Raiders Choose 10 Players In 2018 WHL Bantam Draft

Prince Albert, SK – The Prince Albert Raiders selected 10 players in the 2018 WHL Bantam Draft on Thursday in Reed Deer, AB.

Of those 10 players, four were from Saskatchewan, four were from Alberta, one was from Manitoba, and one was from Nevada. The Raiders selected six forwards and four defencemen in the draft, including third overall selection Nolan Allan.

“We’re very happy with the way our draft turned out,” said Raiders Director of Player Personnel Ron Gunville. “After drafting Nolan, we were happy with the way the draft played out and a couple of guys slipped to us.”

With the decision to select players from Saskatchewan, Gunville said that it was “our backyard.”

“We’re built on Saskatchewan guys. We’ve been successful with those picks and we don’t want to stray away from what works.”

Round 1

With the third overall pick in this year’s WHL Bantam Draft, the Raiders selected defenceman Nolan Allan from Davidson. The 6’1, 170-lb defenceman scored 12 goals and added 32 assists in 26 games with the Humboldt Bantam AA Broncos in the SBAAHL.

Very excited to be drafted in the WHL bantam draft today! Can’t wait to get things started with the @PARaidersHockey

— Nolan Allan (@nolanallan7) May 3, 2018

Round 2

In the second round, the Raiders added to their forward core with the selection of 6’1, 168-lb right winger Tyson Laventure at 31st overall. Hailing from Lloydminster, AB, Laventure tallied 25 goals to go along with 19 assists in 30 games played for OHA Edmonton.

Thanks to the PA Raiders for selecting me in the Bantam draft proud to be apart of the organization @PARaidersHockey

— Tyson Laventure (@tysonlaventure) May 3, 2018

Round 3

The Raiders dipped into the forward pool again by picking centre Dean Spak from the Calgary Northstar Sabres of the AMBHL with the 53rd overall selection. In 34 games this season, the 5’8.5, 156-lb centreman had 22 goals and 29 assists. He also had five goals and three assists in five games at the 2018 Alberta Cup for Calgary North.

Very proud to be selected by @PARaidersHockey in the WHL draft. Like to thank my family and past coaches for all the support

— Dean Spak (@deanspak19) May 3, 2018

Round 4

In the fourth round, the Raiders went back to the blueline with the selection of Adam McNutt at 68th overall. The 6’, 187-lb defenceman from Saskatoon had 22 goals and 19 assists in 31 games for the Saskatoon Generals in the SBAAHL.

I am extremely honoured to be selected by the @PARaidersHockey in the 2018 WHL Bantam Draft. Super excited for the future!@Pacific4_Jon

— Adam McNutt (@mcnutt_adam) May 3, 2018

Round 5

With the 97th overall pick, the Raiders selected centreman Brett Moravec from Airdrie, AB. The 5’7.5, 131-lber had 20 goals and nine assists in 28 games played. He also had five goals and three assists in five games at the Alberta Cup for Team Central.

Round 6

The Raiders had two selections in the sixth round of the draft. With the 115th overall pick, the Raiders selected Kindersley’s Logan Linklater. The 5’7, 135-lb centre had 23 goals and 49 assists in 31 games with the West Central Wheat Kings of the SBAAHL.

Four picks later, the Raiders chose defenceman Tayem Gislason at 119th overall. Gislason, a 6’1, 161-lb defenceman from Winnipeg, MB, had nine assists in 30 games with Rink Hockey Academy.

Round 7

In the seventh round, the Raiders drafted forward Matthew Gross from Las Vegas, NV 141st overall. Gross, listed at 5’10” and 160 lbs, captained the 14U Arizona Bobcats last season, scoring eight goals and adding seven assists in 26 games.

Round 8

With their pick in the eighth round, the Raiders selected defenceman Eric Robbie out of Rosetown. The 6’, 190-lb blueliner had 17 goals and 23 assists in 31 games for the West Central Wheat Kings of the SBAAHL, teaming up with the previously-selected Linklater.

Round 9

The Raiders ventured back into Alberta for their pick in the ninth round, drafting forward Myles Hilman out of Blackfalds. Hilman, listed at 5’6.5 and 158 lbs, scored 21 goals and added 18 assists for the Red Deer Bantam AAA Rebels. He was also named the Rebels’ MVP for the season. At the 2018 Alberta Cup, Hilman had four goals and six assists in five games for Team Central.

Draft at a Glance

Name	POS	Hometown	DOB	S	HT	WT	GP	G	A	PTS
Allan, Nolan	LD	Davidson, SK	4/28/03	L	6’1	170	26	12	32	44
Laventure, Tyson	RW	Lloydminster, AB	1/28/03	R	6’1	168	30	25	19	44
Spak, Dean	C	Calgary, AB	2/21/03	L	5’8.5	156	34	22	29	51
McNutt, Adam	RD	Saskatoon, SK	5/7/03	R	6’0	187	31	22	19	41
Moravec, Brett	C	Airdrie, AB	2/26/03	L	5’7.5	131	28	20	9	29
Linklater, Logan	C	Kindersley, SK	3/24/03	R	5’7	135	31	23	49	72
Gislason, Tayem	LD	Winnipeg, MB	4/6/03	L	6’1	161	30	0	9	9
Gross, Matthew	F	Las Vegas, NV	6/27/03	L	5’10	160	26	8	7	15
Robbie, Eric	RD	Rosetown, SK	1/24/03	R	6’0	190	31	17	23	40
Hilman, Myles	F	Blackfalds, AB	10/15/03	L	5’6.5	158	34	21	18	39

 

Prince Albert Raiders season tickets for the 2018-19 campaign are available for purchase. Visit the Raider Office or call 306-764-5348 for more information.

Also coming up at the Art Hauser Centre is the Clunie-Cooper Memorial PBR on Friday, May 4 and Saturday, May 5. Tickets start at $30 per person per night and include a pre- and post-show cabaret. Pick up your tickets at the Raider Office or by calling 306-764-5348.