Yesterday saw the 2015 MJHL Draft come and go and 66 players were chosen between the 11 Organizations. For the 1st time in the league’s history the Draft was televised live on NAC-TV which was also available on MTS TV and Bell TV. The 6 round Draft is the final event that occurs as part of the league’s Annual General Meeting weekend.
The Portage Terriers auto protected 2 local boys Reilly Funk (F) and Riley Sveistrup (G) both from the Central Plains Bantam AAA team.
In the first round 11th overall the Terriers chose Duncan Pierce, a forward from the Winnipeg Hawks. Frank Harding Head Scout for the Portage Terriers thought that Pierce was the best player available as their first pick. “Pierce is a real leader in the dressing room. He’s a big boy with a bit of a mean streak that finishes all his checks. He’s a solid 2 way player with a great centre ice game. “
The Terriers went with Zachary Falck in the 2nd round 13th overall, a forward from the Winnipeg Monarchs. Harding thought Falck was a great addition. “He’s a goal scorer. He’s of smaller size, but he plays hard and has a tremendous offensive game. “
The Terriers traded their 3rd round pick to the Steinbach Pistons.
In the 4th round 44th overall, the Terriers picked up Layne Toder out of Elkhorn Manitoba. Toder was also drafted by the Calgary Hitmen in the WHL Draft. Toder is a defenceman that attended the Terriers Spring Camp and did well. He’s a defensive player that is very skilled with the puck. He sees the ice well and can carry the puck out of his own end.
Portage went with a goaltender out of Winnipeg for the 5th round and 55th overall pick, Brendan Benoit. Benoit is also a WHL prospect chosen in the 10th round by the Brandon Wheat Kings. Harding says Benoit is a small goalie, but technically sound. “He plays his angles extremely well, he’s quick and in my opinion one of the top 2 goalies in Manitoba in this age group. “
Portage had the last pick of the draft in the 6th round 66th overall and went with Evan Gullett from the Parkland Rangers. Head Scout Harding attended the Parkland Camp and noticed the defenceman. “Gullett has a lot of potential and I believe him to be a kid that will put the work in. He’s a good skater and is solid defensively. “