The Swan Valley Stampeders and the Manitoba Junior Hockey League held their Annual Draft Sunday morning.
This years draft was completely different from those held in the past. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, teams made their sections from home as they continue to do their part in ending the outbreak of the virus, and shape the future of their Junior A teams. With the season ending so abruptly, the draft was moved up by almost two months. The move gave all future players, families, and fans something to be excited for as we all await hockey’s return.
The Stampeders added six new players to the organization Sunday, April 26, drafting three forwards and three defenceman. Calder Crossin (8th overall), Foxx McColl (19th overall),Ty Love (30th overall), Tristan Arnason (39th overall), Keaton Johnson (49th overall), and Carter Sotheran (56th overall).
The Stampeders finished fourth overall during the regular season posting a record of 39-19-5-1. As a result, they would select 8th overall throughout the first three rounds of the draft. The Stamps’ would move around in the last three rounds of the MJHL draft due to previous deals. Swan Valley would then select sixth (39th overall) in the fourth round (via Virden), fifth (49th overall) in the fifth round (via Dauphin), and would finish off the morning selecting first (56th overall) in the sixth round (via Neepawa).
Prior to the draft, all 11 MJHL team were given the opportunity to auto-protect two local players, or they could defer those selections for an additional selection in the draft. Swan Valley chose to auto-protect two high end prospects in Bo Eisner and Will Munro, both hail from Swan River, MB.
We want to welcome Calder Crossin, Foxx McColl, Ty Love, Tristan Arnason, Keaton Johnson, Carter Sotheran, Bo Eisner, and Will Munro, along with their families to the Stampeder Organization.
Here is a full recap of today’s draft selections.
Round 1:
Pick #8: Calder Crossin
Position: Defenceman
Height: 5’7” Weight: 130 lbs
Hometown: Brandon, MB
2019-20 Team: Brandon Wheat Kings AAA
Stats: 36 Games Played, 12 Goals, 37 Assists, 49 Points.
Round 2:
Pick #19: Foxx McColl
Position: Defence
Height 5’6” Weight: 131 lbs
Hometown: Elkhorn, MB
2019-20 Team: Yellowhead Chiefs
Stats: 30 Games Played, 17 Goals, 25 Assists, 42 Points.
Round 3:
Pick #30: Ty Love
Position: Forward
Height 5’7” Weight: 140 lbs
Hometown: Miami, MB
2019-20 Team: Pembina Valley Hawks
Stats: 36 Games Played, 14 Goals, 18 Assists, 32 Points.
Round 4:
Pick #39: Tristen Arnason
Position: Forward
Height: 5’6” Weight: 134 lbs
Hometown: Winnipeg, MB
2019-20 Team: Winnipeg Hawks
Stats: 40 Games Played, 16 Goals, 27 Assists, 43 Points.
Round 5:
Pick #49: Keaton Johnson
Position: Forward
Height: 5’11” Weight: 145 lbs
Hometown: Winnipeg, MB
2019-20 Team: Winnipeg Sharks
Stats: 41 Games Played, 11 Goals, 15 Assists, 27 Points.
Round 6:
Pick #56: Carter Sotheran
Position: Defenceman
Height: 6’0” Weight: 160 lbs
Hometown: Sanford, MB
2019-20 Team: Pembina Valley Hawks
Stats: 36 Games Played, 14 Goals, 30 Assists, 44 Points.
Auto Protected Players:
Bo Eisner
Position: Defenceman
Height: 5’10” Weight: 152 lbs
2018-19 Team: Parkland Rangers Bantam AAA
Stats: 35 games played, 19 Points (4 Goals, 15 Assists, 16 PIMs).
Will Munro
Position: Forward
Height: 6’0” Weight: 160 lbs
2018-19 Team: Parkland Rangers Bantam AAA
Stats: 36 Games Played, 46 Points (23 Goals, 23 Assists, 44 PIMs).
“We are very excited to be able to draft the players that we were able to draft today,” said Head Coach and General Manager Barry Wolff. “All quality players and even better people. We would like to welcome all of our newest prospects to the Swan Valley Stampeders organization.” Wolff went on to conclude that the future is most definitely bright with the Stampeders.
“We were really happy with our draft and how things unfolded for the organization,” said Head Scout Mitch Kirkup. “Anytime you get a chance to add players of this caliber it’s special. The goal going into today was to add not only skilled players that compete but also quality individuals. We firmly believe we were able to do that today. With our two auto-protects and six drafted players the Stampeders have a bright future.”
#MJHLDraft2020 #RunWithUs #FearTheStampede