The 2020 WHL Bantam Draft showed current and past Bantam AA Martensville Marauder talent shine as seven Marauders were drafted on April 22nd.
Riley Heidt played for the Bantam AA Martensville Marauders from 2017-2019 where he had 153 points (58G-95A) in 62 games. This 5-foot-8, 150 pound winger played with the Saskatoon Contacts in the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League (SMAAAHL) this past season. Heidt was chosen in Round one, #2 overall in the WHL Bantam draft with Prince George. Granted special status by the Saskatchewan Hockey Association to play at midget level, he was considered one of the top forwards in the 2020 WHL Bantam Draft. Heidt was fifth in team scoring with 37 points (17G-20A) and played in 44 games for the Contacts.
Another Marauder alumnus who played in the Bantam AA 2018-2019 season was Brayden Yager. He racked up103 points (44G-59A) in 31 games. “Teammates Yager and Heidt were instrumental in leading this team to a League and Provincial title in 2018-2019. They both played as under aged players this past season in the SMAAAHL,” said Martensville Minor Hockey President Trevor Hanley. At 5-foot-11, 165 pounds, this forward from Saskatoon played last season with the Saskatoon Contacts as well finishing third in team scoring with 42 points (18G-24A) in 44 games. He was chosen third overall in Round one by the Moose Jaw Warriors.
Trae Johnson from Martensville was selected by the Brandon Wheat Kings in the second round 35th overall. He had 36 goals and 31 assists for 67 points in his 2019-2020 year with the Marauders.
Another Marauder from Martensville who also had his name called up in round 4 and 85th overall was Rylan Pearce to the Kamloops Blazers. Pearce had a total of 40 points (10G-30A) in his 2019-2020 season with the Bantam AA Marauders.
Marauders Midget alum Alex Worthington from Waldheim got called by the Edmonton Oil Kings. He was chosen 108th overall in round five. Worthington joined the Martensville Midget A team as an underage player in the 2018/2019 season.
The sixth Marauder to be drafted in the 2020 WHL Bantam draft was Tyson Durant. This strong forward from Martensville was drafted in the 9th Round 194th overall by Spokane. Durant had 26 goals and 26 assists for a total of 52 points with the Marauders.
The seventh player called up from the Martensville Bantam AA Marauder team was Easton Adrian from Dalmeny. Adrian was chosen in round 11, 240th overall with the Edmonton Oil Kings!
Congratulations to all these amazingly talented boys and best of luck in the future!