Justin Nachbaur Wins Prince Albert Raiders' Rookie Of The Year

Justin Nachbaur, right, receiving the Rookie of the Year trophy. Photo courtesy of RaiderHockey.com

Former Norman Northstar and OCN Blizzard standout Justin Nachbaur continued to carve his path to the pros this season as he was named rookie of the year by the WHL's Prince Albert Raiders.

The 17-year-old Cross Lake, MB native spent two seasons playing hockey in Thompson, one with the Norman Wolves Bantam "AAA" side and one with the Midget "AAA" Northstars. In his first year of bantam hockey with the Wolves, Nachbaur put up 17 points (9G, 8A) in 22 games, putting him second in team scoring behind Bryce Young.

Justin would play his second and final season of bantam hockey with the Winnipeg Warriors, where he scored 23 goals and added 22 helpers in 30 games. This performance got the attention of WHL scouts, leading to him being taken by the Raiders in the seventh round.

Justin Nachbaur with the Norman Northstars. Photo courtesy of the Thompson Citizen

He only played one season of midget hockey before making the jump to junior, and it was spent with the Norman Northstars. He finished fourth in team scoring, notching 14 goals and 9 assists in 30 games.

Nachbaur spent last season in OCN with the Blizzard, where he continued to make his mark. The then 16-year-old found the back of the net 11 times and added 20 helpers in 55 games, before putting up 6 points in 15 playoff games.

Nachbaur in action against the Kootenay Ice. Photo courtesy of RaiderHockey.com

He made the jump to Major Junior this year, playing 66 games and helped the Raiders with 20 points. Nachbaur will be looking to help Prince Albert in their quest for the Ed Chynoweth Cup, and hopefully the Memorial Cup, when they start their first round playoff series tonight against the Moose Jaw Warriors.

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