By Drew Wilson

Draisaitl named WHL player of the month

Apr 2, 2014 | 6:22 AM

The Western Hockey League has named Leon Draisaitl of the Prince Albert Raiders the WHL Player of the Month for March.

Draisaitl, an 18-year-old from Cologne, Germany, recorded nine goals and 10 assists for 19 points to go with a +12 rating in eight regular-season games to close out the regular season, helping the Raiders post a 6-2-0-0 record in that span.

Draisaitl, a six-foot, one inch, 209-pound centre, recorded at least one point in seven of eight games, and picked up multiple points in six games including three four-point outings. He scored in seven games, netting multiple goals in two contests while also tallying three game-winning markers.

During the month of March, Draisaitl led all WHL players in assists and points, and tied for the lead in goals and plus-minus. Draisaitl’s prolific March enabled him to finish tied for fourth in WHL scoring with 105 points.

His outstanding play in March saw Draisaitl selected among the 3 Stars on five occasions, including three 1st Star nods and two 2nd Star selections. Additionally, Draisaitl recorded a pair of assists on the tying and winning goals in a 5-3 road victory over the Red Deer Rebels in a sudden-death tiebreaker game on March 18 which clinched the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference for the Raiders.

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Selected in the first round, second overall, in the 2012 CHL Import Draft, Draisaitl completed his second season in the WHL with the Raiders. He has accumulated 59 goals and 163 points along with a +29 rating in 128 career regular-season games for Prince Albert.

Named to the WHL Eastern Conference First All-Star team, Draisaitl is considered a top five prospect for the 2014 NHL Draft.

Leon flew home on Sunday and will soon start preparing for the NHL draft combine. The team that selects Draisaitl has the option of sending him back to Prince Albert next season for his final year of junior hockey.

dwilson@panow.com

On Twitter: @RaidersVoice