Spokane Chiefs selected 10 players through nine rounds in the 21st edition of the Western Hockey League's Bantam Draft in April. The bantam draft is the first opportunity for the WHL teams to add 1995 born players to their 50-player protected list.
Brett Lewchuk, a 510?, 140-pound goaltender of the Saskatoon Frostbite was Spokane's fifth round pick 105th overall. Lewchuk earned second all-star team honours with the Frostbite at the Western Canadian Bantam Championships after leading Saskatoon to a provincial title.
Lewchuk is the son of former Blaine Lake and area resident Brian Lewchuk and Shelagh Robinson and grandson to Natalie and late Harry Lewchuk of Krydor.
Skating at an early age and coming from an athletic background, Lewchuk began his hockey career nine years ago playing defence and forward before moving up to his current position of goaltender, of where he has played for six years.
"Brett is a real competitor who battles for pucks and is technically sound," says chief director of scouting and player personnel Chris Moulton in a press release in April. "Lewchuk plays with consistency and poise while being a team leader."
"I was really excited during the days leading up to the draft because they (Spokane) were the first team to show an interest in me," comments Lewchuk.
Lewchuk will attend training camp in Spokane commencing Aug. 25 and will return to the area with plans to play with the Beardy's Blackhawks in the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League for the 2010-11 season.
He is currently attending summer training camp five days a week and returns daily, tired but always with a smile on his face. He is living an opportunity of a lifetime and thoroughly enjoys the experience. He also was one of four goalies at the Sask First Camp in Wilcox in July.
Where does Lewchuk see himself in the future?
"Playing in the NHL preferably for New Jersey," said Lewchuk.
Words of advice from one young hockey player to other young hockey players - "Have fun while you are playing and always strive for your dream," says Lewchuk.
