2008 Born for the 2023 WHL Draft

[GermanSpitfire]

Hopefully this thread can cause a bit more discourse on this subsection of these boards - I’d like to know who are some kids to watch to be taken in the 2023 WHL Bantam draft.

I’ll list a few to keep an eye on to go quite high:

Noah Kosick
Keaton Verhoeff
Ryan Lin
Jaxon Jacobson
Brett Olson
Mathis Preston
Ty Meunier
Kash Alger-East (What a name)
Kayden Lemire
Liam Ruck
Markus Ruck
Riley Steen
Eli Barrett
Joe Iginla

I could probaably list off a good 15 or so more a but I’d rather this be a discussion than “Heres a bunch of kids to watch” Who else should I look out for and is there any chance we see another Exceptional Status player this year?

Click to read more...

 

[wetcoast]

You can hope but sadly the WHL section on these boards is kind of a dead zone.

 

[GermanSpitfire]

You can hope but sadly the WHL section on these boards is kind of a dead zone.

In all fairness - so is the QMJHL section - aside for this very thread topic.

Where are all the parents at hyping up their kids in Western Canada?

 

[wetcoast]

In all fairness - so is the QMJHL section - aside for this very thread topic.

Where are all the parents at hyping up their kids in Western Canada?

No idea and it's rather sad, I used to go to around a dozen Giant games every year but now my location and job has changed and I find no time.

 

[landy92mack29]

Yeah there's little discussion for the whl draft other than a few top kids who have threads made for them. Looking like a good depth year for sask but no true high end kid other than maybe Beuker. I imagine some of the dmen will rise into the 1st so 4-5 1sts from sask is my guess. 4 promising goalies so far but need more looks at them(Kabrud, Blanchette, Norman, Nelson). Rough ranges early on, things will change as year progresses

1-Dayne Beuker F Humboldt Broncos Top 10

2-Caine Wilke F Saskatoon Stallions 10-20

3-Kash Alger-East F North West Stars 15-25

4-Jonah Sivertson F Regina Monarchs 25-40

5-Griffen Darby D Swift Current Broncos 2-3

6-Beckett Hamilton F Humboldt Broncos 2-3

7-Davey Fisher F Saskatoon Generals 2-3

8-Ethan Hamilton F Humboldt Broncos 2-3

9-William Degagne D Saskatoon Generals 2-3

10-Cohen Klassen F Martensville Marauders 2-3

11-Eric Granberg D Saskatoon Outlaws 3-5

12-Chase Peterson F Swift Current Broncos 3-5

13-Jake Missura D Saskatoon Bandits 3-5

14-Cohen Harris F Humboldt Broncos 3-5

15-Eli Johnson D Regina Aces 3-5

16-Luke Senick F Saskatoon Bandits 3-5

17-Barret Berger D Saskatoon Stallions 3-5

18-Owen Chapman F NAX 3-5

19-Carson Deichert F Moose Jaw Warriors 5-8

20-Kash Ringdal F Martensville Marauders 5-8

21-Brock Kolibab F Saskatoon Stallions 5-8

22-Mason Fauser F Swift Current Broncos 5-8

23-Cash Lanigan F Regina Aces 5-8

24-Dane Mansuy D Regina Monarchs 5-8

25-Charlie Kay F Saskatoon Outlaws 5-8

26-Dryden Deobold D Regina Monarchs 5-8

27-Keaton Lesperance F Regina Aces 5-8

28-Cameron Jacobson D Humboldt Broncos 5-8

29-Ethan Dundas F Regina Monarchs 5-8

30-Ryan Gibbs F Moose Jaw Warriors 6-10

31-Tye Semenchuk F Prince Albert Pirates 6-10

32-Troy Shewchuk F Saskatoon Outlaws 6-10

33-Rory Dewar F Humboldt Broncos 6-10

34-Gunner Moore F Estevan Bruins 6-10

35-Wyatt Jordan D Saskatoon Stallions 6-10

36-Tristan Brownridge F Estevan Bruins 6-10

37-Jack Lavallee D Saskatoon Stallions 6-10

38-Koston Baliski F Saskatoon Stallions 6-10

39-Nigel Boehm D Saskatoon Generals 6-10

40-Sam Failler F Martensville Marauders 6-10

 

[GermanSpitfire]

Does one team have Two high first rounders this year?

It’ll be interesting how the Ruck’s play without each other.

 

[hockeykid87]

Does one team have Two high first rounders this year?

It’ll be interesting how the Ruck’s play without each other.

Prince Albert could end up with three top-5 picks.

Their own (they will drop in the standings after trading their best players away)
Edmonton's (From the Guhle trade)
Kelowna's (Nolan Allan trade, Seattle acquired this pick in December of 2019)

I don't think Kelowna is very good. Maybe not bottom-five bad, but PA is all but assured to have three top-eight~ picks this year.

