Three players from this past season’s San Jose Jr. Sharks’ 14U AAA team became property of Western Hockey League (WHL) teams during the league’s annual Bantam Draft on May 4.

Defenseman Garrett Brown (pictured above) went to the Spokane Chiefs in the fourth round (85th overall), forward Tyler Dysart was taken by the Prince Albert Raiders three picks after Brown, and forward Matthew Ng was chosen by the Everett Silvertips in the fifth round with the 100th overall selection.

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All three players see the draft as getting one step closer to their NHL dreams – all while staying in San Jose to develop with the Jr. Sharks.

“It’s awesome to be drafted by Spokane, and it’s a great opportunity,” said Brown. “I want to play at the highest level and where I’ll have the best opportunity. Currently, that option is Spokane.

“I wouldn’t be the player I am or can be without the Jr. Sharks program. They provide players with everything they need to grow and develop as an individual while staying at home. I’ve had many coaches and teammates help in my development. I will continue to train and prepare for the upcoming 15U AAA season here with the Jr. Sharks.”

For Dysart, he said being picked by Prince Albert is “an exciting experience.”

“It motivates me to keep working hard and encourages me that I have a future in a game I love,” Dysart said. “I found out I had been drafted when I received a phone call during a class. My teacher let me answer and the class cheered when they found out what happened. I am focused on doing my best so Prince Albert gives me the opportunity to play, and I look forward to evaluating what’s best for me at that time.

“Playing for the Jr. Sharks has meant so much to me. I’ve traveled far to play on good teams in the past but with the Jr. Sharks, I was able to play close to home while still working with coaches that cared about my development.”

Ng, like his teammates, said getting selected was an amazing day.

“I feel extremely honored and humbled to be drafted by Everett,” Ng said. “Being drafted into the WHL brings me a huge step closer to the dream I have had since I was 3 years old. My dream is to play for the NHL one day. My plan is to play for the Everett, but it is impossible to predict the future. At this point, my goal is to expand my skills and be a big contributor to the Silvertips.

“The Jr. Sharks have definitely helped to shape me into the player that I am today. My coach, Curtis Brown, who has played in the NHL, has provided me with guidance throughout the two years that I have been in the organization. While Curtis ensures that our team stays focused and driven, coach Tyler Shaffar is someone that we can go to for support. His calm demeanor brings a good balance to our coaches.”

— Matt Mackinder

(June 26, 2019)