that had participated were gone," Wagner said in his interview with ESPN Radio 1050's Michael Kay. "David Wright is always there, the same guys are always there. But there needs to be other guys that are accountable. It gets a little old when the same people keep getting interviewed even when they don't participate."

When asked to name the specific players he felt failed to meet their media commitments, Wagner replied: "I think that will be recognized tomorrow [Friday]. You need to stand there during the bad times other than just stand there during the good times. That will be something that will be talked about tomorrow by the team I'm sure."

The left-hander also insisted to Kay that he was not singling out the team's Hispanic players for criticism.

"I think it's just certain guys," Wagner said, when asked if there was a racial component to the issue. "I don't think it's Latin, white or black. I don't think it's a color thing."

"It gets frustrating for some of the guys that are there," he added. "Whether I'm there, or David Wright or whoever is there constantly, it comes a point that they don't need to be answering the questions that should go to someone else. And then it causes that tension because of my opinion of something that may not be something the way that it really was."

Wagner's remarks come two weeks after Mets manager Willie Randolph told Wagner to keep critical comments in-house after he had criticized pitcher Oliver Perez following a blowout loss to Pittsburgh.

Wagner criticized Perez after the left-hander lasted just 1 1/3 innings in a 13-1 loss to the Pirates on Wednesday, a night after the Mets exhausted their bullpen in an 11-inning victory.

Broncos Add Staff

Press Release:

Broncos Add New Staff Member

The Swift Current Broncos are pleased to announce that Keegan Goodrich will be joining the club's staff as Public Relations Director.

Goodrich joins the Broncos from the Merritt Centennials of the British Columbia Junior League where he served as the club's Marketing Manager, while also handling radio Play by Play duties for the club.

"We're excited to bring Keegan on board," commented Broncos Assistant General Manager/Director of Operations Elden Moberg. "He has experience in this field which will be a tremendous asset."

"He's an enthusiastic guy who I believe will be a good addition to our club and the community."

Goodrich replaces departing Public Relations Director Tracy Lemon. Tracy will be leaving the Broncos on May 30th to return to the Southwest Booster as the Assistant Production Manager in the commercial print department.

"We'd like to thank Tracy for her hard work. She joined us in a year with a lot going on with facility renovations and an office move in the middle of the season, and handled herself very well. We wish her all of the best."

Goodrich will be in Swift Current for his first day in the new position on Monday, June 16th.

All is Quiet...

Not much to blog about these days which is fine....

-A few of us headed down to Moose Jaw to golf with an old friend in Dave Hunchak yesterday at Hillcrest. Rain, wind, sun...shopping carts. The day had it all. (don't ask)

-After only one season, the Broncos have said goodbye to Tracey Lemon in the Media Relations/Game Day Operations department after she resigned from her position. The Broncos will announce their new employee probably by the end of the week. I think they've made up their mind.

- Former Broncos Media Relations / Game Day Operations Garrett Zimmerman is leaving the Red Deer Rebels Marketing job after accepting a position with Alberta Community Savings in their marketing department. Good Luck Zims! I know he leaves with a heavy heart.

- I plan to track down the Broncos two Hall of Fame inductees for radio station purposes and a blog Q and A. Tyler Wright and Andy Schneider interviews are on the way.

Enjoy the long weekend,

jon

Wearing the Opposition Colors

Rod Pedersen's blog today got my thinking back to an incident 11 years ago that I can recall like it was yesterday... more on that in a second.

Rod talked about wearing the unpopular colors or jerseys into enemy territory today. He talked about wearing a Dallas jersey into Edmonton a few years back and the fallout from that.

I've sort of lost touch with what happens in the stands mainly because I've been in the booth for so long now, high above the seats and away from the action.

But back in 1997, boy was I in over my head...

I was 18 years old. We (Lanigan posse) started a bit of a tradition of catching first round playoff action in either Winnipeg or Edmonton. I was fearing the Stars and Oilers in the first round and that year in went right down to the final weekend of the regular season to determine playoff positioning. I was fearing it because knowing how much of a Stars fan I was, I knew I would be walking into enemy territory with my "Mike Modano #9" sweater. I knew I'd probably have to go to war at some point... plus two of my buddies were Oiler fans and there would be A LOT on the line in that two-game set at Northlands Coliseum. Turned out, I had no idea what I was getting myself into...mostly brought on by myself.

It was game three in Edmonton after a split in Dallas in the opening two games. Northlands was electric - it was their first home playoff game in four years.

