Rookie camp recap

More than a few things jump out after Raider rookie camp. First and foremost, Leon Draisiatl although he is still only 16 was in a class of his own in terms of skill and raw ability.

His undressing of a defenseman followed by another dangle and quick snap shot into the top corner of the net at top speed Thursday night drew collective OMG's from those on hand at the Art Hauser Centre.

However, by game three Leon started to get the pokes, prods, hacks and trips he is likely to see from WHL competition this season.

16-year -old Reid Gardiner was also dominant and took most of his shifts on a line with Draitsaitl, perhaps a combination we will see together to start the regular season. The 2nd overall pick from this June's import draft and the Raiders 1st round selection in 2011 appear to have chemistry.

16-year-olds Tim Vanstone and Spencer Meyer, selected in the 3rd and 4th rounds respectively in 2011 are expected to challenge for jobs. They put on a show in the third and final game of rookie camp, especially in the third period.

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Vanstone sniped a wrist shot and then did the hard lifting behind the net on Meyer's goal to send the session into a shootout which Vanstone won with a Forsberg-esque one-handed-backhand deke.

Vanstone's performance improved as his physical play become more frequent. Meyer streaked up and down the ice making offensive and defensive plays, the latter while shadowing Draisaitl.

The performances of Rylan Parenteau and Nick McBride gives local hockey observers optimism about the Raiders goaltending next season and beyond.

In addition to the slick smooth skating and stick handling of this year's first round pick Brendan Guhle who is a cornerstone defenseman of the future, others from the 2012 draft class show great promise.

The skill and work ethic of Matteo Gennaro should make the Edmonton centreman an Art Hauser Centre fan favourite in years to come while a couple of players taken in the 5th and 6th rounds could also play significant roles in the team's future.

Dylan Stewart, another hard working centreman from Edmonton selected 99th overall got better with each session while Winnipeg's Dallas Miller displayed impressive speed, skill and some grit (He was involved in the lone fight of rookie camp).

Miller could in fact be the big steal of the draft (111th overall) if he stays positive and nurtures the kind of raw talent that had scouts rating him as a first round prospect two years ago. His stock fell after leaving his Bantam AAA team over an ice time dispute. Miller also garnered unwanted headlines for slashing an official during a spring tournament in Brandon.

Miller came to Raider camp to start over and the hockey mulligan is off to a solid start.

Let's not forget about the impressive showing of Minto winger Adam Osczevski who threw a big hit his first shift and made you remember him every time he was on the ice.

Now 15-17 newbies duel with the big boys in what will be the most competitive Raider main camp in several years. The veterans will be challenged at all positions with as many at 10 spots on the line.

Main camp scrimmages and Sunday's inter-squad game should be fun to watch.