Hitmen select 10 players at 2017 WHL Bantam Draft

The Hitmen blueline has gotten even bigger.

With the seventh selection in the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft, the Hitmen took 6-foot-2, 185-lb. defenceman Luke Prokop. The pick comes off the heels of drafting Jackson van de Leest a year ago, and give the Hitmen two young and big defenders with big promise.

“Our goal was to build from the net out and we complemented Jackson van de Leest, our first-round selection from last year, with another exceptional defenceman in Luke,” said Hitmen Director of Player Personnel Dan Bonar. “The future looks bright for our club with the size and skill of these two players.”

Prokop spent last season playing with Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy Bantam Prep in Kelowna, where he piled up 41 points in 30 games, highlighted by his 37 assists.

Aside from his size, Prokop brings in all around complete game, proven by his offensive output and being responsible defensively.

“I am a big two-way defenceman, good poise with the puck, good hockey IQ, good stick, good shot and a good skater for my size,” Prokop said. “I am proud to be selected by such a first-class organization with a winning record. I’ve seen the history of the team and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

In addition to Prokop, the Hitmen selected four forwards, four defenceman and two goaltenders to round off their draft. Centre Ryder Korczak was selected in the second round, 29^th overall, right-winger Sheldon Kwiatkowski 66^th, goaltender Brayden Peters 95^th, defenceman Evan Toth 112^th, left-winger Riley Fiddler-Schultz 148^th, centre Luc Benedictson 161, defenceman Cam Newson 183, goaltender Trey Hirschfiled 205 and defenceman Hale Schoneck 227.

With the Bantam Draft crossed off the off-season checklist, the focus now shifts to training camp as the new draftees will get set to make a strong first impression to management and the coaching staff, and give a glimpse into what the future of the Hitmen roster may look like in years to come.

For Prokop, it’s also a time for him to let the aspect of being drafted set in and enjoy it with friends and family before its back to work on the ice.

“I didn’t get much sleep last night,” Prokop said. “It hasn’t kicked in on what the future holds just yet but I am proud to be selected by such a first class organization with a winning record. I’ve seen the history of the team and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”