I proudly wore my road black Stars jersey circa 1996 (see picture above). We took our seats and the friendly jabs began behind me and a few sections over even before puck drop. It was all good.

I was 18 in Edmonton where we could drink beer (legally). Remember, I was a diehard fan. I wanted to watch the game and pay attention. So, I obstained from the Canadian draught. My buddies didn't of course. They got into it pretty good. Sauced before the first TV time out.

Dallas struck first, and then added another. I stood up cheered, spun around in my seat with my hands up. My team was winning on the road... dominating in fact. It felt good. The Stars added another on the PP and were coasting up 3-0 in the third period. I was the only one making noise, having a good time in my section about 10 rows up from the back of the Stars net. My friends were slumped in their seats... about 12 draught beer deep each at this point. Sure there were other Stars fans in the building, but you could count them all on one hand.

Then, some life.

With four minutes to go Doug Weight broke Andy Moog's shut-out bid to make it 3-1. I got a few jabs... some verbal jawing but let's be honest, they didn't actually think they had a chance in coming back in this one. A moral victory if anything right?

I think it was Andrei Kovalenko who brought the Oilers within a goal with just over two minutes to play and Northlands erupted. I sheltered for cover. Oiler fans were back. They knew they had a chance now. My buddies were up all around me leading the rest of the section on. I tried to put on a brave face... but doubt was starting to creep in.

Eleven seconds later. That's all it took. That goal horn was blasting again.

Mike Grier tied it on a rebound scramble and pandemonium ensued. I was looking for a place to hide. It was awful. Sure it was just a game but when you get 17-thousand fans and countless drinks, anything can happen. The worst part was that my buddies were the ring leaders. They had heard me for two and half hours. Now it was their turn.

The third period came to an end but not before a couple more Oiler chances. We were headed to overtime.

I thought to myself " Ok we can still salvage this. An overtime goal and it was my turn again. I could have the last laugh.

Midway thru the first OT Kelly Buchberger scored a softie on Moog to complete the comeback. I won't begin to tell you what happened from there but it was not a good scene.

I couldn't get out of that building fast enough. What took like 20 minutes to get out of that rink felt like an eternity. Gridlocked by Oiler fans all around after one of their biggest comebacks in franchise history. Just imagine that for a second.

Overwhelming to say the very least.

We finally got back to our hotel at the West Edmonton Mall and the party was on. Not for this guy though. I was po'ed at my friends. Edmonton was electric that night - so I was told. I camped in the room.

The next day I was still bitter. My buds went down to Hooters on Bourbon Street. I took a pass though. 20 minutes later one of them bolted back up to the room "Keener you'll never guess who's down there, Modano, Churla and a few others are having a drink."

I called b.s. Was this insult to injury?

Then he showed me his autographed lid. They really were there! I grabbed my crumpled up Stars jersey from the corner and did a speedwalk down to the row of pubs and bars in the mall. Sure enough. Modano, Mike Kennedy, Churla, Jaime Langenbrunner and Richard Matvichuk were all down having a drink. They didn't want to be bothered. Too late. The Hooter girls were crowded around them. My buddies had set up on a table a few over. I picked my spot and came over. They saw my disappointment from last night. They all signed my jersey and said they would win tomorrow night to even the series.

Just as they said... they did. But do you think I wore my Stars jersey that night? Not a chance.


----------------


Looking back I can laugh now... I tell that story a lot whenever we're talking about the Oilers. My buddies still howl at that one.

Just this past Broncos season when I was high above Rexall's ice in the visitors broadcast booth I took a moment. I looked down to that section behind the visitors net and smiled and just shook my head.

Chiefs Win Ed Chynoweth Cup... Now Off to Kitchener

Congratulations to the Spokane Chiefs on a great WHL championship season.

The Chiefs were just too strong defensively and played a great team game in sweeping the Lethbridge Hurricanes with a 4-1 win last night.

Bill Peters is a top coach in this league and had his team playing their best in the WHL playoffs. Impressive.

Spokane didn't exactly have a paved road to the final. They swept the Everett Silvertips in round one - a team that was playing their best hockey of the year to close off the regular season. They then knocked off the defending Memorial Cup Champions in round two with a six game victory over the Vancouver Giants.

They took out the number one seeded Tri-City Americans in the Western Conference Final and then swept the Lethbridge Hurricanes in the league final.

Well deserved. Good luck in Kitchener.

Randoms....

