Without hesitation, head coach Brad Purdie of RHA Winnipeg's U15 program says this past year's group of players was the deepest he's ever had from top to bottom, overall.
For that reason, it was hard to watch as the team exited the year early. He felt they deserved better — but it was only fitting that eight players were selected in the 2024 WHL Prospects Draft.
"As a coach, you always want to see your players recognized for their hard work," Purdie told Game On. "All the kids we had this year were really focused and dedicated."
Graeme Pickering
Graeme Pickering didn't have to wait long to hear his name called, as the Red Deer Rebels selected him 15th overall in the WHL Prospects Draft.
"If you got to know Graeme and hung around our team when he's coming from school, or in the dressing room before practice — he's very goofy. But whenever he walks through the front doors of that rink on game day, a switch would get flipped on and he'd be dialed like nobody else," Purdie said.
Players like Pickering — right-shot defencemen with high-end puck skills — don't grow on trees. His elusiveness with the puck, his vision and ability to get shots through from the point are elite for someone his age. Pickering finished second in points (36) and third in power-play points (11) among all CSSHL U-15 defensemen this past season. He's not a one-trick pony, either.
"For someone that's labelled as an offensive defenceman, he's got a good stick and defends well," Purdie said.
Madden Tymchak
Madden Tymchak was selected in the third round (46th overall) by the Kamloops Blazers.
The six-foot defenceman is a punishing defender who strikes fear in opponents, recording the fifth-most penalty minutes of any defenceman in the country. Purdie says that's largely due to a lot of calls coming from him hitting guys too hard — which won't happen at the next level.
"His physicality and the timing on his hits — especially his open ice hits — was second to none," Purdie said. "If I were to try to compare him to someone, he's like a Brenden Dillon-type player to me. He's physical, can clear the front of the net, can make a good pass and contribute some offence."
Tymchak scored just one goal during the 2023-24 season, however, he recorded the fourth-most assists of any defenceman in the league (29) this past season.
Knox Burton
Knox Burton was selected in the fifth round (111th overall) by the Prince Albert Raiders. Listed officially as just 5-foot-11, Burton hit a growth spurt this year and shot up to 6-foot-1.
Burton recorded 33 points in 27 games with RHA — posting 17 of his markers in the final 11 games of the season.
"He started implementing a lot of the things we were preaching to him and working on in practice," Purdie said. "It was like a lightbulb went off and from there, it really started building his confidence. He's got a high ceiling."
Anthony Bedard
Anthony Bedard demonstrates many of the same characteristics that the 18-year-old phenom for the Chicago Blackhawks does — it just so happens the two wear the same number and share a last name.
Purdie says he's an offensive threat every time he touches the puck.
"He's got tons of skill. He skates well and can score. He's got really, really good hands around the net," Purdie said.
The Spokane Chiefs drafted Bedard in the fifth round (96th overall). 12 of Bedard's 18 goals on the year came during the final 13 games of the regular season.
Drayden Uhrina
Drayden Uhrina was drafted in the third round (53rd overall) by the Victoria Royals after recording a team-high 51 points in 25 games. When he's on his game, the 6-foot skilled power forward demonstrates game-changing abilities.
"If you were going to ask anyone before the season, he probably would've been ranked in the first round, to be honest with you," Purdie pointed out.
44 of Uhrina's 51 points were scored at even-strength and his 1.76 even-strength points per game ranked second among all CSSHL U-15 skaters last season. While a lack of consistency from start to finish hindered his draft stock, Purdie believes slipping out of the first round could be a blessing in disguise for Uhrina.
"In the long run, it might just help him. He realizes what he has to do to get to the WHL. It's not an easy thing to make the WHL and it's probably even harder to stay in the WHL," Purdie said.
Spencer Kuntz
Spencer Kuntz was selected in the sixth round (133rd overall) by the Saskatoon Blades.
Kuntz is a right-shot defenceman who does a bit of everything and is endeared by his coaches.
"He's ust an all-around beauty," Purdie said.
Entering the year, Kuntz wasn't a lock to be selected in the Prospects Draft, but he continuously improved as the season went on and his improved confidence shined in the postseason.
"Some guys come into the year thinking 'I'm going to be drafted at this spot, or that spot.' Spence isn't that kind of kid," Purdie said. "He just took advantage of everything the program had to offer and continuously got better throughout the year."
Cohen Lewko
Cohen Lewko was selected in the fourth round (77th overall) by the Saskatoon Blades. Lewko is a prototypical power forward that may not wow you with his skill, but he'll never be outworked.
"A lot of the scouts I talk to in the league, especially the older gentlemen, just love him. He's a throwback — a 70s, 80s type of guy," Purdie explained. "He's a straight-line skater, he's got a great shot. He's physical."
Lewko, who recorded 42 points in 26 games, was RHA Winnipeg's captain this past season.
"He's going to wear a letter in the WHL at some point," Purdie said. "He's just that kid that you hate to play against because he's in your face, he finishes every check, skates well and can play centre or wing."
Nolan Harding
Nolan Harding was selected in the seventh round (141st overall) by the Victoria Royals.
Harding, who recorded 34 points in 27 games, is a good skater, with a solid frame and he possesses a great shot.
"He's guy that can play up and down your lineup," Purdie said. "He played a lot of centre for us, but I think he'll be best suited as a big body on the wing. He uses his size to his advantage."