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Raiders sign 1st round draft picks

Jun 16, 2015 | 12:06 PM

The Prince Albert Raiders have their two first round picks from the 2015 draft under contract.

Cole Fonstad of Estevan was selected 5th overall and Carson Miller of Yorkton was chosen 20th overall with the pick obained from Kelowna in the Leon Draisaitl trade.  

Raiders Director of Player Personnel Dale Derkatch feels they can help form the foundation for the future.

“Drafting these two players was significant with us wanting to add skill to our line-up going forward,” said Derkatch.  “Having both of them signed now, knowing they are committed to us, and knowing they will be part of our team in the near future is very exciting.”

Derkatch said they have the chance to become impact players at the WHL level. 

“Cole is someone that will make everyone else around him better and will be a threat every time he is on the ice. Carson is very similar and is going to be a very shifty and skilled player in our league.”

Fonstad, selected by the Raiders fifth overall in the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft, played the 2014-15 season with the Estevan Bruins Bantam AA team. In 29 games, the Estevan, SK product recorded 36 goals and 31 assists for 67 points. In 10 playoffs games, he scored six goals and four assists for 10 points. Fonstad also saw time with the Moose Jaw Generals in the Saskatchewan Midget Hockey League where he played five games.

Miller was chosen by the Raiders 21st overall in this year’s WHL Bantam Draft. In 31 games with the Yorkton Terriers Bantam AA squad, Miller posted 49 goals and 58 assists for 107 points. In nine playoff games, he added seven goals and 14 helpers for 21 points. Miller’s point totals in both the regular season and the post season led the Saskatchewan Bantam AA Hockey League.

This is only the second time in franchise history the Raiders have had two picks in the first round.

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