Prince George, B.C. – For the first time in franchise history the Prince George Cougars have selected a goaltender in the first round (9^th overall) of the WHL Bantam Draft.

The Cougars selected 6’0”, 172 pound Taylor Gauthier of Calgary, Alberta. Gauthier was named the Top Goaltender in the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League in each of the past two seasons.

His numbers this year were impressive sporting a record of 15-1-3 with a save percentage of .948, a 1.22 goals-against-average and seven shutouts.

In nine playoff games he went 6-3 with a .933 save percentage and a 1.64 goals-against-average.

The only other goalie ever selected earlier in a WHL Bantam Draft was Carey Price (7^th overall in 2002).