The Winkler Flyers are pleased to announce their two auto-protected players ahead of the 2018 Manitoba Junior Hockey League Bantam Draft.

Forward Trenton Penner and goaltender Malachi Klassen both Winkler natives from the Pembina Valley Hawks Bantam AAA program have been selected.

Each year, prior to the draft, each team in the MJHL selects two draft eligible players from their region to be added to their list of prospects.

“We are very pleased to be able to add Trenton and Malachi to our program as we feel both players performed well this season and have very bright futures ahead of them,” said Flyers head coach and general manager Ken Pearson.

Penner is a 6’0”, 150lbs forward who recorded 56 points (32 goals – 24 assists) and 68 penalty minutes in 42 games played with the Hawks this past season.

“It’s really special to get the chance to be protected by Winkler and one day have the opportunity to play for my hometown team,” said Penner.

Klassen is a 5’9”, 144lbs goaltender who had a 6-10-2-2 record with the Hawks and a .887 save percentage.

“It means a lot to me to be a prospect for the Flyers,” said Klassen. “I’ve watched a lot of Flyers games and to now have the chance to one day put on the Orange and Black uniform is really special.”

The Winkler Flyers and the 10 other teams in the MJHL will gather for the Manitoba Junior Hockey League Bantam Draft on Sunday, June 3rd in Winnipeg. Stay tuned to www.winklerflyers.com and the Winkler Flyers Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts for up-to-date draft coverage.