If the last Prince Albert Raiders bantam draft can be judged by what others think of their players, the team may have some good ones coming their way.
No fewer than five Raiders prospects will attend their provincial under-16 camps in coming weeks, with two others exempt because they are attending another camp.
They are:
• Defenceman Connor Hobbs, drafted 67th overall, will attend Team Saskatchewan’s camp from July 29-Aug. 2 in Wilcox.
• Centre Caleb Seaman, selected 177th overall, will also participate in the Saskatchewan camp.
• Left-winger Matteo Gennaro, selected 41st overall, will attend the Team Alberta Under-16 summer camp from July 16-22.
• Defenceman Jordan Boulton, taken 89th overall, will attend in Alberta.
• Centre Dylan Stewart, taken 99th overall, will attend in Alberta.
Two young Raider hopefuls are currently attending the Allstate All-Canadians Program in Mississauga, Ont., and won’t have to go to their provincial camps.
They are the third overall selection, defenceman Brendan Guhle, and the Raiders’ 23rd overall pick, goaltender Nick McBride.
The Under-16 evaluation camps are the second stage of the development and identification process that feeds provincial Under-16 teams and regional Under-17 teams.
Following the provincial camp, players will be scouted with their club teams for the early portion of the season, before Team Alberta and Team Saskatchewan name their 20 player rosters for the Western Canada Under-16 Challenge in November.
The Raiders open camp on Aug. 28, with their home opener on Sept. 21.
