Raiders prospect Tyson Laventure is looking to make the jump up to the Raiders in his first eligible season. Jeff D'Andrea/paNOW Staff

By Jeff D'Andrea

Not taking anything for granted

Top picks looking to make the jump

Aug 31, 2019 | 1:46 PM

Prince Albert Raiders prospects Nolan Allan and Tyson Laventure turned some heads last year in their first Raider camp.

But now, they’re looking for the opportunity to keep those heads turning throughout the whole season.

Both are the top two Raiders’ picks in the 2018 WHL Bantam Draft, with defenceman Allan picked third overall and Laventure in the second round at 31^st overall, but aren’t taking anything for granted.

“I’m just trying to compete as hard as I can and make that team, and crack that season opening roster,” Allan said. “That’s what I’m focused on right now.”

Both impressed in their 15-year-old seasons in midget. Allan with the Saskatoon Blazers of the SMAAAHL, where he finished as the league’s top defenceman and First Team All-Star. He scored 21 points in 13 playoff games to lead the Blazers to the finals, while adding 12 goals and 35 points in 39 regular season games.

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Laventure played his midget year with OHA Edmonton Prep in the CSSHL, scoring 24 goals and 56 points in 32 games.

But both players got tons of playing time throughout the season outside of their clubs this year. In the summer, Allan and Laventure got their first experience with Hockey Canada at the Under-17 development camp July 19-26.

“It was great, seeing the best players in Canada at my age was great. It was great competition out there. I learned a lot from it,” Allan said. “I learned what it takes to wear the maple leaf, what kind of player and what kind of person you have to be.”

“You have to put your hardest into everything. It’s just loving the grind over there,” said Laventure. “It’s a grind, but we have to keep going through it.”

They won’t be coming into this season blind either. Allan had an assist in seven regular season games while Laventure played four games with the Raiders.

“I just learned the high paced game that you have to play up here. You have to be fast at everything. Hopefully I can apply that to camp.”

“It just showed me all the hard work that’s been put into the season, to see it finally pay off and see the guys battle for that Ed Chynoweth Cup, it was pretty special to watch,” Allan said. “I learned a lot from it.”

Laventure has been the only 2003-born player to skate with the Raiders’ veterans during camp so far. Allan hasn’t played yet, as he’s nursing an injury.

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Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW