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WHL Bantam Draft
Two Shawnigan players selected in 2020 draft
Congratulations to grade 9 students Dylan C. and Ben W., who were selected in last week’s Western Hockey League (WHL) Bantam Draft! The WHL is a major junior ice hockey league which, along with the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), comprise the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). Each spring WHL teams select a set number of players who have graduated from the Bantam level (age 13-14) and add them to their protected lists.
“The CHL is the number one producer of hockey players for the NHL in the world – closely rivaled by the NCAA,” explains coach David Chant. Players in this league are typically 17-19 years old, with the odd exception made for a 16 year old or 20 year old player.
In this year’s draft, Dylan C. was selected in the fifth round by the Prince George Cougars, and Ben W. was selected in the tenth round by the Edmonton Oil Kings. “They worked hard, and were recognized for their hard work,” shares coach James Pollock. In the six year history of Shawnigan’s ice hockey program, a dozen of our athletes have been selected at the WHL Bantam Draft.
“Everyone’s path to their ultimate goal of playing at the NHL level is different,” says Mr. Pollock, explaining that many of our players will likely receive invitations to other WHL teams’ training camps at a later date. He further explains that the WHL is one of two routes that competitive players can take. The other route would be to play first at the Junior A level – in our case, in the BC Hockey League – and then to move to the NCAA level.
Well done, Dylan and Ben, and best of luck to all of our ice hockey players as they continue to work hard in the seasons to come!
“The CHL is the number one producer of hockey players for the NHL in the world – closely rivaled by the NCAA,” explains coach David Chant. Players in this league are typically 17-19 years old, with the odd exception made for a 16 year old or 20 year old player.
In this year’s draft, Dylan C. was selected in the fifth round by the Prince George Cougars, and Ben W. was selected in the tenth round by the Edmonton Oil Kings. “They worked hard, and were recognized for their hard work,” shares coach James Pollock. In the six year history of Shawnigan’s ice hockey program, a dozen of our athletes have been selected at the WHL Bantam Draft.
“Everyone’s path to their ultimate goal of playing at the NHL level is different,” says Mr. Pollock, explaining that many of our players will likely receive invitations to other WHL teams’ training camps at a later date. He further explains that the WHL is one of two routes that competitive players can take. The other route would be to play first at the Junior A level – in our case, in the BC Hockey League – and then to move to the NCAA level.
Well done, Dylan and Ben, and best of luck to all of our ice hockey players as they continue to work hard in the seasons to come!
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
