There will be plenty of Prince Albert Raider talent at the WHL Cup in Red Deer later this month.
The Raiders are sending five prospects to the tournament, which showcases the top-born 2008 players from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Raider first round selections Daxon Rudolph, Riley Boychuk and Ty Meunier will suit up for team Alberta in the tournament while Jonah Sivertson and Eric Grandberg will represent Saskatchewan.
Bruno Zarrillo, the director of player personnel for the Prince Albert Raiders says the WHL Cup provides an opportunity for prospects to showcase their talent at a high level.
“It’s a chance for each province to put forth their best players that were drafted last year. It’s a good start for the kids to start getting into the next programs like the hockey provincial programs and Team Canada programs.
“It’s always exciting when you can take part in a provincial event when you can represent your city, your province or your country. I think all those are special in their own way and for the kids, they should be proud of that achievement.”
It was an eventful draft for the Raiders earlier this year as they held three first round picks in the top 10, and five selections in the top 50.
Jonah Sivertson and Eric Grandberg were both taken outside of the top 50 in the draft, but will suit up in the tournament for team Saskatchewan.
Zarrillo says the Raiders felt the two were great value selections at that point in the draft.
“From our standpoint, we felt that where we got them was really a steal. Those two players in the 4th and 5th round, we thought they should have both gone higher for sure. We’re excited that they both get this opportunity to represent their province and I think they’ll do a great job.”
The WHL Cup runs from Wednesday, Oct. 18 to Sunday, Oct. 22 at the Peavey Mart Centrium in Red Deer.
sports@paherald.sk.ca