 

[GermanSpitfire]

Prince Albert could end up with three top-5 picks.

Their own (they will drop in the standings after trading their best players away)
Edmonton's (From the Guhle trade)
Kelowna's (Nolan Allan trade, Seattle acquired this pick in December of 2019)

I don't think Kelowna is very good. Maybe not bottom-five bad, but PA is all but assured to have three top-eight~ picks this year.

Wow - that’s big for them going forward then.

Reminds me of when Gatineau had 4 Top 10 picks in the QMJHL draft a few seasons ago. Awesome to see.

 

[GermanSpitfire]

Here would be my top 10 for the draft so far.

1: Noah Kosick

2: Brett Olson

3: Keaton Verhoeff

4: Mathis Preston

5: Jaxson Jacobson

6: Eli Barrett

7: Dayne Beuker

8: Daxon Ruldolph

9: Kayden Lemire

10: Cruz Pavao

HM: Liam Ruck, Markus Ruck, Ryan Lin, Joe Iginla, Ty Meunier

 

[macbowes]

I'm still desperately hoping that VIC gets the 1OA pick and gets to take the local boy in Kosick. Him and Reschny could be the best duo VIC has ever seen. I'll be going to 10+ games per year if we get him, so I'll be able to scout him in person.

Olson is so massive for his age that I have doubts about his skillset, but admittedly I've seen very little of him.

 

[HURRICANES ROCK]

Somewhat off-topic but it is about a young WHL-drafted player. Why did Gavin McKenna not apply for exceptional player status? Is it because he was only 14 when the season started and therefor was not able to? I think he was a great candidate.

 

[hockeykid87]

Somewhat off-topic but it is about a young WHL-drafted player. Why did Gavin McKenna not apply for exceptional player status? Is it because he was only 14 when the season started and therefor was not able to? I think he was a great candidate.

Age shouldn't have been a factor. John Tavares was 14 for a brief spell at the start of his first OHL season.

Could be plenty of reasons why he didn't apply for it. But you are right, he does seem like he's far too good for the U18 level. What I'm surprised is about is Medicine Hat not doing what Winnipeg did with Matt Savoie in 2019-20. Intentionally playing with a shortened roster so Savoie could AP more and play 22 games.

 

[JUSTGIROUXIT]

Jaxon Jacobsen is the son of Brandon Wheat Kings owner, be interesting to see what happens there.

 

[hockeykid87]

Jaxon Jacobsen is the son of Brandon Wheat Kings owner, be interesting to see what happens there.

Hopefully he's a better person than his old man

 

[JUSTGIROUXIT]

Hopefully he's a better person than his old man

I don’t get the hate for Jared. From my view/exp most of it comes out of jealousy.

 

[hockeykid87]

I don’t get the hate for Jared. From my view/exp most of it comes out of jealousy.

I have not heard a single good thing about him from people who have worked directly with him.

 

[GermanSpitfire]

Anyone know why Jaxon Doyle went completely undrafted last year? Seems like a kid that is definitely worth a selection, this season at least.

 

[budaj guy]

my nephew is hoping to get selected by a WHL team in the upcoming draft, had a strong finish to his U15AAA season. he grew up in small town northern Alberta, played U15AA last year, and moved up to AAA this year. he plays D for Sherwood Park in the AEHL, Damien Wiebe.

he's pretty raw, having never played at a top level until this year, and I believe he will develop into a pretty solid player. I'd say he's pretty great already, but as his uncle I'm also a little biased lol.

 

[wetcoast]

Does one team have Two high first rounders this year?

It’ll be interesting how the Ruck’s play without each other.

I'm sure a team will find a way to keep the Rucks together, maybe they force a NCAA route?

 

[BigHitter67]

Drafting grade 9s when half of them are still 14 …lol. Might as well toss darts at a board ..

 

[budaj guy]

Drafting grade 9s when half of them are still 14 …lol. Might as well toss darts at a board ..

Isn’t that literally the point? Very few at that age are developed to the degree that much can be discerned. Of course it’s tossing darts…so is the NHL draft anywhere beyond the first round

 

[GermanSpitfire]

Drafting grade 9s when half of them are still 14 …lol. Might as well toss darts at a board ..

in the early rounds, not at all.