- The Moose Jaw Warriors are stepping up to offer their financial support for a new Multiplex. Pledging $2.5 million dollars towards the project is nothing short of remarkable for a small market franchise. $500,000 up-front and then $200,000 a year for 10 years sure takes a bite out of the bottom line. Obviously the Warriors are thinking their will not be bottom line without a new facility in the future. Could the Broncos support a financial hit like that? Not likely. Without some help or donations from supporters it would be a big burden to overcome. City Council in the 'Jaw should take notice, this is a huge commitment from their WHL franchise.

- The Western Hockey League Final could end tonight in Lethbridge. Last night was a dagger you would think. The Hurricanes leading late in the third period before Chris Bruton tied it for Spokane. Tyler Johnson then scored in a scramble in OT to give the Chiefs a 2-1 win and a commanding 3-0 series lead. My take? Hurricanes win tonight... series ends Friday.

It was interesting to see one of the storylines out of Lethbridge almost blaming Calgary for the lack of Hurricanes' success in the final. the Lethbridge Herald article talked about how the lack of a fight in the Eastern Conference final has resulted in the Hurricanes being unable to match the Spokane Chiefs intensity.

- The Toronto Sun is proposing a Hockey Night in Canada broadcaster's idol to land a job. Great idea. Where do I sign up? I think there's a lot of talent in the Western Hockey League in the broadcast booth. Sometimes I sit back and say "boy he's good" when listening to others around the league. Each of the 22 broadcasters in the league bring their own unique style and contrast.

- This whole blog deal has come a long way. At times I thought teams and personnel were against some of their information being put out there in the form of media. Now, I think they're almost disappointed when their news doesn't hit the web. Of course good news and positive stories are still the preference. To imagine one of the employees of the Broncos calling me and asking why a certain story is NOT on the blog would have blown me away a year ago. But, it happens and happens frequently.

- Note to media outlets who haven't caught on to the whole blog dealio. Once you get behind, it's awfully tough to catch up.

- My Ottawa flights and accommodations are booked for the NHL Draft next month. The media headquarters hotel will again be the downtown Marriott. As a member of the media, it's imperative you're staying at this hotel. It's where it all shakes down. News conferences, Top Prospects Luncheons.... it's all just a couple floors below you. I'm thankful Golden West Radio spares no expense and books me four nights (at $250 a night) to be part of the action.

The Westin Hotel will also be a hub of activity. Several NHL teams will make that their home for the weekend event. The two venues are about six blocks away as I recall.

It's interesting to watch the major sports networks all compete for the latest news and scoops. Sportsnet, TSN, and The Score all fight tooth and nail to get the story first. The reporters don't care much for their competition, at times it's cut-throat. That's the way I like it. Despite being the small market radio station guy the big media types don't seem to mind me chiming in and getting my questions out in the scrums. Just be loud, confident and quick. Most times you're the only one of the media to ever see a certain prospect play live so you are the most informed anyways. Just act like you belong. It's half the battle.

It's kind of a rush to be right in the middle of scrums where TSN, Sportsnet, ESPN and FOX/NBC/ABC Mic flashes are crammed under someones chin.

- A got a Magic Bullet as a housewarming present from my Realtor. This mixer/blender is an amazing thing. Consider that my product endorsement of the day. Come on over, I'll make you a smoothie.

- Switzer brought over the best housewarming gift... it was of the bullet variety too... 24 silver ones. Thanks bro.

- Need a ceiling fan installed? Don't call me.

- I had to jam out of a golf foursome this afternoon which is really bothering me. A low back strain is proving to be tough to shake. If this continues, it will be a long summer without getting out on the course. The foursome included the Broncos chiropractor and Athletic Therapist. You would think I would be in pretty good hands there eh?

Take care,

jon

1st Rounder Scarlett Q and A

It's been a few days since the WHL bantam draft, but here's more of a look at Swift Current Broncos 1st round bantam pick (12th overall) Reece Scarlett.

Scarlett is one of four first round bantam picks from his Sherwood Park "AAA" Flyers that one a Western Canadian Bantam Championship in Airdrie.

A few people I've talked to had Scarlett highly sought after following the run the Flyers went on capped off with the Western title. The Broncos took him 12th overall and word is there were a couple teams that had him pegged as their pick if he was still available.

Here's a transcript of our interview:

JK: Draft day is a big day. Tell me about it. What were you up to? Were you following it closely?

Reece Scarlett: I tried my best to go about my day normally but it's kind off hard when it's the most exciting day of my life so far. I was at school, my teacher put it up on her computer screen and eventually my name popped up. It was great to see.

