Brandon Gormley

SYDNEY — The Moncton Wildcats did what most people expected them to do when they selected defenceman Brandon Gormley first overall at the QMJHL draft in Sydney on Saturday.

The six-foot-two native of Murray River, P.E.I., was rated as the top prospect available by the league's Central Scouting Service following a tremendous season with the Notre Dame Hounds in Wilcox, Sask.

Scouts say he is a complete player that excels in his own end and is an offensive force. He is projected to be a franchise player. Gormley said he had plenty of communication with the Wildcats prior to the draft but didn't know for sure they would take him until the pick was announced.

"Obviously I was ranked at the top so I had an idea, but nothing was finalized until the draft. It was a good feeling to have them call me first overall," he said.

"Moncton's had a lot of success in the past and they're in rebuilding stage right now so I'm going to come in and do the best I can to help out the organization," Gormley said.