Swift Current Broncos forward Mathew Ward and defenceman Rayan Bettahar have been invited to Toronto Maple Leafs development camp, which runs from July 16 to 22.
The Broncos now have 10 members of their 2021-22 roster attending NHL development camps.
Ward, from Kamloops, B.C., led the Broncos in scoring during the 21-22 season, finishing the year with 57 points (22-35-57) in 64 games. Seven of Ward’s 22 goals were game winners, tying him for fifth in the WHL last season. Since being drafted by the Broncos with the 14th overall pick in the 2019 WHL Prospects Draft, Ward has come as advertised, recording 79 points (28-51-79) in 88 career games. Upon completion of the 2021-22 WHL season, Ward joined Team Canada for the World U18 Hockey Championship in Germany, picking up two points (1-1-2) in four games during the event.
Bettahar, from Rodgau, Germany, is about to enter his second season with the Broncos after being drafted with the fifth overall pick in the 2021 CHL Import Draft. The 6’1’’ defenceman brought an element of physicality to the Broncos blue line last season, while also chipping in with 16 points (1-15-16). Bettahar also skated at the World U18 Championship, suiting up for Team Germany in his home country.