HUMBOLDT — Annaheim’s Rhett Vedress was the first overall selection in one of the 2022 Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League Drafts on Friday, which saw the Humboldt Broncos tab 10 prospects.
After not holding a 2021 draft, this year’s event featured six rounds of 2006-born selections and two of 2007s. The son of Jody and Nicole Vedress was grabbed by the Weyburn Red Wings at the top of the 2006 draft. On Twitter, the squad described the defenceman as “speedy.” Listed by the Humboldt Broncos U18 AA team as 6-foot, 150 pounds but not approaching 6-foot-2, Vedress posted 19 points with five goals in 32 games last season.
It means a lot to me to be drafted first overall,” Vedress said. “There are a lot of great ’06 hockey players out there, and for me to be selected first overall by the Weyburn Red Wings is a huge honour.”
Earlier this year, he was selected by the Lethbridge Hurricanes in the 14th round of the Western Hockey League Prospects Draft. Most WHL teams took 2007-born players, but the Hurricanes saw Vedress’ potential and grabbed him.
“He has a ton of skill and ability,” U18 AA head coach Eric Sundholm said. “He has a pretty promising future. … He’s a big, strong kid. He moves the puck well and skates well. … He has got a ton of potential to make some bise and play higher level hockey for sure.”
After posting the second-best record in the SJHL regular season and making it to the league semifinals, the Humboldt Broncos picked young talent to complement its skilled returning core. The team grabbed five forwards, four defencemen and a goalie.
“We are very excited about all the players we selected in the draft,” Humboldt head coach and general manager Scott Barney said. “We like to identify players who are engaged in multiple facets of the game and with our selections we feel we have done that.”
The Broncos’ selections included:
SJHL 2006 Born Draft
Matthew Van Blaricom
Forward
First round, 6th overall
Southey
Tisdale Trojans U18 AAA
42 games, 14 Goals, 22 Assists, 36 points, 90 Penalty Infraction Minutes
“Matthew has a very high offensive upside. He can use his teammates to create plays, and also has the skills to allow himself to create high danger chances on his own.”
- Trojans head coach Dennis Kubat
Simon Martin
Defence
First round, 11th overall
Lumsden
Tisdale Trojans U18 AAA
42 games, 3G, 9A, 12PTs, 16 PIM
“His skating is probably some of the best for an ’06 around … He makes a good first pass.”
- Trojans head coach Dennis Kubat Learn more
Connor Miller
Forward
Second round, 18th overall
Lipton
Moose Jaw Warriors U18 AAA
42 games, 18G, 19A, 37PTs, 42 PIM
Tyrone Sobry
Defence
Second round, 21st overall
Saskatoon
Saskatoon Contacts U18 AAA
13 games, 0PTs, 8 PIM
Saskatoon Riverkings U18 AA
31 games, 6G, 8A, 14PTs, 38 PIM
Peyton Kostiuk
Forward
Third round, 35th overall
White City
Regina Pat Canadians U18 AAA
39 games, 9G, 3A, 12PTs, 28 PIM
“He brings a rare combination of physicality and skill. … is a very competitive person who has been a leader on teams throughout his minor hockey career.”
- Tisdale Trojans coaching staff Learn more
Carter Ralston
Forward
Third round, 36th overall
Unity
Tisdale Trojans U18 AAA
44 games, 12G, 9A, 21PTs, 14 PIM
“Carter’s offensive upside is very high. I am excited to see his continued development. If he continues to put in the time and practice, the results will come.”
- Tisdale Trojans head coach Dennis Kubat Learn more
Carsten Kayter
Defence
Fourth round, 47th overall
Warman
Warman Wildcats U18 AAA
43 games, 1G, 24A, 25PTS, 14 PIM
Riley Deck
Goalie
6th round, 71st overall
Saskatoon
Saskatoon Riverkings U18 AA
17 games, 13-2-2, 2.09 goals against average, .928 save percentage
SJHL 2007 Born Draft
Tyce Penrod
Forward
First round, 11th overall
Saskatoon
Saskatoon Stallions U15 AA
31 games, 31G, 22A, 53PTs, 12 PIM
Teigan Semchyshen
Defence
Second, 15th overall
Warman
Martensville Marauders U15 AA
31 games, 11G, 21A, 32PTS, 50 PIM
Simon Garchinski
Defence
Second round, 23rd overall
Martensville
Martensville Marauders U15 AA
31 games, 3G, 26A, 29PTs, 14 PIM
