The Western Hockey League saw four players with Nanaimo connections taken. (WHL)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

BANTAM DRAFT

Quartet of local players taken in 2020 WHL Bantam Draft

Apr 22, 2020 | 4:05 PM

NANAIMO — Four local hockey prospects have taken the next step in their careers by being selected in the annual Western Hockey League Bantam Draft.

Matthew Wood headlined the local class, being selected 41st overall by the Regina Pats. Wood played this past season with the West Vancouver Warriors, totalling 40 goals and 71 points in 30 games at the academy’s bantam program.

North Island Silvertips goaltender Joey Rocha went in the 5th round, 109th overall to the Swift Current Broncos. Rocha, a Nanaimo product, went 8-7 with the Silvertips last season, posting a 3.35 goals against average.

The eighth round saw back-to-back picks with Nanaimo connections.

Caden Tremblay, from Port Alberni but a member of the North Island Silvertips last season, was taken by Medicine Hat 163rd overall. Tremblay was third in team scoring as a defenceman with 5 goals and 27 points in 30 games.

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With the next pick, the Vancouver Giants selected Randy McLaughlin. He played for Pacific Coast Hockey Academy in Victoria during the 2019/20 season, registering 20 goals and 34 points in 30 games.

Held remotely due to COVID-19 restrictions, the draft was headlined by 15-year-old phenom Connor Bedard of North Vancouver.

Earlier in the year, Bedard became the first player to be granted ‘exceptional status’ in the WHL’s history. It will allow him to play in the league full-time one year early.

Bedard was taken first overall by the Regina Pats.

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