The 2015 MJHL Bantam Draft was hosted by the Neepawa Natives this past weekend. The Dauphin Kings, by all accounts had a very successful draft. The Kings selected a total of 6 players this year, in what was considered a strong draft for the province of Manitoba.
“We were extremely happy with how the draft played out.” stated Kings Assistant Coach Marc Berry. “Our scouting staff lead by Mitchell Kirkup did a fantastic job. We felt we drafted a great mix of skill, sandpaper and character. The future looks bright here in Dauphin.”
Prior to the MJHL Draft the Kings announced their two local Auto Protected Players for the 2000 age group. The Kings selected Tanyon Koshowski and Vincent Hughes both from Dauphin. Both players spent last season with the Parkland Junior Rangers AAA Bantam Team.
Tanyon Koshowski – Forward – Dauphin
Parkland Junior Rangers Bantam AAA
GP-28 G-7 A-12 PTS-19
“Tanyon has a good frame and shows some scoring touch. He shows great character and is a team first type of player. Tanyon works hard and that will be a key to his development going forward.” – Berry
Vincent Hughes – Forward – Dauphin
Parkland Junior Rangers Bantam AAA
GP-16 G-0 A-2 PTS-2
“Vincent is a good skater that likes the physical part of the game. He’s effective on the forecheck and is a hard guy to play against. He’s another player that works really hard, which is something we value.” – Berry
Here are the results of the Kings Draft in order of selection with comments from Kings Head Scout Mitchell Kirkup:
Round One – Third Overall
Grady Hobbs – Forward – Deloraine, MB – 5.08, 166.
South West Cougars Bantam AAA
GP-31 G-27 A-23 PTS – 50
“Hobbs is a competitor. He’s a passionate player that’s hard to play against. He is effective on the forecheck and willing to take a hit to make a play. He’s a strong skater and has great acceleration. Hobbs has a great shot with a quick accurate release and he can finish as his numbers show. He can play in all situations and in all three zones. This is a guy that leads by example and hates to lose” – Kirkup
Round Two – Fourteenth Overall
Kyle Oleksiuk – Forward – Winnipeg, MB – 5.06, 138
Winnipeg Hawks Bantam AAA
GP-30 G-28 A-11 PTS-39
“Oleksiuk is skilled, gritty player that is extremely effective when he plays with an edge. He has great hands in tight and is able to finish plays. Overall he has tremendous puck skills, passing ability and vision. Oleksiuk is an intelligent, responsible player. he has great instincts and leadership ability. This guy has a huge ceiling.” – Kirkup
Round Four – 36th Overall
Ryder Richmond – Defenceman – Forest, MB – 5.07, 141
Yellowhead Chiefs Bantam AAA
GP-28 G-5 A-7 PTS-12
“Richmond is a smooth skating, puck moving defenceman who cannily in all situations. He reads and reacts well and understands the defensive side of the game. He’s an intelligent player and is a great teammate. Richmond played with a great program in Yellowhead and will continue to develop rapidly.” – Kirkup
Round Five – 45th Overall
Lynden McCallum – Forward – Brandon, MB – 5.05, 107
Brandon Wheat Kings Bantam AAA
GP-27 G-12 A-12 PTS-24
“McCallum is a responsible player that plays bigger than his size. He has the ability to make those around him better, a great teammate. He finds the quiet spots on the ice and has the ability to finish. He’s a competitor, always willing to take a hit to make a play.” – Kirkup
Round Five – 47th Overall
Reese Hopfner – Forward – Ste. Rose, MB – 5.08, 143
Parkland Junior Rangers Bantam AAA
GP-32 G-7 A-13 PTS-20
“Hopfner is a solid, skilled, two way forward. He can play in all situations which made him a big part of the Parkland team this year. He’s a good skater and showed very good development during this season. We were very happy to get Reese with this pick.” – Kirkup
Round Six – 58th Overall
Alec Borger – Defenceman – Winnipeg, MB – 5.08, 135
Winnipeg Warriors Bantam AAA
GP-29 G-2 A-11 PTS-13
“Borger is a proven leader, this year representing Manitoba in Western Bantams as a member of the Winnipeg Warriors. He’s a reliable, trustworthy player that can handle the oppositions top line. He makes a good first pass and has very good vision. His intelligence and skating ability allow him to consistently be in the right position.” – Kirkup
The Dauphin Kings would like to welcome these eight new players to the Kings family. Fans can get their first look at Kings Main Camp which starts September 3rd at Credit Union Place.