The Red Deer Rebels had a great day at the 2024 WHL U.S. Priority Draft, making two noteworthy selections.
With the 15th overall pick in the first round, the Rebels selected Nikolas Ferry, a promising defenceman from Los Angeles, California. Ferry showcased his skills with the Los Angeles Kings U14 AAA team this season, accumulating 20 points in 68 games. (More) I am not certain but in those pictures of Ferry it looks like he has some long rocker flow going on there. That would be a hit in Red Deer. If thats flow thats just another reason I hope he has that when he wears a Rebels jersey.
In the second round, 37th overall, the Rebels chose Bodi Anderson, another talented defenceman hailing from Eagle River, Alaska. Anerson demonstrated his abilities with Team Alaska U14 Tier 1, registering 14 points in 48 games.(More)
The Rebels start the WHL Bantam draft on Thursday selecting first at 15th overall. The Rebels have never selected 15th overall. I did some looking back at 15th overall picks for the entire history of the Bantam draft since 1990. The best and most famous would probably Sam Reinhart who was selected by the Kootenay Ice in 2010. I found 2 other former NHLers with Andrew Ference in 1994 and then in 1991 when the Rebels were not even in the league and the 15th pick was the last pick in the first round, the Kamloops Blazers selected Nolan Baumgartner. Other than that Daemon Hunt who plays in the AHL was the 15th overall pick in 2017.
Again as a fan I have no idea what the Rebels plan on doing at this draft but I am guessing a dman may be first on their list. Either way it will be neat to see.