The Raiders kicked off their draft by selecting Niall Crocker in the opening round of the 2019 WHL Bantam Draft. (Garrett James/Twitter)

By Jeff D'Andrea

The Niall River

Raiders’ Brownlee rounds up the 2019 Raider draft

May 2, 2019 | 5:01 PM

After winning the Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy, the Prince Albert Raiders had to allow the rest of the teams in the WHL have a chance to select before them in the 2019 WHL Bantam Draft. But according to Raiders director of player personnel Curt Brownlee, that didn’t hamper the team from having a good crop of drafted players.

He’s a look at what the Raiders did, and thoughts from Brownlee on some of the interesting picks.

Niall Crocker, first round, 22^nd overall

Right winger, 18 goals, 45 points in 30 games

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6’2″, 165 pounds, Delta Bantam Prep Green, CSSBHL

Brownlee’s thoughts: It’s the quintessential thing, Niall checks off all the boxes as a player for us. He has size, he skates, he competes and he has great hockey IQ. I think the Raiders’ fans are going to enjoy this player for a long time, just based on the different facets of his game. He’s going to be an exciting guy and he’s committed to the game, to the Western League and most importantly for us, he’s going to be proud to be a Raider.”

Graydon Gotaas, second round, 44^th overall

Nephew of former Raider great Steve Gotaas

Left defenceman, 13 goals, 22 points in 32 games

5’11″, 160 pounds, Sherwood Park Flyers, AMBHL

Brownlee’s thoughts: We were ecstatic that he was there at 44. We were watching him since the first round and we were just hoping he’d be there at 44. The stars aligned for us and he’s another guy that’s going to play with great pride for the logo.

Tre Fouquette, fourth round, 74^th overall

Right defenceman, 15 goals, 21 points in 27 games

5’10″, 182 pounds, Warman Wildcats, SBAAHL

Tyler Dysart, fourth round, 88^th overall

Forward, 26 goals, 56 points in 42 games

5’9″, 167 pounds, San Jose Jr. Sharks, T1EL14

Brownlee’s thoughts: “I just watched him at Western Prospects in Irvine, California. He was by far one of my favourite players there. I was actually surprised for there in the fourth. For me, it was a no-brainer to take this guy. He’s a highly skilled guy, highly competitive motor with good skating abilities.”

Owen Savoie, sixth round, 123^rd overall

Goalie, .880 save percentage, 4.59 goals against average, 1 shutout

6’2″, 122 pounds, Winnipeg Hawks, B1AAA

Bryce Warkentine, sixth round, 132^nd overall

Forward, 16 goals, 34 points in 34 games

5’9″, 169 pounds, Eastman Selects, B1AAA

*not related to former Raider Drew Warkentine*

Brownlee’s thoughts: “He’s a player that’s going to be exciting at the Art Hauser Centre,” Brownlee said. “He’s a high compete guy, he plays with grit, he’s got a pro shot and he’s a dairy farmer from Manitoba. He like a lot of things about his own ice stuff as well, his character.”

Porter Pennock, seventh round, 154^th overall

Left defenceman, eight goals, 19 points in 32 games

6’2″, 146 pounds, Red Deer Bantam AAA Rebels, AMBHL

Colin Kessler, ninth round, 198^th overall

Forward, 15 goals, 24 points in 11 games

5’9″, 145 pounds, Anchorage Under-14 North Stars, AK-Ban

Dallyn Peekeekoot, tenth round, 220^th overall

Forward, 14 goals, 34 points in 31 games

5’9.5, 194 pounds, Battlefords Barons, SBAAHL

Liam Rodman, eleventh round, 242^nd overall

Right defenceman, three goals, seven points in 31 games

6’1″, 170 pounds, Saskatoon Generals, SBAAHL

Jack Silverberg, twelfth round, 264^th overall

Forward, nine goals, 26 points in 28 games

5’4″, 112 pounds, OHA Edmonton, CSSBP

Max Hildebrand, thirteenth round, 286^th overall

Goalie, 0.895 save percentage, 2.27 goals against average

5’10″, 182 pounds, Martensville Marauders, SBAAHL

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Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW