For the fifth time in the last six bantam drafts, the Moose Jaw Warriors went with a Manitoba-born player in the first round.

The Warriors selected forward Eric Alarie from Winnipeg with the 22nd overall pick in the 2018 WHL Bantam Draft on Thursday.

“We’re getting a big, powerful centre who can create space for his linemates, he’s a good playmaker, he can score goals and he takes the puck into the dirty areas,” said Warriors assistant general manager Jason Ripplinger after making the selection.

Alarie joins Daemon Hunt (2017), Jett Woo (2015), Josh Brook (2014) and Brett Howden (2013) as first round picks by the Warriors from Manitoba in recent years. 

In 30 games with the Rink Hockey Academy this season, Alarie scored 28 goals and 55 points. He added two goals and six points in six games at the prestigious John Reid Bantam Tournament.

Ripplinger said they’re excited about the upside of the six-foot, 187 lbs. forward.

“He’s got good skill, but his work ethic is great,” said Ripplinger.

“We had him up in our draft, he was pretty high, so for us to get him at 22, we’re pretty excited.”

The Warriors won’t pick again until the fourth round. You can follow along live at WHL.ca/draft.

The Edmonton Oil Kings used the first overall selection on a hometown player as they picked centre Dylan Guenther from Northern Alberta Extreme Bantam Prep.

Three Saskatoon born players went in the opening round of the draft, led by Davidson’s Nolan Allan, who was selected by Prince Albert with the third overall pick. Regina’s Cole Sillinger went to Medicine Hat with the 11th pick and Prince Albert’s Gabe Klassen was taken by Portland at 19.