 

[landy92mack29]

Yeah the WHL draft hits pretty consistently with the top few rounds but anyway here's basically my final sask list, maybe few adjustments after playoffs. Not much for super high end likely nhl talent but really good depth. A couple of the dmen will probably end up in the 1st but don't see enough offense in their games to justify it

1-Dayne Beuker F Humboldt Broncos 6-15

2-Caine Wilke F Saskatoon Stallions 15-25

3-Cash Alger-East F North West Stars 15-25

4-Jonah Sivertson F Regina Monarchs 20-40

5-Griffen Darby D Swift Current Broncos 2-3

6-Beckett Hamilton F Humboldt Broncos 2-3

7-Jake Missura D Saskatoon Bandits 2-3

8-Cohen Harris F Humboldt Broncos 2-3

9-Chase Peterson F Swift Current Broncos 2-3

10-Eric Granberg D Saskatoon Outlaws 2-3

11-William Degagne D Saskatoon Generals 2-3

12-Cohen Klassen F Martensville Marauders 2-3

13-Davey Fisher F Saskatoon Generals 3-4

14-Mason Fauser F Swift Current Broncos 3-4

15-Eli Johnson D Regina Aces 3-4

16-Luke Senick F Saskatoon Bandits 3-4

17-Ethan Hamilton F Humboldt Broncos 3-4

18-Barret Berger D Saskatoon Stallions 4-6

19-Owen Chapman F NAX 4-6

20-Carson Deichert F Moose Jaw Warriors 4-6

21-Nigel Boehm D Saskatoon Generals 4-6

22-Cameron Jacobson D Humboldt Broncos 4-6

23-Cash Lanigan F Regina Aces 4-6

24-Kohen Volk D Saskatoon Bandits 4-6

25-Ethan Dundas F Regina Monarchs 4-6

26-Tye Semenchuk F Prince Albert Pirates 4-6

27-Cooper Ernewein F Saskatoon Outlaws 5-8

28-Brock Kolibab F Saskatoon Stallions 5-8

29-Dane Mansuy D Regina Monarchs 5-8

30-Charlie Kay F Saskatoon Outlaws 5-8

31-Dryden Deobold D Regina Monarchs 5-8

32-Keaton Lesperance F Regina Aces 5-8

33-Ryan Gibbs F Moose Jaw Warriors 5-8

34-Aidan Mohan F Weyburn Wings 5-8

35-Shaan Basran C Saskatoon Outlaws 5-8

36-Jack Lavallee D Saskatoon Stallions 5-8

37-Wade Franks D Weyburn Wings 5-8

38-Sutton Verot F Regina Pat Blues 5-8

39-Troy Shewchuk F Saskatoon Outlaws 6-10

40-Gunner Moore F Estevan Bruins 6-10

41-Wyatt Jordan D Saskatoon Stallions 6-10

42-Tristan Brownridge F Estevan Bruins 6-10

43-Koston Baliski F Saskatoon Stallions 6-10

44-Lukamus Lehman D North West Stars 6-10

45-Millar Kramer D North West Stars 6-10

46-Boston Schmidt F Prairie Storm 6-10


1-Madex Kabrud G Saskatoon Outlaws 4-6

2-Wyatt Nelson G Prince Albert Pirates 4-6

3-Jaden Blanchette G West Central Wheat Kings 5-8

4-Luke Norman G Saskatoon Generals 5-8

5-Blake Mercier G Saskatoon Stallions 6-10

 

[GermanSpitfire]

I think I have had enough viewings to put my list out there. Don’t think it is perfect by any stretch of the imagination but from what I have seen, this is where I would rank these kids.

Should also like to note that there are 6 kids here that I could see going #1 overall. Insane year really that there isn’t one clear best talent.

1	Mathis Preston (F)	Okanagan HA U15 Prep
2	Keaton Verhoeff (D)	RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna U15P
3	Brett Olson (F)	St. Albert Raiders U18 AAA
4	Daxon Rudolph (D)	Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep
5	Cruz Pavao (F)	Edge School U15 Prep
6	Noah Kosick (F)	Pacific Coast Academy U18 Prep
7	Nate Yellowaga (D)	Edge School U15 Prep
8	Liam Ruck (F)	Okanagan HA U15 Prep
9	Brek Liske (D)	Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep
10	Kayden Lemire (F)	OHA Edmonton U15 Prep
11	Ty Meunier (F)	St. Albert Sabres U15 AAA
12	Jaxon Jacobson (F)	Brandon Wheat Kings U18 AAA
13	Ryan Lin (D)	Delta Hockey Academy U15 Prep G
14	Joe Iginla (F)	RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna U15P
15	Markus Ruck (F)	Okanagan HA U15 Prep
16	Eli Barrett (F)	St. George's School U15 Prep
17	Tucker Tullikopf (F)	Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep
18	Dayne Beuker (F)	Humboldt Broncos U15 AA
19	Brody Gillespie (F)	RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna U15P
20	Riley Steen (D)	Okanagan HA U15 Prep
21	Brayden Ryan MacKay (F)	Yale Hockey Academy U15 Prep
22	Townes Kozicky (F)	Calgary Bisons U15 AA

Kids that just missed out: Benjamin Macbeth, Kanjyu Gojsic, Riley Boychuk, Jake Missura.

 

[hockeykid87]

Barring lottery results, Prince Albert currently holds 1st (EDM), 4th (PA) and 7th (KEL). Wonder how that might change things. Could see them trade up/down to have back to back picks somewhere. The Ruck twins to PA perhaps?