By Trevor Redden

Three named to Team WHL, Raiders roll to number one

Oct 17, 2018 | 5:00 PM

The Prince Albert Raiders will be well-represented at the 2018 CIBC Canada Russia Series as Team WHL takes on Team Russia next month.

Forwards Parker Kelly and Brett Leason, as well as goaltender Ian Scott are among the 20 players selected to the team, which was announced Wednesday morning. Team WHL will take on Team Russia in Kamloops on Nov. 5 and again in Vancouver on Nov. 6.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for all three of us to represent the Raiders and the city, and experience this together and have fun,” said Scott.

The Raiders have been represented in seven of the last eight editions of the series, but did not have a player taking part last season. This is only the second time in the 16 year history of the event that three Raiders have been selected to Team WHL. Kyle Chipchura, Jeremy Colliton, and Rejean Beauchemin all made the team in 2004.

Leason has burst onto the scene this year, leading the entire WHL with 11 goals and 15 assists for 26 points this season. Despite his success this year, even being named the WHL On The Run Player of the Week on Monday, this will be the first international event for the speedy forward.

GST Holiday

Federal government's two-month GST holiday begins

9h ago

Imminent need

Council set to discuss possible location for homeless shelter on 15th Street

14h ago

International Spotlight

P.A.'s Howe one of 4 Sask. born players named to Canada's World Junior roster

Dec 13, 2024

“It’s obviously something special, I’ve just got to do my best and show what I can,” said Leason.

Kelly is scoring at a point-per-game rate so far this season with six goals and five assists in eleven games. Drafted in the seventh round of the 2014 bantam draft, he’s now in his fourth full season in Prince Albert after cracking the roster as a 16-year-old. Despite going undrafted at the NHL level, the Camrose native earned a contract with the Ottawa Senators last fall.

“My confidence is building, and you start to believe in yourself a little more [with every accomplishment] so this is just another feather in my cap I guess you could say, and I’m really looking forward to it,” said Kelly.

Backstopping the Raiders to nine wins already this season, Scott has the best statistics for any goaltender with at least three games played, allowing an average of 1.60 goals against per game, and posting a save percentage of 0.943. The Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick is the reigning Eli Wilson Goaltending WHL Goaltender of the Week, selected for the second time in just four weeks this season.

One year younger than stalwart goaltenders like Carter Hart and Stuart Skinner who have now moved on to the professional ranks, Scott’s star is rising across junior hockey.

“That’s where I wanted to be this year. That’s what I set my sights on, and it’s just a matter of keeping going and establishing a name for myself,” said Scott.

The trio of Raiders will be able to draw on teammate Noah Gregor’s experience, as he was chosen from the Moose Jaw Warriors last year.

“Asking Gregs, he said it’s pretty fun as you get to meet a bunch of guys and it’s a good atmosphere. Lots of fans come out so it should be good,” said Kelly.

This year’s version of Team WHL includes 13 NHL draft picks, two signed prospects, and four top prospects for the 2019 draft.

Top dogs

In this week’s Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings, the Prince Albert Raiders have been dubbed as the number one team in the country with an 11-1 record to start the season.

Sitting in second last week behind Baie-Comeau Drakkar of the QMJHL, the Raiders have taken over top spot this week. Other WHL teams listed are Victoria [4], Vancouver [6], and Seattle [honourable mention].

trevor.redden@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Trevor_Redden