WHL Bantam Draft Preview: Small In Stature, Large In Skill

This is the second installment of our WHL Bantam Draft Preview series. Previously we featured the top 10 defenceman. Today we take a look at 10 of the best small guys available. Of course some of these small guys could turn into big guys. Or they stay little but produce like Tyler Ennis, now of the Buffalo Sabres.

As for the height and weight, well it might be off a little as kids do tend to grow during the season. Enjoy.



Jarrett Fontaine- 5’5” 140
Humboldt Broncos
The Goods: 24 GP 60-41-101
Scouts say...He's really slick in traffic and has good outside speed with a quick release. He's also a very good set up man for his linemate (jordan tkatch).

Nic Petan- 5’6” 135
North Shore Winter Club
The Goods: Made all star team at Medicine Hat Tournament
Scouts say...He might be the most skilled player in this year’s draft. The kid single handily lead NSWC to a provincial title. Nic loves to score and has done it at every level.

Brian Williams 5’8” 145
LA Selects
The Goods: 6 GP 6-7-13 at John Reid Memorial Tournament
Scouts say...The top American player eligible for this year’s draft. Very quick with smooth hands in traffic and solid touch around the net.

Chase Witala 5’7” 138
Prince George Cougars
The Goods: 4 GP 4-4-8 at Edmonton Invitational Tournament Of Champions
Scouts say...The top player from BC’s north, leads the PG Bantams in scoring, excellent power play guy.

Remi Laurencelle 5’8” 140
Winnipeg Warriors
The Goods: 29 GP 33-31-64
Scouts say...The best forward entry from Manitoba for this years’s draft, speed to burn, fantastic skater, has had some injury issues.

Cody Depourcq 5’4” 125
Penticton Vee’s
The Goods: GP ? 116-90-206
Scouts say...He Protects the puck as well as any player in this draft and is an excellent set up man for Mathew Needham (see later in list) His dad played NCAA hockey.

Tyson Baillie 5’8 145
Ft Saskatchewan
The Goods: 32 GP 46-33-79
Scouts say...Lead his team to within a goal of becoming provincial champions. Shoots the puck like a pro and should score at the WHL level.

Cade Owad 5’8” 143
Calgary Sabres
The Goods: 33 GP 11-33-44
Scouts say...The hardest working forward in Southern Alberta, plays much bigger than he is, good face-off guy, excellent leadership.

Anthony Ast 5’8” 145
Burnaby Winter Club
The Goods: 6 GP 6-5-11 at John Reid Memorial Tournament
Scouts say...Has exceptional speed and a terrific first step. He's a play maker that can also score and could be the first forward from BC to hear his name called at this year’s draft?

Ty MacLean 5’7 141
Moose Mountain
The Goods: 25 GP 57-33-90
Scouts say...Southern Saskatchewan’s best player does it all. Has speed and skill with a willingness to go to the tough areas.

Matthew Needham 5’8 170
Penticton Vee’s
The Goods: GP? 94-159-253
Scouts say...He gives Penticton a chance against any team - anytime. If there was an award for MVP to his team in all of bantam hockey, this kid is the recipient. Dad (mike) played in the NHL.