Draft day in the 'dub

Here's the news releases from the Pats on their first two selections in today's WHL bantam draft:

Pats Select Stephenson in the 1st Round

Edmonton, Alberta – With their 1st pick, 5th overall, in the WHL Bantam Draft, the Regina Pats have selected Chandler Stephenson out of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

With the Saskatoon Generals this past season, Stephenson amassed 110 points in 46 games. His brother Colton Stephenson is a forward with the Edmonton Oil Kings

Regina Pats General Manager Brent Parker said “We’re thrilled to get Chandler, he is a skilled centre with great vision and a quick, accurate shot. He’s a great skater and competes hard every night.”

Player comparison – Doug Gilmour

C - Chandler Stephenson
5’9” 155 lbs.
Saskatoon, Sask.

08-09 Saskatoon Generals (Stn Bantam) GP-46 G-49 A-61 PTS-110 PIM-72
08-09 Saskatoon Blazers (SMAAAHL) GP-9 G-2 A-1 PTS-3 PIM-2

Blogger note: He better be fast, because he sure isn't big!


Pats Select Balog in the 2nd Round

Edmonton, Alberta – With their second pick, 28th overall, the Regina Pats selected forward Taylor Balog out of Kipling, Saskatchewan.

Balog played with the Weyburn Crescent Point Wings of the South Sask. Minor Hockey League this past season, and picked up 76 points in 26 games

Pats General Manager Brent Parker said “Balog is a big power forward, a great skater and has a hard shot.”

C – Taylor Balog
Born – April 21st, 1994
Shoots - Left
Hometown - Kipling, Sask.
6’1” 170 lbs.
Weyburn (SSMHL) GP-26 G-44 A-32 PTS-76 PIM-34

Blogger note: Some scouts had this kid rated in the first round. Could be a steal for the Pats. Plus, I think his grandparents sit right behind me at Rider games!