The Portland Winterhawks have signed their top pick in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft, defenseman Keoni Texeira. Portland selected Texeira in the second round, 26th overall in the May draft.

Texeira, a native of Fontana, California, played last season with the L.A. Selects of the Tier 1 Elite Major Bantam AAA league, registering 35 goals and 47 assists for 82 points in 67 games.

“We are excited to announce the signing of Keoni. Over the next year we will be losing some key defensemen and we expect Keoni to step in next season and have an impact at 16. He is a dynamic two-way player,” said Winterhawks Head Coach & General Manager Mike Johnston.

Texeira is one year away from being eligible to play for the Winterhawks full-time, and is expected to play this season with the L.A. Jr. Kings U16 AAA team.

Season tickets and 20-, 12- and 6-game ticket packages for the 2012-13 season are on sale now. Visit winterhawks.com or call 503-236-HAWK to reserve the best seat locations.