Bantam Draft Preview: Catching Up With Scout Brad Morgan
In the days leading up to the WHL’s Bantam Draft on May 4th, Winterhawks Play-by-Play Announcer Todd Vrooman has caught up with the provincial heads of scouting to get an understanding of the decision-makers who’ll help guide Mike Johnston and Matt Bardsley at the Draft. With the Alberta Provincial selects camp this weekend, Todd heard from with Alberta’s Brad Morgan, who helped scout players like Calgary product Brad Ginnell.
Todd Vrooman: Where are you from, Brad, and how long have you been scouting for the Hawks?
Brad Morgan – Winterhawks Scout: I’m originally from Port Alberni, BC, but currently reside in Edmonton, Alberta. I’ve been with the Winterhawks for nine years now, having previously worked in hockey as a scout in the QMJHL, the Alberta Junior Hockey League, as well as International Scouting Services.
On the business side of hockey, also spent two years in the Central Hockey League, one year in the North American Hockey League, as well as two seasons in the BCHL.
Todd: Life as a scout is a lot of time in the rink, how many games do you watch in a typical season, and what are you looking for?
Brad: In a typical season I’ll see over 200 games. In regards to what we are looking for in players, those are traits that fit the style of play that the Portland Winterhawks have been noted for. Management gives direction on the types of players and the style of play that we are looking for and we try to find the best matches for our program.
Todd: In looking ahead to the Bantam Draft, how do you and your staff go about looking at the province as a team? And how does the bantam crop look in Alberta this season?
Brad: We have regular communication with other scouts and with management throughout the season either via telephone, through e-mail or in-person to keep up to date with player tracking and development. I believe this is a good group of bantam prospects coming out of Alberta this year and there is some depth within the province.
Brad and the Winterhawks scouting staff will now get together this weekend for their final live look at prospects in Alberta at selects camp. Each province holds their own year-end camp for scouts to see best-on-best action for the final time this season, with Alberta’s camp this weekend the final one before the WHL Bantam Draft next Thursday.
