Draft Day Wrap-Up

News 2002-03

May 1 2003

Draft Day Wrap-Up

The wheeling and dealing is now over at the Pengrowth Saddledome in Calgary. The day has been a busy one for the Prince George Cougars, a team in full rebuilding mode. Youth is the key weapon the Cougars will be using in the years to come, as the team gathers around a core of youngsters who will grow together towards the Memorial Cup. The Cougars opened the day choosing in 6th position, and with that they picked talented centre Tyler Swystun. The second round gave the Cougars Ty Wishart (#24). In the third round the Cats chose twice, getting Evan Fuller (#44) and Kurtis Bosecke (#47). In the fourth round the pick was Brett Kamalski (#64). - The Cougars (due to previous trades) had no selection in the fifth round. - The sixth round yielded Edmonton’s Drew Currah (#104), a 5’9’’ winger. - In the seventh round the Cougars selected another 5’9’’ winger, this time Aman Sidhu (#124) from Port Alberni, B.C. - In the eighth round the Cats picked 5’11’’ forward Kevin Powell (#147) from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. - Round nine provided 5’10, 210-pound defenseman Mike Berube from Edmonton (#164 overall). - The Cougars’ tenth round pick (#184) is defenseman Marcus Antonation from North Vancouver who stands 6’ and weighs 165. - The eleventh round was a special choice for the Cougars. Highly regarded forward Vinny Muchalla was born in Prince Rupert, raised in Prince George and is now property of his hometown club. The Cougars picked the 6’1’’ centre #204. - Round 12 produced a goaltender selection for the Cats, with the selection of Vancouver native Matthew Ferraro. Late round draft picks are hardly WHL long-shots. Eric Brewer was a 6th round pick, Aaron Foster was selected in the 11th round, Devin Featherstone was a 10th round selection, Dustin Byfuglien was a 7th rounder, and sometimes a player (Dan Baum, Dan Hamhuis, etc.) is not drafted at all, but is discovered nonetheless. When training camp opens in fall, fans can see the development process in action. They can see the future.