Yesterday was the Western Hockey League's Bantam Draft and it was a big one for the Parkland. Five players from the Rangers were selected, the highest of which was Brayden Dube of Roblin, Manitoba. Dube led the AAA league with 130 points this past season.
The next Parklander that was selected was the team's captain this past season, Aiden Ziprick. The 14-year-old from Russell was drafted 148th overall by the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
"It feels amazing, to be drafted it really is a huge opportunity," said Ziprick. "When I saw my name get called, I was in shock and I was so happy and honoured. It's a surreal feeling."
The 'Canes are the club that boasted two of the better defenders in the WHL this past season in Alex Cotton and Calen Addison who calls Brandon his home. The team also included Dylan Cozens who is expected to have a great NHL career.
Aiden first broke onto the AAA scene last season when he joined the Rangers and he had five assists in 36 games. With a goal of getting drafted this year, Ziprick spent many extra hours in the gym and that hard work paid off greatly. He was back with Parkland and as mentioned above, he was the team's captain.
In 36 games this past season, Ziprick tallied 14 goals and 33 assists for a 47 point total, 42 more than in his first season of AAA hockey. The success can be attributed to his hard work, confidence, and playing a much bigger role on a team that was coached by Tom White.
"My goal was just to make the Rangers last year and as the year went on, I started thinking about this year," said Ziprick. "My goal was to get drafted this season and I'm really excited that it happened, it means a lot to me."
Besides Ziprick and Dube, Will Munro, Kyan Grouette, and Carter Zalischuk were also selected in the draft which began with superstar Connor Bedard being selected first overall. Prior to even being drafted, Bedard had already signed his first WHL Standard Player Contract with the Regina Pats.
"That's pretty huge, all are really great players and great guys," continued Ziprick.
Ziprick's next goal is to make the WHL in time for the 2021-2022 season. His 2020-2021 season won't be taking place in the Parkland; however. Ziprick has committed to play with the Rink Hockey Academy Nationals Elite 15 team. He signed his intent letter to play earlier this month.
This past season, the Elite 15 team went 22-9-3-2 in the Canadian School Sport Hockey League. That was good for second in their division behind Northern Alberta. The team also featured another Parklander as Ryder Thompson from Russell played in 29 games. Thompson signed his first WHL Standard Player Contract with the Portland Winterhawks last off-season. It's safe to say that the small town of Russell is making a big impact in the hockey world.
"I've heard nothing but good things about that program," continued Ziprick. "I've seen the facility and everything, it's absolutely incredible and I can't wait to join that team."
In preparation for next season, Ziprick will have a rather rigorous off-season which includes workout sessions nearly every day of the week. He'll also be working with a trainer and of course, his brother Keaton Ziprick who was an all-star this past season in the Manitoba AAA U18 Hockey League.
"That's what you have to do to progress in this game and I plan on giving it my all so I can do just that," concluded Ziprick.
Stay tuned to hear from Kyan, Carter, and Will in the coming days.