JK: 12th overall to the Broncos... they felt they could get you with their drafting position. When their name came up on the board, did you think they would take you?

Reece Scarlett: Not at all actually. I wasn't expecting to go as high as I did. They obviously see something in me and hopefully I can bring that to the table.

JK: You're touted as a defensive-minded defenseman with some offensive ability. Tell me in your words what kind of player you are.

Reece Scarlett: I think I'm a fairly smart player, good with the puck, good without the puck too. A very good first passer. I work from the defensive zone out for sure. At the same time I'm not afraid to step into the play and do my part offensively.

JK: Your family is involved in the WHL, your mom Cheryl is the billet coordinator for the Edmonton Oil Kings. You must know a little bit about the league from that standpoint.

Reece Scarlett: For sure. We had a billet here from the Oil Kings, Robin Figren. He taught me about how the league works and how great of an experience it is. I can't wait for it to start for me.

JK: What do you know about the Broncos and about Swift Current?

Reece Scarlett: It's a fairly small city from what I know. It's had a great hockey history with the likes of Joe Sakic and many others playing there. I'd love to get started there.

JK: Tell me about your parents and their reaction to being taken 12th overall by the Broncos.

Reece Scarlett: They called me on my cell phone. They were just as surprised at me as to just how high I went. They were extremely proud of me. I got a lot of phone calls from my extended family. They were all excited and very proud.

------------------

The funeral for Ed Chynoweth was yesterday in Calgary. The Broncos were well represented at the memorial service.

Dean Chynoweth, his family and the Broncos staff including Jamie Porter, Elden Moberg, Tim Kehler and Paul Ayotte all attended. Governor Ben Wiebe, Chairman of the Board of Directors Joe Arling and his wife Barb, Board of Directors Frank Macbean, Al Stewart and Wally Walker. Several Bronco player also took in the ceremony including Justin Dowling, Mike Brown, Taylor Vause, Eric Doyle and Ryan Molle and their families. I apologize if I missed anyone.

From all accounts the ceremony was more a celebration of life for Ed Chynoweth. It was light hearted and the speakers were fantastic.

Jon

Morrow Ends Marathon

(Dallas celebrates Brendan Morrow's quadruple overtime winner last night. The Stars take the series with San Jose in six and will now play Detroit) photo from tsn.ca

The NHL's final four is set with Dallas advancing past San Jose to play Detroit in the Western Conference Final. Pittsburgh will play Philadelphia in an all Pennsylvania Eastern Conference Final.

------------

What a day Sunday at the Credit Union I-plex... I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't see it.

It was Prairie Gold Junior Lacrosse action between the Swift Current Rampage and the Moose Jaw Mustangs.

A well played game ended with Moose Jaw holding off a Rampage comeback bid with a 6-5 win. But at the end of the game, the teams brawled for what seemed like 10 minutes. Players coming off the benches, people getting sucker-punched and double teamed... it was a full out bunkhouse brawl involving around 15 or 16 players. It was our version of the Piestany punch-up.

Crazy.

Draft Day Thoughts

I'll admit I wasn't that plugged in today to the proceedings of Draft Day in the WHL. Moving into a new house and the so-called fun that goes with that took up my day.

I followed the first round and then I was up to my armpits in paint and sandpaper... but after reviewing the picks I thought I would share a few quick shots....

- The Broncos went off the board for their 1st round selection Reece Scarlett from Sherwood Park, AB. The player summed up as a defensive-defenseman really showed the Broncos wanted to address a depth issue in that department for the future.

As Director of Player Personell Jamie Porter said after the draft... "we need someone to help protect those leads".

This was the player the Broncos were targeting with their first pick. I have to wonder, could he have been available in the 2nd round at 34th overall? Maybe, maybe not. It's a chance the Broncos weren't willing to take.

So in the midst of everyone drafting some flash and dash with their first pick, the Broncos go conservative.

- The Broncos then took a goaltender - Austin Smith out of Calgary. It's official, the Broncos must always have a player with the last name of Smith on their roster at all times. From Nathan to Tim to Zack to Austin.

The Broncos felt a need to address some depth at the goaltending position. Trading away 17 G Ian Curtis at the deadline left them with the American goaltender Eric Ferber and Chad Ketting. Both will be 17 next year to my recollection. The Broncos could more than likely have both Travis Yonkman (20) and Mark Guggenberger (19) back for next season.

