A common theme throughout the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft saw teams seeking 200-foot forwards, and the Swift Current Broncos are confident they got one in the first round.

Swift Current used their second of two first round picks to select Pursuit of Excellence Bantam Prep. forward Ben King 13th overall.

King's Head Coach at POE Ed Zawatsky says, although not an east feat, the Broncos got a guy that can do a little bit of everything.

"He is a kid that grows every day and just feeds off of the other guys and the energy in the room," he said.

"He was our captain here, and when things got a little bit hectic he was able to settle things down. He centered Connor McClennon (2017 2nd Overall Pick) and Jake Neighbours (2017 4th Overall Pick) at times, and also if needed he would go back on defence. He accepted his role and is up for the task every day."

With King having spent the past three seasons in the Pursuit program, Zawatsky has been able to watch the 14-year old forward continue to grow.

"I know right off of the bat, (the Broncos) are getting a quality kid," he said.

"He has high character and plays the game the right way. I'm fortunate enough that I get to drive him in every day and get to talk with him. He is really focused and dedicated to his sport, so (Swift Current) is getting a real quality kid and player."

The product of Vernon, BC is coming off of his best season with POE.

Despite playing defence at times throughout the season, King tallied 16 goals and 30 assists in 22 regular season games.

"He has a good skating stride, a good shot and a good release," Zawatsky said.

"He doesn't mind playing different types of styles. He'll open up and shoot the one-timer or he'll cycle the puck, so I think he has a lot of different tools in his box right now."

King was the fifth member of the Pursuit of Excellence Bantam Prep. team to be selected in the 2017 draft.

Seeing the Broncos select King, Zawatsky would love nothing more than to see him, in the future, line-up against the likes of a McClennon, Neighbours, Finley, or anyone else from that team in the WHL.

"I sure hope so," he said.

"Last year I coached Connor Horning and Nolan Corrado so (the Broncos) have a couple of guys. I sure hope his development continues and someday he wears the 'C' for Swift Current, and that'll be a great match-up."

King has made it clear already, the WHL is where he wants to take the next step in his career.

Zawatsky feels the best and quickest way to get the 6'0", 159lbs forward to that goal is to continue bulking up.

"Hopefully he is going to stay in our program here at Pursuit and play on the Midget Prep. team, and continue to work on his strength," he said.

"We have a great guy here that does the strength and conditioning, Shane Pizzey, so I think if he just stays on the curve right now and keeps doing what he is doing, he is going to be a great Bronco."