Midget Draft 2007 Report

The First Annual Free Agent Midget Draft for the British Columbia Junior Lacrosse League took place in Burnaby on Sunday.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="270"] Graham Stewart (left) and Devon Winter (right)[/caption]

All graduated midget players who didn't play with their Jr. A resident area teams in 2006 were eligible, and order was determined by reverse standings of the '06 regular season.

Surrey Stickmen had the first pick and wasted no time in grabbing sixteen year old goalie Devon Winter from Ridge/Meadows. "I'm obviously really excited to be playing for Surrey; it's a great opportunity coming from A-2 up to A-1." Sixteen year-old Winter said. "Bigger crowds cheering, it's going to be great."

Stickmen Governor Joe Willmott is very pleased with his choice. "We were looking at a goaltender, and I'm pretty sure we got the best midget goalie in the province."

Fifth choice in the first round went to Victoria who chose Brandon McLean from Saanich. Ron Wood from the Shamrocks is looking forward to seeing his pick in action. "He's a young guy we have been looking at for a while- a big kid, really strong player, good hands, and good skills."

Port Coquitlam chose to make their sixth pick a family affair. Saints Governor Reg Thompson was happy to get Sage from Kelowna. "Ryan Sage is the brother of one of our players that's been down here for a couple of years; he's going to finish school with his brother and will be a great addition to the team."

The Burnaby Lakers gave their 8th spot in the first and second round to Surrey, in a four player deal that included moving star Kyle Starchuk over to the Stickmen. Lakers Assistant Coach Remo Spagnuolo was surprised their first pick- Max Deschner (from Kelowna) was still available after the first two rounds. "We really wanted Deschner, his father was a great Burnaby Jr. player and we are very excited to have him in our organization."

League Commissioner and President Al Lange said "besides a few hitches here and there, the draft went quite well for the first one; everyone's looking forward to next years."

Second pick of the first round went to the Nanaimo Timbermen who chose Cody Bremner from Saanich. Delta picked Scott Banister from Sydney for the third pick. Fourth went to Coquitlam, who chose Graham Stewart from Langley. The New West Salmonbellies picked Alex Hernandez from Vancouver, and the Burnaby Lakers gave their 8th pick of the first and second round to Surrey, who chose to pick up Gary Rai from Vancouver.

Congrats to all players and teams involved.