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Kale Howarth finally hears name called at draft by Bluejackets

Jun 24, 2017 | 12:27 PM

Surely it isn’t easy not hearing your name called for your first two years of NHL Draft eligibility.

But for Red Deer native Kale Howarth, the third time is indeed the charm.

Howarth, a former Red Deer Optimist Chief, was drafted on Saturday in the 5th round, 148th overall, by the Columbus Bluejackets.

This past season with the Trail Smoke Eaters of the Junior ‘A’ BCHL, Howarth tallied 30 goals and 29 assists in 51 games, good enough for second in team scoring. He added one goal and one assist in nine playoff games.

The 6’5″, 208 pound left winger was ranked 128th by Central Scouting among North American Skaters.

Notable NHL veterans taken at 148th overall in the NHL Draft include Matt Martin, Lee Stempniak and Andrei Kovalenko.