Second-rounder Martins headlines Eastman Selects WHL bantam draft class

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This article was published 26/05/2022 (1073 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

by CASSIDY DANKOCHIK

Owen Martin knew his name would be called, but just didn’t know when. It took 26 other names to be called before the Eastman Selects centre’s name was spoken at the 2022 WHL Bantam Draft.

Martin was drafted by the Spokane Chiefs with the 27th overall pick in the second round. His selection was followed by two other Selects players in the draft.

Fellow Oakbank resident Reece Gault was selected by the Red Deer Rebels in the fifth round and Tyndall’s Remy Hlady taken in the eighth round by the Everett Silvertips.

Martin is a high-scoring forward, putting up 88 points in 32 games while playing for the U15 Eastman Selects. In two games playing with the U17 Selects, he continued his strong pace, scoring two goals and adding an assist.

“I think I did pretty well this season, it definitely helped,” Martin said the day after the draft.

After Martin was drafted, the Spokane Chiefs Twitter shared thoughts on the selection from Jim Hammett, their assistant general manager.

“Owen is a highly skilled player with a strong hockey sense and a goal scorer’s mentality. He skates well and does everything at top speed,” Hammett said.

Martin noted he thought his speed was what separated him from other players and he was “super-excited” to be drafted by Spokane.

“There’s a lot of working out, still staying on the ice, still staying in shape for the season,” Martin said of his plans for the summer. He added his goal for the season was to play for the U18 team.

As for his fellow Eastman Selects who were selected in the draft, Martin hopes to continue a friendly rivalry as they progress through their junior careers.

“They’re both great guys, great hockey players, they work hard all the time,” Martin said.

“I’m super happy they were able to get drafted, but once we get there, we’ll be rivals, so it will be fun.”

Gault is a left-sided defenseman, who picked up 22 points in 31 games with the U15 Selects.

Hlady, also listed as a centre, scored 48 points in 32 games with the team.