Brandon, MB (CKLQ) – With the 6th overall pick in the 2019 WHL Bantam Draft, the Brandon Wheat Kings didn’t have to look too far down the highway to get their man.
Russell, MB’s Tyson Zimmer was Brandon’s 2nd pick in the draft, right after the club took Nate Danielson one pick prior.
Zimmer, who grew up watching the Wheat Kings says it’s a dream come true.
"I’m very excited to be apart of the Brandon Wheat Kings," Zimmer says. "It’s close to home and I grew up watching them, and that makes this all very special."
Last season in 26 games with the Okanagan Hockey Academy Bantam Prep team in Kelowna, Zimmer scored 22 times and added 30 assists for 52 points.
Zimmer says he models his game after former Seattle Thunderbirds star Matthew Barzal who is coming off a breakout year with the New York Islanders.
"He’s hard-working, skilled and is good with the puck, and that’s what I try to be too. Barzal is one of the top guys in the league defensively as well."
Junior hockey is nothing new for the Zimmer family. Tyson’s older brother Rylee played over 170 Junior ‘A’ games in both the Manitoba Junior Hockey League and the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. According to Tyson, his advice has been simple.
"He always tells me to push myself to the max every day. He says that If I only give 50% of my effort there will be another player giving 100% all the time and he will make it farther than me. I need to always push myself as hard as I can."
Prospects camp is set to open on Friday afternoon at Westoba Place. A full camp schedule and roster will be posted here once it is finalized in the coming days.
