2024 WHL Prospects Draft Recap: McIntyre headlines Chiefs’ 2009 class
Spokane, Wash. — The Spokane Chiefs selected forward Ossie McIntyre seventh overall to headline their 2024 WHL Prospects Draft class on Thursday. The Chiefs had four picks within the first 100 overall, selecting McIntyre, D Harry Mattern (34th), D Bryson Roberts (74th) and F Anthony Bedard (96th).
F Aidan McIntosh, D Jacob Balaberda, G Adam Muntain, F Zane Rains and F Connor Nickel rounded out the rest of Spokane’s selections.
In total, the Chiefs made nine picks in the draft, including five forwards, three defensemen and one goaltender. Alberta was well-represented, with six players hailing from the province. British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan each had one player selected by Spokane.
Players selected in this year’s WHL Draft are first eligible to join the Chiefs as full-time players during the 2025-26 season and can play up to five games as Affiliated Players in 2024-25.
Pick-by-pick Recap
1st Round (7th Overall)
Ossie McIntyre — full announcement
Forward • 5’7″ • 138 lbs
Hometown: St. Albert, AB
2023-24 Stats (St. Albert U15 AAA Sabres): 55 goals and 49 assists for 104 total points in 34 regular season games; 8 goals and 4 assists for 12 total points in 4 playoff games
Scouting Report: “We’re extremely excited to have been able to select Ossie. He is an elusive skater with an elite skill set and sense for the game. The ability to score or set up his teammates makes it difficult for opposing teams to defend. He loves to play the game and we love his infectious personality.”
2nd Round (34th Overall)
Harry Mattern
Defenseman • 6’0.5″ • 145 lbs
Hometown: Sherwood Park, AB
2023-24 Stats (Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep): 13 assists in 25 regular season games; 7 assists in 5 playoff games
Scouting Report: “Harry is a strong defender with great leadership skills and a big heart. He’s a smooth skater with lots of layers to his game. He’s a good kid and we’re excited to bring him into the organization.”
4th Round (74th Overall)
Bryson Roberts
Defenseman • 5’11.5″ • 175 lbs
Hometown: Maple Ridge, BC
2023-24 Stats (Delta Hockey Academy U15 Prep Green): 5 goals and 13 assists for 18 total points in 24 regular season games; 3 assists in 3 playoff games
Scouting Report: “Bryson is a highly competitive, physical defenseman with excellent instincts. He wins puck battles all over the ice and is poised and skilled in moving the puck. He brings a winning attitude and will be an excellent addition to our young defensive core.”
5th Round (96th Overall)
Anthony Bedard
Forward • 5’8″ • 151 lbs
Hometown: Winnipeg, MB
2023-24 Stats (Rink Hockey Academy Winnipeg U15 Prep): 18 goals and 22 assists for 40 total points in 24 regular season games
Scouting Report: “Anthony is a complete player with lots of versatility and a 200-foot game. He will bring skill and compete to our lineup. He’s also a character kid who will fit into our group very well. We are very excited to add Anthony to our organization.”
6th Round (118th Overall)
Aidan McIntosh
Forward • 5’11” • 157 lbs
Hometown: Calgary, AB
2023-24 Stats (Calgary Stallions U15): 22 goals and 39 assists for 61 total points in 33 regular season games; 1 goal and 1 assist for 2 total points in 2 playoff games
Scouting Report: “Aidan is a highly-skilled, smooth forward. He makes smart plays and fits in well with our team’s make-up.”
8th Round (160th Overall)
Jacob Balaberda
Defenseman • 5’10” • 142 lbs
Hometown: Calgary, AB
2023-24 Stats (Calgary Stallions U15): 6 goals and 24 assists for 30 total points in 28 regular season games; 1 assist in 2 playoff games
Scouting Report: “Balaberda is a smart puck mover with great feet and vision. He plays with physicality and a competitive edge. He’s a good player that we’re happy to get into our organization in Spokane.”
8th Round (162nd Overall)
Adam Muntain
Goaltender • 5’8.5″ • 156 lbs
Hometown: Regina, SK
2023-24 Stats (Regina Pat Blues U15 AA): 2.31 GAA, .930 SV%, and 12 wins in 14 regular season games; 2.83 GAA, .922 SV%, and 6 wins in 7 playoff games
Scouting Report: “Muntain is a highly competitive and athletic goaltender. He has quick hands and is elite at playing and handling the puck. He is a proven winner and Provincial Champion in the 2023 Graham Tuer U15 Challenge.”
9th Round (184th Overall)
Zane Rains
Forward • 5’8″ • 148 lbs
Hometown: Cochrane, AB
2023-24 Stats (Airdrie Xtreme U15 AAA): 28 goals and 20 assists for 48 total points in 34 regular season games; 3 goals and 3 assists for 6 total points in 4 playoff games; 2 goals and 9 assists for 11 total points in 5 Alberta U15 AAA Provincial games
Scouting Report: “Zane Rains is a crafty forward with touch and a creative mindset. He’s always involved offensively and he has the ability to pass the puck. He’s got a great finish in and around the net.”
10th Round (206th Overall)
Connor Nickle
Forward • 5’10” • 145 lbs
Hometown: Cold Lake, AB
2023-24 Stats (Lloydminster Lancers U15 AAA): 17 goals and 17 assists for 34 total points in 34 regular season games; 1 assist in 2 playoff games
Scouting Report: “Connor is a two-way player with a strong work ethic. He’s defensively responsible, a good skater, and one of his team’s leaders.”
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The Spokane Chiefs are a member of the U.S. Division of the Western Hockey League, the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players. Since 1985 the Chiefs have been a pillar in the Spokane community, offering family-friendly entertainment and a winning tradition, which includes: two Memorial Cup Championships in 1991 & 2008, two WHL Championships in 1991 & 2008 and four Western Conference Championships in 1991, 1996, 2000 & 2008. Over 60 alumni have gone on to play in the National Hockey League.