A pair of  Warman Wildcats U18 AAA players, who have been teammates throughout their years in Warman Minor Hockey, caught the eyes of scouts from the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League(WHL). 

Goaltender Luke Brunen and forward Carsyn Dyck were selected by the team in the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft held  online  on December 9. 

Since the Winterhawks dealt their 2021 first-round pick to Swift Current,  their draft began in round two when they selected Brunen.

Director of Scouting Mike Coflin in an interview with Winterhawks.com talked about the selections.

“Goaltender Luke Brunen of the Warman Wildcats U18 AAA. Brunen boasts an 8-0-1 record with a 2.45 GAA and .897% save percentage with Warman this season.”

“Luke was one of the top goalies in Western Canada this season with Warman’s U18 program. We like his style as a big calm presence in the net, and how he consistently gives his team a chance to win,” said Coflin.

Coflin also had high praise for Carsyn Dyck.

“Carsyn is a quick, two-way winger who has emerged in the last two months to make a big impact on his team in Warman, “said Coffin. “We feel he has a complete game, somewhat comparable to Tyson Kozak(Buffalo Sabres draft pick and current Winterhawk player).”

Two other players  from the Warman Minor Hockey were also selected in the draft.

Wildcats defenceman Carsten Kayter was pick 77 by the Victoria Royals.

Riley Ashe who plays for the Saskatoon Blazers U18AAA team was pick 56 by the Prince George Cougars