Anaheim Jr. Ducks Bantam AAA forward Tristan Rand was selected by the Tri-City Americans in the Western Hockey League’s Bantam Draft on Thursday.

The 5-foot-10, 154-pound Rand was picked in the eighth round (166th overall).

Rand, a 2002 birth year, had 19 points, including 15 goals, in 45 games for coach David Walker’s team.

“Tristan has above average size, above average speed and an above average shot,” Walker said. “Tristan was a very good player for us. He’s a good character player with a good attitude.”

Rand’s combination of skills is what distinguishes him at this stage of his hockey career, Walker added.  “Some guys need lots of opportunities to score, but he doesn’t need a lot of opportunities to finish. His speed helps him create those and he doesn’t waste them.

“He’s developed a lot of parts to his game nicely. He’s got a lot of potential.”

This is the third year in a row the Jr. Ducks have had a player taken in the WHL draft.

Last year, forward Jackson Niedermayer was taken by the Calgary Hitmen in the fifth round. Former Jr. Ducks defensemen Nicholas Kent (seventh round, Saskatoon) and Cam York (ninth round, Red Deer) were taken later last year.

In 2015, defenseman Slava Demin was selected in the sixth round by Portland.

“It’s always good to see kids get opportunities at the next level,” Walker said. “To see another Jr. Ducks kid have an opportunity is what it’s all about.”

- Chris Bayee