The 2019 WHL Bantam Draft took place Thursday morning in Red Deer. Submitted photo/WHL

By Jeff D'Andrea

Raiders honour their own at draft

Raiders pay tribute to Ron Gunville to start bantam draft; pick power forward Niall Crocker

May 2, 2019 | 9:52 AM

The Prince Albert Raiders made sure to flood the podium at the 2019 WHL Bantam Draft to pay an appropriate tribute to Ron Gunville.

Gunville passed away to cancer on Dec. 11, midway through his third year as the Raiders’ director of player personnel. In Gunville’s stead were his son Reed Gunville, his nephew Keanan Tibbs and Curt Brownlee, the new director of player personnel for the Raiders.

As the three stepped up to the microphone to mark the first pick in Brownlee’s tenure as the team’s head scout, he deferred to Reed to announce the selection.

“It was special. It’s an honour to be even thought of to go and do that,” Reed said. “I’m thankful for Brownlee—that’s his first pick too. That’s a special pick for him, for him to give that up. And for Curtis [Hunt, Raiders general manager] to think of that and get that in order with the WHL, that’s special.”

NDTR

First Nations, Inuit and Metis leaders say work lays ahead on road to reconciliation

7h ago

Tapestrama Tension

Russia-Ukraine war dividing local cultural connections

Sep 29, 2024

Raiders lose 5-4

Second period woes plague Raiders against Broncos

Sep 29, 2024

Ron Gunville had a huge impact on the local hockey community. A lot of people involved in that community, as well as the Raiders themselves, have reached out to the Gunville’s in this time.

“A lot of people are reaching out and offering help, especially the Raiders, Curtis Hunt and Mike Scissons and Kim Jackson, they’re making sure that whatever we need, we’re taken care of,” Reed said. “We’ve had no shortage of support at all.”

Reed took the podium and announced the Raiders selected big winger Niall Crocker from Delta B.C.

Crocker is listed at six-foot-two, 165 pounds and had 18 goals and 45 points in 30 games for Delta Prep Green in the Canadian Sports School Bantam Prep league.

“[He’s a] big power forward and a great character kid,” Brownlee said. “Really excited to get him.”

“That’s what the fans love and that’s the big factor that we do, is entertain the crowd.”

Raiders picked left-handed defenceman Grayden Gotaas from Sherwood Park Flyers with their second round selection, 44th overall. Gotaas had 13 goals and 22 points in 32 games. He’s listed at 5’11, 160 pounds

–

Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW