Early bantam draft info

Published 4:19 pm Friday, April 24, 2009

This year’s bantam draft is a big one for the Tips, since they pick eighth, 11th and 29th overall. From what I’ve heard this isn’t the strongest draft year, but one would figure with three picks in the top 30 Everett should be able to land a couple future impact players.

Here’s one look at the potential top 10. This list is provided by ISS, which also has a full WHL bantam draft guide for anyone who wants to shell out $50.

Anyway, here’s their top 10, along with position, height, weight and bantam team:

1. Matt Dumba, D, 5-11, 165, Bronks (AMBHL)

2. Connor Rankin, F, 6-0, 185, NSWC A1-T1 (PCBHL)

3. Mike Winther, C, 5-9, 155, Airdrie (AMBHL)

4. Morgan Rielly, D, 5-11, 168, NDBantam (SSBHL)

5. Nicolas Walters, D, 6-0, 160, St. Albert (AMBHL)

6. Tayler, Balog, C, 5-11.5, 176, Weyburn (SSBHL)

7. Joshua Smith, RW, 5-10, 180, Red Deer Black (AMBHL)

8. Trent Geiger, RW, 5-9, 150, Royal Gold (AMBHL)

9. Derrick Pouliot, D, 5-10, 165, Weyburn (SSBHL)

10. Seth Jones, D, 6-2, 170, Dallas (TexB)

There’s no consensus top player this year, so these specific rankings probably don’t mean much, but it does give an idea of some of the players Everett might snag with its first-round picks. Based on this list the bulk of the top-end guys are out of Alberta this year. Also, if I’m not mistaken, Jones is the son of former NBA player Popeye Jones.