by Tommy Young
Nepean, ON – The Nepean Raiders are proud to announce that 2008-born forward Jack Yates has signed with the team for the 2024/25 season.
Yates, from Gloucester, ON, is the youngest player signed by the Raiders this season, as he celebrated his 16th birthday in May. Spending his minor hockey career in the Upper Canada Cyclones organization, Jack has improved at every level over the past few seasons. At the U14 level, he had 35 points in 30 games; in U15, he jumped to 43 points; and this past season, in U16, Yates hit the scoresheet 45 times in just 28 games – not to mention a 4-game, 3-point call-up to the U18 AAA level at just 15 years old.
This steady rise in his career gave Yates the opportunity to hear his name called twice in 2024. First, the Raiders selected him with their very first “protect” pick in the CCHL Draft. Then, in the 8th round of the OHL U18 Priority draft, the Brampton Steelheads chose the 6’1”, 176-pound forward.
Still with room to grow, Yates uses his size well, creating opportunities and space for himself and his linemates. Despite being a late addition to the Raiders’ preseason roster and only drawing into a pair of games, Yates immediately drew attention, finding the scoresheet just 18 minutes into his Jr. A debut.
We’re very excited to have him in the Black and Red!
Welcome to Nepean, Jack!
