Brandt Young going from Chiefs to Chiefs
- Details
- Published on Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Photos property of Sharla George. Brandt Young for the Yellowhead Chiefs
By Eoin Devereux
Neepawa Banner & Press
Neepawa’s Brandt Young was one of three members of the Yellowhead Bantam Chiefs to be selected in the 2018 Western Hockey League (WHL) Bantam Draft. On Thursday, May 3, the 15-year-old defensemen was chosen in the tenth round by the Spokane Chiefs.
In 2017-2018, Young put together a solid 44 point season (4 goals - 40 assists) for Yellowhead on the blue line over the course of the season. In their draft report on Young, the Spokane Chiefs scouting staff indicated that they see him as a poised player, especially in the defensive zone, who makes good first passes and finishes his hits.
Upon learning that his WHL playing rights were picked up by Spokane, Young was quick to tweet out a heartfelt thanks to his family, friends, coaches and teammates who have all helped him to get to this point in his playing career.
Shortly after draft day, the Neepawa Banner & Press had the opportunity to sit down with Young to discuss his selection. He noted that heading into the day, he didn’t have any expectations about when and where he would be selected. As for what’s next, Young stated that he’s looking forward to participating in the WHL club’s fall evaluation camp.
“I’ve had a chance to speak with some members of the scouting staff and just told them I was excited and honoured to be a part of the Chiefs organization,” said Young. “I’m looking forward to going out [to Spokane] and being involved in the camp. I’m sure the staff there will be very informative and the experience is going to help me improve as a player.”
Shifting into the summer, Young noted that he will be taking part in the Hockey Manitoba U-16 Program of Excellence in Portage la Prairie May 10-13. After that, he’ll be very focused on his training to ensure he heads into the fall in optimal condition.
As for Young’s teammates, Colby Wotton of Foxwarren, MB was the first of the Yellowhead trio to hear his name called on that day. He was selected in round seven by the Regina Pats In the 2017-2018 regular season, Wotton accumulated 48 points (24 goals - 24 assists) for the Chiefs.
The other member of the Chiefs picked in the draft was Sloan Stanick of Rapid City, who was also chosen in the seventh round, but by the Everett Silvertips. Stanick put together a 59-point season (28G - 31A) in 36 games.
The WHL Bantam Draft took place on May 3 in Red Deer, AB and involved the WHL clubs choosing draft-eligible players born in 2003 who reside in western Canada or the United States.
