The Swan Valley Stampeders, and the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, held their Annual Draft Sunday, June 4 selecting 2007-born players to help shape the future of their team.
The Stampeders added six new players to the organization over the weekend, drafting two forwards, three defencemen and a goalie. Carson Legault (11th overall), Josh McGregor (25th overall), Talon Hogg (39th overall), Logan Bruneau (53rd overall), Cade Legaarden (67th overall), and Matthew Michta (81st overall).
Prior to the draft, all MJHL teams were given the opportunity to auto-protect two local players, or they could defer those selections for additional selections in the draft. Swan Valley chose to auto-protect two high-end prospects Tavyn Boychuk and Tyrell Leaske, both hail from Swan River.
Here is a full recap of the draft selections.
Round 1:
Pick #3: Carson Legault
Position: Left Center
Height: 5’9” Weight: 177 lbs
Hometown: St. Francois Xavier, MB
2022-23 Team: Rink H.A. Winnipeg U16 Prep
Stats: 28 Games Played, 12 Goals, 15 Assists, 27 Points.
Head Scout Mitchell Kirkup comments: Coming off a strong season with a good Rink Hockey Academy Program. Carson plays a great 200-foot game. Is responsible defensively, good in the face-off circle, and can finish offensively. A lot of upside to his game that will make him a great Junior player
Round 2:
Pick #16: Josh McGregor
Position: Left Defence
Height 6’1” Weight: 170 lbs
Hometown: Brandon, MB
2022-23 Team: Rink H.A. Winnipeg U16 Prep
Stats: 28 Games Played, 7 Goals, 13 Assists, 20 Points.
Head Scout Mitchell Kirkup comments: Makes a good first pass. Very poised with the puck and intelligent. Ability to join the rush with his strong skating stride and chip in offensively. Ability to close out the opposition and transitions very well. Josh has a very high ceiling
Round 3:
Pick #30: Talon Hogg
Position: Right Defence
Height 5’11” Weight: 165 lbs
Hometown: Argyle, MB
2022-23 Team: Interlake Lightning U18 AAA
Stats: 43 Games Played, 3 Goals, 9 Assists, 12 Points.
Head Scout Mitchell Kirkup comments: Got better every time the scouting staff watched him. As he gained more confidence his game elevated. Projects really well to transition into Junior hockey. Talon is hard to play against in the defensive zone but can also beat you on the other side of the puck with offensive instincts and a heavy shot.
Round 4:
Pick #44: Logan Bruneau
Position: Left Defence
Height: 6’1” Weight: 165 lbs
Hometown: West St. Paul, MB
2022-23 Team: Winnipeg Thrashers U17 AAA
Stats: 36 Games Played, 1 Goals, 15 Assists, 16 Points.
Head Scout Mitchell Kirkup comments: Logan understands the game extremely well. A big body at 6’1 with a smooth, effortless stride. Often matched up against the opposition’s top forwards and has proven successful in that role.
Round 5:
Pick #72: Cade Legaarden
Position: Left Center
Height: 5’8” Weight: 135 lbs
Hometown: Grandview, MB
2022-23 Team: Parkland Rangers U18 AAA
Stats: 43 Games Played, 4 Goals, 3 Assists, 7 Points.
Head Scout Mitchell Kirkup comments: Tenacious forward with a high compete level and effective in all three zones. Can beat you in a variety of different ways that all stems from his work ethic. Excited to see where Cade can take his game with an expanded role this coming winter with the Rangers
Round 6:
Pick #81: Matthew Michta
Position: Goalie
Height: 6’1” Weight: 160 lbs
Hometown: Brandon, MB
2022-23 Team: Brandon Wheat Kings U17 AAA
Stats: 14 Games Played, .901 SV%, 3.32 GAA.
Head Scout Mitchell Kirkup comments: 6’1 frame that is a proven winner. Extremely dedicated and determined to always get better. Defends the crease well, controls rebounds, competes every night and is a great teammate.
Auto-Protected Players:
Tavyn Boychuk
Position: Forward
Height: 5’10” Weight: 165 lbs
Hometown: Swan River, MB
2022-23 Team: Parkland Rangers U18 AAA
Stats: 44 games played, 16 Goals, 13 Assists, 29 Points.
Head Scout Mitchell Kirkup comments: Electric in the offensive zone. Natural shooter with a heavy, accurate shot and a quick release. Strong skater that is willing to go to the hard areas
Tyrell Leaske
Position: Forward
Height: 6’1” Weight: 161 lbs
Hometown: Swan River, MB
2022-23 Team: Parkland Rangers U18 AAA
Stats: 32 games played, 7 Goals, 7 Assists, 14 Points.
Head Scout Mitchell Kirkup comments: Tyrell gets involved, often around the puck. Willing to fight for every inch all over the ice surface. Most effective when he gets in on the forecheck, finishes his checks and creates separation
“The draft is always an exciting day for the organization,” said Head Scout Mitchell Kirkup. “It gives us the opportunity to select Manitoba-born players that will become a part of our program. The scouting staff met regularly throughout the season and worked together to finalize the draft list. We selected six great players to go along with our two auto-protects. We are happy with the way our 2007-born group has come together.
“We are very excited to be able to draft the players that we were able to draft Sunday,” 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. I would also like to thank Head Scout Mitchell Kirkup and the rest of the scouting staff for their hard work.”
Wolff went on to conclude that “the future is most definitely bright with the Stampeders.”
We want to welcome Carson Legault, Josh McGregor, Talon Hogg, Logan Bruneau, Cade Legaarden, Matthew Michta, Tavyn Boychuk and Tyrell Leaske, along with their families, to the Stampeder Organization.
#MJHLDraft2023 #RunWithUs #TheFutureIsBright