After a strong start to the season that has the Raiders sitting fifth in the Country, it’s time to take a look into their future. Below are the top ten prospects I’ve compiled after watching some of them play this season, analyzing their performances, and talking to scouts.
1. Niall Crocker
- Bantam Draft: 2019 first round, 22nd overall
- Team BC WHL Cup (GP-5/ 2G/ 0A/ 4PIM), Delta U16 (no stats available)
- 6-foot-2, 162 pounds
- Crocker is a power-forward who excels from the hash marks in. He is a player who plays his best in traffic and is a net front presence. Crocker will surely be a member of the Raiders next season.
2. Graydon Gotaas
- Bantam Draft: 2019 second round, 44th overall
Graydon Gotaas - Team AB WHL Cup (GP-5/ 1G/ 0A/ 4PIM), Sherwood Park Midget AAA (GP-10/ 2G/ 4A/ 4PIM)
- 6-foot-0, 160 pounds
- Gotaas was named as a tournament all-star in the WHL Cup. He has since played three games in the AJHL. He is a two-way defender with a bomb of a shot. Gotaas is a heavy player who excels in his own end. He has the talent to be a top four defender, but he remains unsigned by the Raiders, which is a tad concerning.
3. Adam McNutt
- Bantam Draft: 2018 fourth round, 68th overall
- Saskatoon Contacts (GP-16/ 3G/ 9A/ 24PIM)
- 6-foot-0, 185 pounds
- McNutt is a physical defender that has a heavy shot. He has really improved his skating to the point where the Raiders played him a little at forward during training camp. McNutt was signed after training camp.
4. Tyler Dysart
- Bantam Draft: 2019 fourth round, 88th overall
- San Jose Jr. Sharks U15 (GP-4/ 2G/ 1A/ 0PIM)
- 5-foot-9, 168 pounds
- Dysart was a revelation at training camp, improving every game. He is a smart offensive player with strong skills with the puck. Dysart remains unsigned, and it’s unclear whether he’s interested in the WHL or the NCAA.
5. Tre Fouquette
- Bantam Draft: 2019 fourth round, 74th overall
- Team SK WHL Cup (GP-5/ 0G/ 0A/ 0PIM), Prince Albert Mintos (GP-16/ 1G/ 1A/ 0PIM)
- 6-foot-0, 185 pounds
- Fouquette is a defense-first defender that excels on closing in on gaps. He makes a smart first pass and has been signed by the Raiders.
6. Logan Linklater
- Bantam Draft: 2018 sixth round, 115th overall
- Swift Current Legionnaires (GP-16/ 3G/ 12A/ 10PIM)
- 5-foot-11, 154 pounds
- Linklater had a strong training camp which earned him a WHL contract. He is an offensive catalyst than is seen as more of a playmaker than a shooter. He’s a very silky player that creates space with his hands.
7. Dallyn Peekeekoot
- Bantam Draft: 10th round, 220th overall
- Prince Albert Mintos (GP-3/ 0G/ 0A/ 0PIM)
- 5-foot-11, 170 pounds
- Peekeekoot was a very noticeable player at camp using his size and strength until a shoulder injury prevented him from playing until last week. He is a deep sleeper but has shown a knack for the net and a real good shot.
8. Bryce Warkentine
- Bantam Draft: 2019 sixth round, 132nd overall
- Team MB WHL CUP (GP-5/ 1G/ 0A/ 2PIM), Eastman Selects (GP-10/ 3G/ 4A/ 10PIM)
- 5-foot-11, 181 pounds
- Warkentine is a competitive player that can drive opposing teams crazy. He’s hard on the forecheck and smart positionally.
9. Owen Savoie
- Bantam Draft: 2019 sixth round, 123rd overall
- Winnipeg Thrashers City Midget (GP-5/ 2.73 GAA/ .910 SV%)
- 6-foot-2, 121 pounds
- Savoie is a tall and lanky goaltender who is quite raw. He is very athletic and moves well from post to post. He is a project, but the Raiders do not have a lot of goaltending depth outside of the players on their current roster.
10. Dean Spak
- Bantam Draft: 2018 third round, 53rd overall
- Calgary Northstars (GP-9/ 1G/ 4A/ 25PIM)
- 5-foot-10, 160 pounds
- Spak was once considered to be a strong prospect for the Raiders but hasn’t yet lived up to the hype. He is a two-way centre who is strong defensively and plays with an edge. He has yet to find the offensive touch that made him successful in bantam.
