The 2023 MJHL Draft was held Sunday June 4th at the ALT Hotel in Winnipeg. It was an exciting day for Flyers staff, and fans! In 8 rounds the Flyers selected a total of 11 players.
GM & Head Coach Justin Falk was happy with how the day went “First off, I would like to acknowledge the effort and job done by our Hockey Operations department. Joe and his team worked tirelessly right up until the night before the draft evaluating, projecting and identifying the type of players and families that would fit the mold and identity of the Flyers. There were a lot of high quality players selected in this year’s draft and we are beyond thrilled at the players and families that we were able to select. A warm welcome to all the players and families that were drafted into our organization.”
“The Winkler Flyers were very pleased with the results of our draft this past week. We were able to add quality players and people to the Orange & Black that fit the culture of what being a Flyer means, being a good person and player on and off the ice. We’re excited about what each future Flyer brings to the team and community. This was the result of countless hours of scouting and meetings with players, families, coach’s etc. to bring the best possible group of people and players into the organization by our scouting staff, coaches, management and hockey ops staff.” Director of Player Personnel Joe Ftoma was thrilled with how the 2023 Draft went.
With Director of Player Personnel Joe Ftoma’s comments below, here is the complete list of Winkler’s selections:
1st Round – 10th Overall: D Dustin Bell (Brandon, MB)
Dustin played the 2022-23 season with the U18 AAA Brandon Wheat Kings, where he played 44 games and had 4 goals, 6 assists for 10 points. Dustin is an elite defenseman in the U18 AAA league and we are excited to see how he can translate that into a Junior A Game.
Director of Player Personnel’s comments: Dustin is a good two-way defender that makes an excellent first pass. We are excited to have him join the Flyers.
2nd Round – 24th Overall: F Connor Vandal (Winnipeg, MB)
Connor spent the 2022-23 season with the U17 AAA Winnipeg Bruins, where he played 36 games and scored 12 goals and 17 assists for 29 points. Connor is a big strong forward that has a presence when he’s out there.
Director of Player Personnel’s comments: Connor has good size and uses it well, he is strong on the forecheck and good in his own end with nice offensive touch.
3rd Round – 30th Overall: D Isaac McLeod-Catcheway (Thompson, MB)
Isaac played the 2022-23 season with the U18 AAA Norman Northstars where he played 43 games with 4 goals and 11 assists for 15 points. Isaac is a smart defender who plays the game the right way.
Director of Player Personnel’s comments: Isaac defends well, has good lateral movement with the ability to contribute offensively.
3rd Round – 38th Overall: F Oli Chenier (Winnipeg, MB)
Oli spent the 2022-23 season playing for the U18 AAA Winnipeg Wild where he played 33 games with 21 goals and 39 assists for 60 points. He also put up 5 goals and 7 assists for 12 points in 12 games in the U18 AAA playoffs. Oli is a strong forward with a lot of offensive upside.
Director of Player Personnel’s comments: Oli is a strong overall player with great leadership qualities and character.
4th Round – 52nd Overall: D Kaeson Fisher (Brandon, MB)
Kaeson played the 2022-23 season with the U18 AAA Brandon Wheat Kings where in 41 games played he scored 6 goals and 19 assists for 25 points. Kaeson is a strong skating defender that has a nose for offense.
Director of Player Personnel’s comments: Kaeson is a very strong skating defensemen that contributes in all 3 zones.
5th Round – 59th Overall: G Burke Hood (Brandon, MB)
Burke backstopped the 2022-23 season for U18 Prep RHA Winnipeg. He had a great year, putting up a 2.75 GAA and .910 Save Percentage in 14 games played. We’re very excited to have a goaltender like Burke on board.
Director of Player Personnel’s comments: Burke is a very athletic goaltender that plays his best in the biggest games.
5th Round – 65th Overall: F Nate Lodewyks (La Salle, MB)
Nate played the 2022-23 season with the U18 AAA Pembina Valley Hawks and in 41 games he scored 10 goals with 5 assists for 15 points. Nate is a talented forward that does the little things right.
Director of Player Personnel’s comments: Nate is an excellent two sport athlete, playing hockey in the winter and baseball in the summer. He excels in both sports.
5th Round – 66th Overall: F Jett Lajoie (Winnipeg, MB)
Jett spent the 2022-23 season playing with the U18 AAA Winnipeg Bruins. He put up an impressive 23 goals and 28 assists for 51 points in 39 games. Jett is an incredibly talented forward with good size.
Director of Player Personnel’s comments: Jett is a strong two-way forward with the ability to win his battles all over the ice. He has an excellent shot and can get it off quickly in tight spaces.
6th Round – 80th Overall: F Owen Martin (Oakbank, MB)
Owen played the 2022-23 season with U18 Prep RHA Winnipeg where he played 28 games and scored 15 goals, 25 assists for 40 total points. He was also a point a game player in the 2023 U18 Prep playoffs. Owen is a speedy forward that works hard.
Director of Player Personnel’s comments: Owen has excellent speed with the ability to create turnovers in the offensive zone for his team to go on offense.
7th Round – 94th Overall: F James Franklin (Winnipeg, MB)
James was with U16 Prep RHA Winnipeg for the 2022-23 season where he played 35 games and scored 9 goals and 22 assists for 31 points. He also had a goal and 5 assists for 6 points in 5 playoff games. James is a great two way forward that plays a strong 200 foot game.
Director of Player Personnel’s comments: James plays an honest, hard working, two-way game and sees the ice well.
8th Round – 107th Overall: F Avery Samels (Souris, MB)
Avery spent the 2022-23 season with U16 Prep RHA Winnipeg where he scored 9 goals and 13 assists for 22 points in 20 games played. Avery is a speedy forward with a lot of upside.
Director of Player Personnel’s comments: Avery showed well this past season, has an excellent work ethic and his best hockey is ahead of him.
The Flyers would like to congratulate and welcome all of the 2023 draftees and their families to the organization, and we look forward to seeing them at our upcoming camp in the fall.