It could signal the start of a young hockey player's career.
Last week the Western Hockey League's bantam draft was held and for 236 prospects the journey to fill those expectations with their new teams will soon begin if that is the direction they take.
"A lot of kids grow up dreaming to play at the next level," said Battlefords Bantam AA Barons coach Martin Smith. "To be drafted it is exciting. It is the next step in your hockey career. They will have some tough decisions as to whether the WHL rout is the best way to go for them or the SJHL and a scholarship is the best option for them."
Barons forward Colton Iron was picked by the Vancouver Giants. Iron was drafted in the seventh round, 147th overall Thursday afternoon.
The 62?, 179 pound Buffalo Narrows product led the Barons in points with 35 goals and 19 assists in 22 games. His 54 points also put him seventh in the Saskatchewan Bantam AA Hockey League this season.
In the ninth round, Barons' defenceman Connor Sych was drafted by the Edmonton Oil Kings 198th overall. Sych had one goal and four assists with the Barons this season.
"It is exciting for our program to have a couple of players get drafted and recognized for their abilities," said Barons head coach Martin Smith. "Both players came a long ways through the year and it capped off their season."
Another local area player, not on the Barons' roster but drafted Thursday, was Ryan Rothenburger of Radisson. Rothenburger was selected in the 183rd spot by the Swift Current Broncos.
Rothenburger was third on the Sask Valley Diamond Pharmacy Vipers with 35 points (23 goals and 12 assists) in 224 games.
Of the 42 1997 Saskatchewan-born players drafted 32 played in the Saskatchewan Bantam AA Hockey League. The remainder came from Saskatoon, who opted out of the new AA league last season.
Notre Dame had seven players selected, while four were from out of province. Northeast had five draft picks. Sask Valley and Melville had four each. Prairie Storm and West Central had three players drafted. The Battlefords, Prince Albert, Humboldt, Regina Oilers, Yorkton and Weyburn all had two players selected in the draft. The Regina Senators, also had one player from the SBAAHL drafted.
