Saved by the Bell.

After watching several top-end forwards get snapped up early in Thursday's WHL bantam draft, the Regina Pats were focused on landing an impact defenceman at the tail end of the first round. With that in mind, Regina wasted no time grabbing Calgary product Myles Bell at No. 17.

"There was a group of four defencemen that we thought might be there," explained Pats director of scouting Todd Ripplinger, whose team was also interested in White City's Ryan Murray (ninth overall to Everett), Waldheim's Jesse Forsberg (11th to Prince George) and Reece Scarlett of Sherwood Park, Alta. (12th to Swift Current). "We got the one we least expected to get. We had Bell rated ahead of all those guys."

The Pats entered the draft with a clear gameplan that included stocking up on the blueline after selecting a forward with their first- and second-round picks in each of the past two drafts (Brett Miller and Garrett Mitchell in 2006; Dominick Favreau and Graham Hood in 2007).

Mission accomplished.

After taking Bell in the first round, Regina used its second-round pick (39th overall) on rangy rearguard Tyler Borstmayer of St. Brieux.

"We thought it was the right way to go," said Pats GM Brent Parker. "We took a lot of forwards last year and took some forwards again this year but we felt we needed to go after those guys at the top part of our draft. We're pleased with the two. They're both going to be rock-solid guys and we think they'll both be good Western Hockey Leaguers."

Bell and Borstmayer each have good size and puck-moving ability. They put up solid numbers last season but are mostly regarded for their all-around game.

Not to be underestimated, they're both pleased to be headed to Regina.

"I was thrilled," said Borstmayer, who had hoped to be taken in the first or second round. "They're a great team and an excellent organization."

Bell said he doesn't know much about the Pats, but he's committed to playing for them. He and Borstmayer won't be eligible for full-time duty in the WHL until the 2009-2010 season.

"I was really excited," Bell said of being picked by Regina. "I talked to them quite a bit (before the draft), but I wasn't really sure (what would happen). I didn't think I was going to go that high."

Bell described himself as "very offensive defenceman" who likes to play a physical game. The Pats are also high on his maturity and competitiveness.

"We think he's a real complete player," said Parker. "I would compare him to a guy like Nolan Baumgartner who played in our league (with Kamloops). I even see a little bit of Barret Jackman in him. He's a big strong kid who does a lot of things well -- big shot from the point, competes hard every night, tremendous open-ice hitter, good hockey sense. And I was really impressed with him as a (person). He's very mature and easy to talk to. It certainly reaffirmed that when we went up to visit his family (Thursday). They're very nice people and excited and humbled."

Borstmayer cited his offensive talents as his best attribute, but conceded that he needs to do a better job of using his 6-foot-3, 185-pound frame. His size and range are a big part of what attracted the Pats.

"He is probably going to be 6-5 when he's all finished growing," noted Parker. "He has real good skill for a big guy, moves the puck well and is an above-average skater for his size. He's going to be a tough guy to play against because of that wing span."

Having traded away their selections in the third and fourth rounds, the Pats' strategy was to play it safe with the first two picks.

Bell and Borstmayer fit the profile.

"We think they're both going to play in our top group (of defencemen)," added Parker.

"We didn't see any issues whatsoever with them. We think they're both very safe picks."

---

Here's a look at the Regina Pats' selections in the 2008 WHL bantam draft, with comments from director of scouting Todd Ripplinger:

Round 1 (17th overall): D Myles Bell, Calgary... 6-foot-0, 170 pounds... "Big, strong kid... makes good first pass... good on the power play... has a heavy shot ... plays with an edge."

2006-07 stats: Games played: 31; goals: 17; assists: 15; points: 32; penalty minutes: 87.

Round 2 (39): D Tyler Borstmayer, St. Brieux... 6-3, 185... "Big, rangy guy with offensive upside... good all-around player... He's 6-foot-3 and you can't teach that."

2007-08 stats: 18 GP, 9-23--32, 20 PM.

Round 5 (105): C Dyson Stevenson, Shaunavon... 5-10, 155... "A gritty, character centre... works hard on both ends of the ice ... can chip in offensively... not natural skill but hard work pays dividends."

2006-07 stats: 26 GP, 18-16--34, 55 PM.

Round 6 (127): G Cory Nygaard, Winnipeg... 5-11, 150... "Very quick, athletic goalie... controls his rebounds very well and battles for loose pucks... Didn't lose a game in league play this year (15-0)... won provincials in Winnipeg and went to Western Canadians."

2006-07 stats: 19 GP, 1.96 GAA, .927 SP, 2 SO.

Round 7 (149): C Matthew Hildebrandt, Rosthern... 5-8, 150... "Won provincials with Warman and went to Western Canadians... big-time skill . . . a lot of flash to his game... quick and agile... plays gritty and can score."

2007-08 stats: 18 GP, 13-13--26, 12 PM.

Round 8 (168): RW Ryan Baskerville, Edmonton ... 6-0, 160... "Big power forward... plays well down low... takes puck to the net... a lot of battle in his game."

2007-08 stats: 33 GP, 18-22--40, 45 PM.

Round 8 (171): LW Michael Sagen, Kenaston... 5'10, 150... "Good skill and soft hands... has a nose for the net... scored some big goals for his team in provincials."

2007-08 stats: 18 GP, 17-19--36, 12 PM.

Round 9 (193): LW Aidan Crowther, Calgary... 6-0, 165... "Big kid... another power forward... works hard in the corners... has good hands around the net... good solid player."

2007-08 stats: GP 33, 17-15--32, 73 PM.

Round 9 (196): D Tyler Pavkovich, Abbotsford, B.C.... 5-11, 170... "Rugged stay-at-home defenceman... plays really gritty... plays on the edge."

2007-08 stats: 51 GP, 4-10--14, 78

Round 10 (215): C Dayton Reinboldt, Fox Valley... 5-10, 160... "Played in Notre Dame... quick, skilled centre... has good offensive skills... good on faceoffs."

2007-08 stats: 23 GP, 22-27--49, 12 PM.

Back