Looking back at Jared Surgeon, who was drafted by the Spokane Chiefs in the tenth round.

Welcome to this edition of WHL Draft Day Steals. In this recurring column, we look at some of the best steals in the history of the WHL Draft. This week's steal is Jared Spurgeon, who was drafted by the Spokane Chiefs 188th overall in 2004. 

Listed at 5'6", 135 pounds, Spurgeon was drafted in the tenth round after a strong season with the Knights of Columbus Squires U15 AAA team of the Alberta Elite Hockey League. During his WHL draft season, he recorded 35 points in 37 games and was also selected to play in the Alberta Cup that year. A fun fact about that U15 team: It also produced a former teammate at the NHL level, Tyler Ennis, who led the team with 35 goals and 61 points that season. 

After one season at the U18 level, Spurgeon made the jump to the WHL during the 2005-06 season, recording 12 points in 46 games. It took a few seasons, but he eventually became a top-pairing defenceman who would help the Chiefs win their second Memorial Cup Championship in franchise history. Overall, he would spend five seasons in the WHL, playing over 300 regular season and playoff games before making the jump to pro and becoming one of the most consistent defencemen in the NHL.  

As for the general manager who took a chance on Spurgeon, that would be the legendary Tim Speltz. A part of the Chiefs organization for 25 years, he was in charge of both Memorial Cup Championships and oversaw the development of players like Ray Whitney, Valeri Bure and Bryan McCabe. Now a member of the Henderson Silver Knights, he will go down as one of the most successful general managers in WHL history. 

As for Spurgeon, he has had a pretty special career up to this point. He has played over 850 games in the NHL, all with the Minnesota Wild and has spent the last four seasons as team captain. Not too bad of a career for a player who had to wait 188 spots to hear his name called at the WHL Draft.