Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Summer signing season continued for the Napanee Raiders, as they announced they’ve inked three locals ahead of the upcoming Junior C hockey season.
Zered Haller, Ethan Boutilier and Jayden Holden, each graduating members of the U18 Napanee Stars, have signed on with the Raiders.
“All three of these players are lifelong NDMHA products and we are proud to keep them at home while they take the next step in their hockey journey,” said Raiders coach Ben Hagerman in a statement released by the Raider team website. “They exemplify the character and intangibles that continue to make the Napanee Raiders program what it is. We are proud to announce these acquisitions and cannot wait to watch their development unfold in a Raiders uniform.”
Haller, who wore the ‘C’ for the Stars last season, had 12 goals with 41 assists in 30 games, leading the Stars to the OMHA Provincials last spring. He got a taste of Junior C last year, stepping in as an affiliated player for one game, adding an assist.
“I see myself as a two-way player, I’m really good in the defensive end. I’m a quiet guy and i let my playing style do the talking,” Haller said in a press release. “I’m definitely excited to play for a home team I’ve been watching my whole life. They did really well last year, so I think it’s the best place to play.”
Holden, who wore an ‘A’ with the Stars, provided big time offence with 44 goals and 26 assists in 49 games. He’s listed at 6’2, 185 pounds.
“Right now, I’m more of an offensive guy. I hope I can develop my two-way game and contribute at both ends of the ice,” Holden said in a release issued by the team. “I want to get lots of points, hopefully make myself known and help the team. Maybe I’ll try to lay a few hits out, or drop the mitts a few times when that comes.”
Boutilier, who skated in the Stars blue line and was also an alternate captain, recorded 11 goals and 17 assists in 52 games.
“I’d say I’m more of a defensive player. I can jump into the rush when I need to, but I like to play on the defensive side of the game,” Boutilier said in a team release. “I work well with anyone can play with whoever. I put hockey above anything and I really think I’m a good listener who can adjust to different things that can help me improve my game.”
Earlier the Raiders also announced a familiar name would be between the pipes next season as Logan Vale has re-signed with the club.
Logan Vale will return between the pipes for the Napanee Raiders. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.
The 19-year-old Trenton native returned from a late season head injury to be a force in the playoffs, going 13-5-3 with a 2.29 GAA, helping the Raiders upset the Frankford Huskies and then sweep the Picton Pirates to clinch the Tod Division title last spring.
Vale has been active this offseason, helping the Kingston Attack to a gold finish at the Ontario Ball Hockey Championships, held July 5-7 in Brampton.