- The Broncos kept it in the family in the 3rd round selecting Graeme Graig, a big defenseman out of Red Deer. He's the brother of Bronco bantam draft Rodger Craig (4th round in '06). Not sure if Rodger is committed to the Broncos for next season yet or not. I saw him practice with the Broncos this season in Red Deer.... he looked good.

- The Broncos may have beaten the Calgary Hitmen to the punch in round four when they selected Hitmen Associate Coach Dave Lowry's son Adam Lowry. Unlike his dad, he's a smaller centreman. Bloodlines are big on draft day.

- The Broncos kept it in Alberta for yet another pick in round five when they selected Joshua Derko of Sherwood Park. The Broncos first five picks are all from AB.

- In the 6th round the Broncos threw a dagger at their radio broadcaster with the selection of Nicco Digiovannantonio (dee-joe-vee-an-ann-tone-io). He out of Clavet and was the biggest name selected (literally) in the draft today. He captained his team and by a few accounts is a great skater.

- The Broncos followed more WHL bloodlines in the 8th round with the selection of Michael Lazo of Winnipeg. The smaller defenseman is the younger brother of Johnny Lazo of the Tri-City Americans.

-----------------


Final numbers:
By province - AB: 6, SK:2, MB:1
By position - D: 4, F: 4, G: 1


All in all, it apears the Broncos went into the draft with a defense-first mentality to compliment their group of 1992 drafted players. Without seeing any of these players over the course of a year I can't tell you about their talent or upside. We'll get our first look at training camp in late August. As always, Bronco fans will be taking a key interest in scoping out the future of this hockey club.

Now, back to home renos.....

jon

Broncos Complete Draft Day

The Swift Current Broncos announced they have concluded their selections at the 2008 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft held today in Calgary. The Broncos made 10 selections in the draft, consisting of 5 forwards, 4 defenseman and 1 goaltender, and selected 2 Saskatchewan born players. The Broncos choices were:

1st Round (12th overall)
· Reece Scarlett
· 6’0” 152lbs. from Sherwood Park, AB
· Right Defense
· Born March 31st, 1993
· 2007/08: Sherwood Park BAAA

2nd Round (34th overall)
· Austin Smith
· 5’11”, 150lbs. from Calgary, AB
· Goal
· Born May 22nd, 1993
· 2007/08: Calgary Royals Gold

3rd Round (56th overall)
· Graeme Craig
· 6’2”, 165lbs. from Red Deer, AB
· Left Defense
· Born May 3rd, 1993
· 2007/08: Red Deer Black

4th Round (78th overall)
· Adam Lowry
· 5’8”, 145lbs. from Calgary, AB
· Centre
· Born March 29th, 1993
· 2007/08: Calgary Bisons

5th Round (100th overall)
· Joshua Derko
· 5’9”, 160lbs. from Sherwood Park, AB
· Left Wing
· Born August 5th, 1993
· 2007/08: Sherwood Park BAAA

6th Round (122nd overall)
· Nicco Digiovannantonio
· 5’7”, 145lbs. from Clavet, SK
· Centre
· Born February 17th, 1993
· 2007/08: Clavet Cougars BAA

6th Round (125th overall)
· Nathan Zimbaluk
· 6’1”, 175lbs. from Regina, SK
· Left Defense
· Born March 4th, 1993
· 2007/08: Regina Hurricanes BAA

7th Round (144th overall)
· Preston Amundson
· 5’10”, 150lbs. from Edmonton, AB
· Left Wing
· Born February 3rd, 1993
· 2007/08: Edmonton CAC

8th Round (166nd overall)
· Michael Lazo
· 5’6”, 130lbs. from Winnipeg, MB
· Left Defense
· Born November 30th, 1993
· 2007/08: Winnipeg Hawks

9th Round (188th overall)
· Clayton Chingee
· 5’10”, 155lbs. from Prince George, BC
· Right Wing
· Born April 9th, 19932007/08: Prince George BAAA

Broncos Take Scarlett

The Broncos selected defenseman Reece Scarlett with the 12th overall pick in today's WHL bantam draft.

From Sherwood Park, AB, here's what http://www.thescoutingnews.com/ had to say about him.

"Reece Scarlett is the latest name Scouting News added to our list of sleeper prospects on the eve of the WHL draft. The Sherwood Park 5’10, 130 defensemen impressed some of our scouting sources over the last two months. Scarlett has been slowly moving up the scouting charts by one virtue alone: this guy gets the job he is supposed to do done! "

Safe to say the Broncos went off the board for this one. They must have a real good feel for his potential.

More later,

Jon