Stars captain Slaven excited to be back in Raiders colours

Signing with the Napanee Raiders felt like a full-circle moment for Carter Slaven.

Prior to making his mark in a Napanee Stars uniform, Slaven’s first team environment coming out of the initiation program was called the Junior Raiders and it wore that same familiar black-and-silver. Wearing those colours again will be a thrill.

“As a hometown kid, playing on this team means the world to me. To play every Friday in front of hundreds of my friends, family and neighbours is such an honour,” Slaven said. “Growing up playing for the Stars made me understand how much my community means to me and to play for my community at such a high level is a dream come true.”

With a rare mix of physical strength and vision, Slaven made an impression as captain of a U18 Stars team that went unbeaten in the regular season and reached the OMHA BB finals. He contributed 53 goals and 24 assists in 61 games in his last year. Slaven also got into one affiliate game with the Raiders, skating a regular shift. While he knows he’ll have to prove himself again in junior, he’s ready to do whatever it takes to contribute.

“I see myself as a flexible player able to take on pretty much any role I’m given. In previous years, I’ve been confident at the face-off dot, heading some drawn-up plays. I played a big role on special teams – scoring big goals on the power play and having some crucial penalty kills. I think my peers in years past have seen me as a great leader and that’s something I am very proud of. I hope to be able to translate all my of abilities to this team.”

Slaven is hopeful he settles in fast and picks up the Raiders’ systems quickly. In choosing the Raiders, he’s hopeful his development will continue with quicker decision making and skilled plays given the pace in the PJHL.

Raiders coach Ben Hagerman has been tracking Slaven for several seasons. He believes he is getting a mature player who is ready to contribute immediately.

“Carter Slaven plays beyond his years. His attention to detail without the puck will allow him to fit into any role we ask,” he said. “His skating and tenacity on the puck has stood out to our staff for a few years now, and we are excited for Carter to stay home for his junior career.”

Off the, Slaven has immersed himself in his school at NDSS and he often looks for ways to be involved in the community. He has a strong work ethic, helping customers at Canadian Tire and working at the Napanee Golf and Country Club. He is also exploring an opportunity at Hay Bay Sand and Gravel.

Carter follows his older brother Zach’s footsteps into the PJHL. The forward played affiliate games with the Raiders and one season with the Picton Pirates.