The WHL bantam draft is generally a crapshoot. Attempting to determine the future development of 14-year-old hockey players is not an exact science.
However, first rounders are usually reliable bets, maybe not to become stars but at least become contributors.
The saga of Cole Penner proves even first rounders are no sure thing.
The Prince Albert Raiders, who selected Penner fourth overall in the 2006 bantam draft, finally pulled the plug on Penner, sending the 18-year-old forward to Chilliwack for the cut-rate price of a 12th-round pick in the 2010 bantam draft.
For perspective, most teams don’t even draft into the 12th round. Only four teams made 12th-round selections in this year’s bantam draft. Only three times in eight years have the Everett Silvertips selected into the 12th round or later.
Which means the Raiders essentially gave away a player once regarded as among the very best in his age group.
“He was a first-round bust,” Prince Albert general manager/head coach Bruno Campese, who joined the organization after Penner was drafted, told the Prince Albert Daily Herald.
“It’s time to move on and free up a spot on our (50-man protected) list.”
Penner, who was picked two spots ahead of current league-leader in goals Cody Eakin, five spots ahead of league media guide cover darling Brayden Schenn, and 15 spots ahead of current NHLer Evander Kane, had several run-ins with the Raiders that led to him appearing in just 17 games with Prince Albert over two seasons. He declined an invitation to attend training camp this season.
Controversy has followed him even outside the WHL. His junior A rights have kicked around throughout the western Canadian leagues, and he’s not currently listed on a junior A roster. He hasn’t joined the Bruins, either.
“Basically, that is just giving something away,” Campese told the Herald. “There was very little, if any, interest in him.
“It’s another chance for (Penner),” Campese added. “They were willing to take a gamble on him. He hasn’t played in quite some time.”
The trade could end up turning Penner’s career around. But in the meantime his case serves as a cautionary tale regarding player evaluation at the bantam level.
Around the WHL
A pair of name players swapped addresses as Kelowna acquired 19-year-old forward Geordie Wudrick, the second-overall pick in the 2005 bantam draft, in exchange for its leading scorer, 19-year-old forward Stephan Novotny, and 16-year-old prospect Tanner Clark. … Portland added a goaltender when 17-year-old Mac Carruth decided to forego a future scholarship to the University of Minnesota-Duluth in favor of joining the WHL. Carruth’s addition leaves the Winterhawks with three goaies: Carruth and veterans Kurtis Mucha and Ian Curtis. It’s unlikely Portland will retain all three. … Calgary acquired the rights to 17-year-old defenseman Carter Berg from Chilliwack in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2011 bantam draft. … Medicine Hat coach Willie Desjardins earned his 300th victory with the Tigers on Saturday when Medicine Hat topped Lethbridge 4-2. … Brandon’s Matt Calvert was named the WHL Player of the Week. The 20-year-old forward had five goals and six assists as the Wheat Kings went 2-1.
League leaders
Points — Brandon Kozun (Calgary) 43; goals — Cody Eakin (Swift Current) 22; assists — Kozun 32; penalty minutes — Randy McNaught (Saskatoon) 79; wins — Drew Owsley (Tri-City) 15; goals against average — Michael Snider (Calgary) 2.09; save percentage — Calvin Pickard (Seattle) .926.
Nick Patterson’s Silvertips blog: http://www.heraldnet.com/silvertipsblog
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
