2020 Kaizen Sports Bantam Draft Recap
For Immediate Release -
Penticton, BC (Canada) - Kaizen Sports & Entertainment Ltd. is proud to announce that five clients have been selected in the 2020 Western Hockey League (WHL) Draft, which was held exclusively online due to the current pandemic.
In total, 233 players were selected in the 2020 WHL Bantam Draft, with 130 forwards, 82 defensemen and 21 goaltenders selected.
Players eligible for the 2020 WHL Bantam Draft were 2005-born players residing in Alberta, BC, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, Yukon, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
Five Kaizen Sports student-athlete clients had the pleasure of hearing their names called yesterday.
"We are so proud of each one of our clients selected," said Managing Director Michael O'Rafferty. "The same can be said for those who were not selected. The draft is one milestone, and while exciting, we know that it's just the beginning. We are preparing our athletes for the road ahead and excited for what their futures hold."
.::Oliver Tulk | Stats
Oliver Tulk, 05, was selected in the first round, 12th overall as the Calgary Hitmen's first selection of the 2020 WHL draft.
Oliver spent the last two seasons with the Delta Hockey Academy (DHA) in the CSSHL. This season he netted 69 points in 30 games.
The slick skating forward can do it all, making elite-level plays plays in high pressure situations and is able to adapt to what the game requires. His puck handling ability makes defending him difficult.
The Calgary Hitmen released this quote via their website on Tulk: “He plays a two-way game but he’s a highly-skilled player and skates very well. He’s got a good head for the game and plays hard every game, said Hitmen scout Dallas Thompson. I never saw him take one game off this year … He’s got a great set of hands and he can do a little bit of both, he can distribute and make plays or he can score.” DraftGeek's Report Oliver Tulk (Delta Green) – As polished of a player as you will find, Tulk’s refined offensive tools and puck senses are the frame work around his game. Tulk makes quick proactive decisions with the puck, his pressure management is impressive and he’s one of those players who will easily step into the WHL pace of play and thrive.
.::Joey Rocha | Stats
Joey Rocha, 05, was selected in the fifth round, 109th overall by the Swift Current Broncos.
The Nanaimo, BC native had the honour of being the first BC Major Bantam selected in the 2020 WHL Draft.
He caught the eye of the WHL scouts throughout the season but climbed the draft rankings after a very strong second half.
Rocha played for the North Island Silvertips in 2019-20 and was considered a top 3 goaltender in the WHL draft.
His poise and agility are beyond his years, and make him a very attractive prospect in junior and beyond.
.::Carter Savage | Stats
Carter Savage, 05, was selected in the sixth round, 113th overall by the Tri City Americans.
The hard nosed defenseman played this past season for the Delta Hockey Academy in the CSSHL.
Savage finished fourth in team scoring with 15 points (3g-12a) in 30 games, to go along with 48 penalty minutes.
His compete level, coupled with his size and reach make it difficult for opposing players to earn time and space. This was a standout quality was a reason why WHL scouts were high on Savage throughout the season.
.::Niko Tsakumis | Stats
Niko Tsakumis, 05, was selected in sixth round, 117th overall by the Seattle Thunderbirds.
Tsakumis, a native of Vancouver, BC played for Delta Hockey Academy in the CSSHL and notched eight goals and 24 assists for 32 points in 29 games played. He added 42 penalty minutes.
As the 7th most productive CSSHL defensemen, and ranking second on DHA's backend, Niko will fit nicely into a PP role at the WHL level.
Niko is known for his fluid stride, sleek puck handling abilities and his 200 foot game, and can produce offensively.
.::Cosmo Wilson | Stats
Cosmo Wilson, 05, was selected in the seventh round, 136th overall by the Moose Jaw Warriors.
Wilson, the Vernon, BC resident played this season for the West Vancouver Warriors Bantam Prep team.
The right shot blueliner plays a hard and effective game, makes a consistent first pass and has excellent skating ability.
Cosmo registered 4 points in 28 games with 10 penalty minutes, and should prove to be a core piece of the Moose Jaw Warriors in the near future.
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Kaizen is a Japanese term meaning "change for the better". Our philosophy promotes continual improvement, through a methodical and determined process. Kaizen Sports & Entertainment is recognized for its committed support to its clients, exceptional representation of their interests, and strong performance.
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