A local hockey player is set to take his talents to the Western Hockey League.

Austin Zemlak was selected ninth overall by the Victoria Royals in the 2020 WHL Bantam Draft on Wednesday.

This past season with OHA Edmonton Bantam Prep, he scored eight goals and added 28 assists for 36 points in 27 games.

As a defenseman, Zemlak was second in team scoring.

He’s set to join a Royals team that finished second in the B.C. Division last season with a record of 32-24-6-2.

Meanwhile, this draft also marked the first time the WHL has given expectional status to a player.

Connor Bedard was taken first overall by the Regina Pats.

Instead of having to wait to be 16 to play in the league, Bedard will be able to join the team as a 15-year-old.

He joins NHLers Connor McDavid, Aaron Ekblad, and John Tavares who were also given exceptional status before they entered the Ontario Hockey League.