For top-level Bantam aged hockey players, this is a great time of the year because of the MJHL draft.

This year's draft is on Sunday, June 9 in Winnipeg, and for most players, it's a waiting game to see where they will end up, but not for Dauphin's Rylan Gibbs.

The Dauphin Kings have used one of their two auto-protect picks on Rylan. 

"It was unreal, it was honestly a dream come true when I got that call," said Gibbs. "It means everything to me. It's such a thrill knowing I'm a part of the Dauphin Kings organization."

"I had an idea that it was a possibility this could happen, but I didn't expect it," he added. "It all happened so fast."

Doug Hedley shares his thoughts on protecting Gibbs, who's coming off a very good season with the Parkland Bantam Rangers.

"I've worked with Rylan the last couple of years and he's really committed to getting better every day," said Hedley. "He brings the work ethic that we're looking for in our program. He suits the direction we want to go and we're hoping he's a big part of our future."

Auto-protecting two players is never an easy choice for an organization. To choose just two players out of so many quality players is a tall task. For Rylan, he's been working towards this for a long time.

"I think my speed and my awareness is a big reason why they chose to protect me," added Gibbs. "I like to go into the dirty areas and do whatever it takes. I pride myself on working as hard as I can at all times."

After playing with the younger Rangers this past season, Rylan will look to make the jump up this upcoming season. He's set to try out for the U18 Rangers. Being a smaller guy, Gibbs will be spending some extra time in the gym as he prepares for what should be a very exciting road moving forward. He does know the road may be challenging at times, but he's looking forward to it.

"Being a smaller guy I know I have to get bigger, stronger, and faster," commented Gibbs. "I also have to improve my skill. I can't just go out there and expect to do great things; I have to push myself at all times."

Just the fact that one day Rylan could be a member of his hometown team, the team that he grew up watching is something he won't soon forget.

"Even right now I realize like wow, I could be on the team in a couple of years, it's about always working towards it and getting better as I go on," Gibbs concluded with.