By Jeff D'Andrea

Raiders goalie prospect Parenteau wins national championship, to be on TV doc

May 23, 2014 | 12:24 PM

Even though Rylan Parenteau didn’t make the Prince Albert Raiders out of training camp this year, his year went as well as you could expect.

Parenteau was named the Top Goaltender at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships ending May 3 in Montreal, Quebec and has been chosen to appear in the third season of the hockey documentary show “Hit the Ice.”

The show, that’s broadcasted on national television network APTN, covers a camp of elite aboriginal hockey prospects.

“I was invited and I definitely wanted to take that opportunity,” said Parenteau, who said the show will be filmed by Aug. 10. “It sounds like an awesome chance to work with some NHL-level talent, whether it’s the coaches or the NHL players they bring out to train with us.

“It’s also an opportunity to represent my heritage.”

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Part of Parenteau’s heritage is Métis—which he is quite proud of.

“I have some Métis background, it’s mainly on my father’s side,” said Parenteau.” I have quite a bit of family in Duck Lake. I’m not full Métis … but I definitely take my Métis heritage with pride, and all parts of my heritage from both sides of my family.”

Parenteau was the starting goaltender for Team Saskatchewan, who finished first at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships. Team Saskatchewan also won on the female side as well.

“That’s definitely an honour to have received that award,” said Parenteau. “It was almost like the playoffs that I never did get to have in Weyburn.

“I definitely wanted to make the most of it and I was fortunate enough to have a good enough team to lead us to victory. They helped me out when I needed it, for sure.”

Parenteau didn’t get to the postseason with the Weyburn Red Wings of the SJHL, as they finished in last in their division. But that place wasn’t because of poor goaltending. Parenteau played 41 of the Red Wings’ 56 games and was in top 10 in save percentage with .926, eighth overall in the league. He was also tied for seventh in shutouts with three despite being a 17-year-old rookie.

“Personally, I couldn’t say anything bad about that season, but it was tough not making playoffs for the first time, especially after playing with such a prestigious team like the (Saskatoon) Contacts for the past two years,” said Parenteau. “It was definitely different, but it was exciting to be part of a rebuilding team.

“It was a great developing year for me personally, as well, just to have that starting role and to build my confidence in that route.”

Heading into this season, Parenteau is likely slated for a spot with the Raiders along with Nick McBride. But of course, Parenteau knows that roster spots are rarely guaranteed in the Western Hockey League.

“It’s been my goal ever since I got drafted by the organization, now, (a spot) is mine for the taking,” said Parenteau. “I just have to seize the opportunity and make sure I’m fully prepared heading into camp and let things fall into place.”

Parenteau has already made two appearances for the Raiders. He got his first ever start in a last-minute situation Jan. 22 last season in a 5-0 loss against the Red Deer Rebels. He also played the final nine minutes in Nov. 18, 2012 in a 6-1 loss, also to Red Deer.

Heavy local contingent at National Aboriginal Championships

Of course, Parenteau wasn’t the only one with local ties. Former Prince Albert Mintos forward Cody Young was named the Tournament MVP with seven points in five games. Reed Gunville, Drew Warkentine, Braden Isbister and Bryson Aistine are all from Prince Albert. Also from Prince Albert are Shawn Phaneuf, head coach, and his son Taryn Phaneuf, trainer/goalie coach.

Young and Taryn Phaneuf were both previously featured on “Hit the Ice” as well.

On the ladies’ side, PA’s Jacy Akre was the team’s starting goaltender and led the team to their title. Former Prince Albert A&W Bears forward Shaylyn Constant and current Bear Kayla McNab were also on the club. St. Louis’ head coach Lynn Regnier.

jdandrea@panow.com

On Twitter: @jeff_dandrea