Wednesday afternoon was one to remember in the household of Bantam AA Broncos alternate captain Rylan Williams, as he was named one of the newest prospects of the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

He saw his name called in the 11th round (236th overall) of the 2020 WHL Bantam Draft by the southern Alberta club.

"Everyone gets drafted for a reason. I just had a gut feeling someone was going to take me. I didn't know when and it didn't matter really when I went - I was over the moon excited when Lethbridge drafted me," Williams said.

And, what better way to be one step closer to seeing a childhood dream come true, than to be selected by an organization Williams felt is top notch.

"You always dream of playing in the WHL. Watching those WHL teams play, you just get goosebumps hoping one day - wishing one day - that that would be me out there scoring all those goals, scoring the game-winners. You just never know what the future holds, and I'm excited that the Lethbridge Hurricanes see me in their future."

The 5-foot-8, 142-pound forward was no stranger to the stat sheet this season. Williams posted 34 goals and 74 points in 34 combined regular-season and playoff games with the Bantam AA Broncos.

"I had great teammates. [Kalan] Lind was really good - we clicked instantly," Williams said of his linemate who was drafted sixth overall by the Red Deer Rebels.

"We fed off each other, we got points in and out every night. He was really good to play with, and all the other teammates and the coaches were unbelievable this year."

Williams did note that his game saw rapid growth this season, after more than sextupling last season's point total of 12 in 36 total games.

"Over the season my confidence came back. I was finding the net and was making plays, which grew my confidence and allowed me to skate with the puck, see the ice way more - seeing how much room I really had," he said.

That confidence led to gains being made in other areas of his game as well.

"I really improved on my stick-handling ability though, that was one of the main things that improved. I was being able to make moves on defenders and being able to protect the puck more to drive the net and pass it off or score."

Williams is the latest prospect to come out of Kyle - a town of just under 450 people - that has had a knack for churning out top male and female hockey talent.

In the hours and days since the afternoon of April 22, Williams said the support from the tight-knit town and surrounding community has been overwhelming.

"It's unbelievable, I've had so many people reach out to me, my mom, and my dad just congratulating us, and [that they] can't wait to see me play in the WHL - hopefully that happens," he said.

That support also included current Hurricanes defenseman, and Dinsmore/Swift Current product Joe Arntsen.

"He's a great kid and I've known him for a long time," said Williams of the 2003-born defender. "The thought of getting to play on the same team as him in the WHL is just insane."

Williams admitted that becoming a late-round draft pick did provide added motivation and cranked up the focus to ensure he provides tremendous value in the 11th round.

"It makes other people think that I won't be as much of a threat, but really I'm just working to take other people's spots, and I'm working to get stronger and make a roster," he said.

"I need to work on winning more one-on-one battles, getting to the puck quicker, and keeping my head up. I can always improve my physical game," Williams added, noting that plans are already in place to ensure that growth happens.

"I'm going to improve these things - I have a trainer on and off the ice, I have a skating and skills coach lined up to improve my skating and my stick-handling and shooting. It's going to be fun in the summer."

The Canes prospect said part of that strength training will be some work in the kind of gym that only rural Saskatchewan can offer.

"I also work with my uncle with his 300 head of cattle. We're always out here working on the farming equipment, lifting things, moving tractors and trucks, getting all the stuff ready. I'm working out daily to improve my physically strength, and I'm getting mentally prepared for the next season."

The clearly-focused 15-year-old did take the time to let the initial moment sink in with his family though, as it would have been hard not to feel grateful that the hard work and support has certainly paid off so far.

"My family members were super supportive and they still are super supportive since Day 1 of playing AA hockey. They've pushed me harder and harder. My mom and my dad both came up and hugged me for at least a solid three minutes or longer. My mom was being very emotional, she started crying, and it was just a really good experience to see me get drafted."