by Tommy Young
Nepean, ON – The Nepean Raiders have completed a trade with the Navan Grads, acquiring veteran 2003-born forward Kyle Slingerland in exchange for a Player Development Fee.
Slingerland, born in Stittsville, Ontario, brings a big body and great leadership to the Raiders, standing at 6’2” and 200lbs. Through 19 games with the Grads this season, he’s tallied a goal and an assist as well as some very physical play, which will be a huge addition to an already-strong Raiders forecheck. Slingerland is very well-travelled as well, playing parts of last season in Nova Scotia with the Valley Wildcats where he had 2 assists in 20 games before coming back to Ottawa and adding a goal in 8 games with the Grads, as well as playing in 2 playoff games.
Slingerland began with the Grads U18 squad from 2018-20, racking up 10 goals and 28 points in 90 games, as well as a goal and an assist in 4 playoff games. He spent the Covid-19 shortened season with the EOJHL’s Arnprior Packers before heading to the east coast; he split time with the Jr. A Valley Wildcats and the Jr. B Valley Maple Leafs in parts of two seasons there. With the Wildcats, Slingerland put up three assists over 47 games, and took part in 5 playoff contests; with the Maple Leafs, Slingerland had a goal and three assists over only 6 games, and had 2 goals and 2 assists in only 3 playoff games in 2021-22. After coming back home to Ottawa last season, he spent most of the season with the Ottawa West Golden Knights, racking up 9 goals and 9 assists in only 14 games.
Slingerland’s big frame and physical presence bring some more crunch to the Raiders offence, and he brings experience and leadership with him as well. We’re very excited to have him in the Black and Red, where he’ll suit up wearing #20 tonight!
Welcome to Nepean, Kyle!
