Luke Reid of the AAA Stars is now a prospect of the Victoria Royals after being selected in the second round of the WHL bantam draft with the 27th overall pick.
“At times he was our strongest guy. He’s a real talent,” Manager of the Stars, Shawn Robinson, said.
The Royals are known as one of the best teams in the league, finishing with a record of 50-16-3-3. Reid talks about his initial thoughts upon being drafted.
"A combination of relief and excitiment. Relief because I wanted to get picked as soon as possible and excitement because they are a great organization."
The 2001 born defenceman was just 13-years-old when he first stepped onto the ice this year during preseason. He displayed tremendous poise with and away from the puck, not showing any signs of being underage at the triple-A level. Reid was a vital component of the blue line this year, logging high leverage minutes throughout the season and into playoffs. He was used on both penalty kill opportunities and quarterbacked the power play unit.
“He was calm with the puck, not uncomfortable at all, not afraid to take or give a hit. He wasn’t afraid to move the puck,” Robinson said of his ability to generate offence.
The young defenceman believes he can contribute to Victoria quickly and wants to be a difference maker.
"I hope to be a big piece of their team moving forward. I would consider myself an offensive defenceman who also takes pride in defending and creating clean zone exits," Reid said.
In his rookie season, Reid was second on the team in scoring for defenceman with 15 points in 43 games, trailing veteran Dawson Bacon.
“Victoria is getting a talented defenceman in Luke, I’m surprised he was still available as the 27th pick.” Robinson said.
For Reid, he wants to thank the AAA Stars for molding him into the player he is today, his teachers and the players he went to war with.
"There is no chance I could of had the success I did if it wasn't for the great teammates and coaches. Right from the first day of camp all the players were great to me. Playing against older players was a challenge but helped me stretch myself to become a better player in all alreas of my game."
One of the things that stands out about his game is not only the talent he possess, but his coachability. Coaches have had an easy time teaching him new aspects of the game and will be comfortable using him in all situations.
ADDITIONS
The Stars have also welcomed some new faces to the team this week. Adam Beckman is a forward that stands out, as he was selected by the Spokane Chiefs, 96th overall during the WHL bantam draft. In his last year with the Saskatoon Frostbite, Beckman posted 29 goals and 14 assists in 30 games played. He will be a calming factor on the power play and will most likely see top line minutes.
Other commitments: MacKenzie Donovan (Forward)
Jake Koroluk (Defenceman) - from the Prince Albert Mintos
Michael Puglia (Defenceman) - from the Regina Capitals
Tye Scherger (Forward) - from the West Central Wheat Kings - 18 G 19 A in 28 GP
Connor Nagel (Forward) - from the Prairie Storm
APs: Ian Hillis and Lindsay Gibbons
All players will attend the top 40 camp, held in Aberdeen Saturday May 14.
