The Western Hockey League held its draft of Bantam-age players last week.
Matthew Ronn, Captain of the AA Bantam Terriers was watching the proceedings online, congratulating players he knew as they were drafted.
Then in the ninth round, 185th overall, it was Ronn’s name that was called. He had been selected by the Saskatoon Blades.
“When I heard my name called it brought me chills,” said Ronn, who played his last season of Bantam with the end to the recent season.
Going to the Blades was a surprise for Ronn, son of Jeff and Jessica Ronn of Ebenezer.
“We talked a bit during the winter, but I wasn’t expecting it,” said Matthew.
Ronn may not have anticipated the Blades calling his name, but he likes the idea of one day playing in Saskatoon where he already has friends, and it’s close enough for his family to attend games regularly.
“It’s close to home. I’m very excited to be part of the team,” he said.
The selection is something Ronn said he has long desired.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to play in the league. I’ve watched it for years and have always wanted to be on one of the teams,” he said.
Ronn will enter Midget hockey on the fall, but is not sure where he may play.
“It would be nice to stay here and play for the home team (Maulers),” he said, but added he hasn’t signed to go to any particular team yet, choosing to keep options open as he and his family discuss what is best for his future.
Ronn said his father has talked to the Blades about where they might want him to play. He said they just want him with “a good organization” where he can get lots of ice time to develop as a player.
In terms of a player Ronn said he sees himself “as a very offensive defenceman,” with a tendency to think offence at times before taking care of things in his own end.
“And I have a good hockey IQ ... I can create a lot of offence.”
Which means, in terms of development, working on his blueline responsibilities.
“I’ve been working on that, taking care of my own end and then to jump into the play,” he said.
