The top Bantam hockey prospects across North America were glued to their phone on Thursday, as the Western Hockey League held its annual draft.

For some, like Humboldt's Logan Barlage, the anticipation didn't last overly long. Barlage was selected 4th overall by the Swift Current Broncos.

"I'm really excited and I'm so glad this great organization selected me. I'm really happy to go and do my best there. I know the coach a little bit too and that makes me pretty happy," he exclaimed.

Barlage has long been on the radar of scouts, and this year, really put his stamp on being a top five prospect, tallying 60 goals and 65 assists for 125 points in only 30 games with the Bantam AA Humboldt Broncos.

Despite much chatter of him going early in May's draft, he says that it never really weighed on his mind during the season.

"If you're gonna do good, I guess it will help you with the draft. I thought doing better in the games would help our team win. If we would win, that's all that really mattered."

Win, they did, as the Broncos were the top team in the North Division of the Saskatchewan Bantam AA Hockey League with a record of 22-5-3.

Unfortunately for Barlage and the Broncos, they were defeated in the playoffs by the Sask Valley Vipers. 

Still though, it was a rewarding final year of hockey in Humboldt for Barlage, as he got to spend it with his dad Mike, who was the team's head coach.

"He always helped me when I was growing up and gave me so much opportunity. It was a good finish for our bond, and good to finish my last year with him."

Mike will be able to fill in some details for Logan on what the WHL is all about, as he suited up in over 100 games between 1987 and 1989 for the Medicine Hat Tigers and Spokane Chiefs.

Barlage wasn't the lone Bantam AA Bronco to celebrate today.

Englefeld's Cael Zimmerman saw his name go in the second round, 44th overall, as the Calgary Hitmen claimed his rights. Like Barlage, he was thrilled to see his name pop up.

"Pretty excited about it all. It's a great organization I hear," he beamed.

Zimmerman says that even after his season ended, he didn't want to get too eager about the draft.

"I tried to forget about it and focus on the team and the season. Once the season was over I thought about it a little bit more, but still, I didn't want to try to get over-excited about it. Now that it's done I don't really have a lot of words to say."

His season was extended a few more weeks, as the Midget AA Broncos called him up for the league championship series and the two-game provincial final, both won by Humboldt.

Now that his path is more clear, Zimmerman knows what he has to do.

"Right after the draft is when the work begins, and it is time to get serious about it and try to make a career."

After compiling a combined 203 points this season, Zimmerman and Barlage will be right back together next year, as both will play for the Mintos.

Davidson's Blake Allan, who played for the Bantams this year, was also selected in Thursday's draft. He was picked in the third round, 56th overall by the Kootenay Ice.

You can hear more from Barlage and Zimmerman below.