How significant was the talent on 2017-18 edition of the Airdrie Xtreme 'AAA' bantam hockey team? Judging by Thursday's Western Hockey League bantam draft, extremely.

Seven teammates were picked in the first five rounds of the draft including two went in the first.  Cochrane's Ty Mueller and Nathan Airey and Cremona's Rhett Parsons were among the seven and the rest were from Airdrie.

Mueller was picked 60th overall in the third round by the Prince George Cougars, who also earlier selected teammate Craig Armstrong as the 9th pick in the first round.  Mueller,  5'8", 150 lb., scored 38 goals and assisted on 35 in his two seasons with the Xtreme. The forward has taken part in numerous tournaments and showcases and was part of Team Central that recently won the ATB Alberta Cup.

Goalie Airey was ranked second in the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League with a 0.928 save percentage and 1.86 goals against average. He just turned 15 a week before the draft and was selected in the fifth round, 110th overall, by the Kootenay Ice.

Defenceman Parsons, 15, played his first year with the Bow Valley 'AA' Timberwolves before joining the Xtreme this season. He brought his 5'11, 183 lb. size and skill to the team's defence and was also part of Team Central in the Alberta Cup. He was selected 99th overall by the Medicine Hat Tigers.

Xtreme defenceman Keegan Slaney was selected 20th overall in the first-round by the Edmonton Oil Kings. Also selected were: Tristan Zandee, Calgary Hitmen, 36th overall; and Brett Moravic, Prince Albert Raiders, 97th.