Royals Future Bright Between The Pipes.
Meet netminder Jayden Kraus.
He’s already 6’1, 170 lbs, and won’t turn 17 until late November with a lot of time left to reach the coveted 6’2 height adored by NHL scouts.
Kraus was selected by the Royals in the 3rd round of the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft.
Young but confident, Kraus knows what he brings to the table.
“I’m a very structured goaltender, I play a very positional game – but when it comes down to it, I’ll break structure to make a save if I need too.”
At the time of the draft, he finished his season with the Prince Albert Mintos U18 AAA recording 14 wins and 8 losses with a GAA of 2.59 and a SV% of .913, including 3 shut outs as a 15 year old.
“It’s great, I love playing against older guys, getting used to the harder shots…”
Ed Fowler, then Director of Player Personnel for the Royals, called him the number 1 goaltender in Saskatchewan at the time, and was elated with the pick.
“He’s a big kid, strong goaltender, playing with U18 group as a starting goaltender and getting wins for them. Super excited about Jayden.”
Kraus made his WHL debut with the Royals the following season still as a 15 year old in relief against the Blazers.
“When I got the nod, my heart was pounding, and that was the experience I’ve been waiting and working towards for a lot of years – it was surreal, unbelievable.”
The following season he managed to play the last half of a game against the Cougars in November, stopping 17 of 21 shots.
He was brought up by Victoria after his season ended in Prince Albert and got valuable practice time in with the big club.
A big role model for him is Tampa Bay’s netminder Andrei Vasilevskiy.
“He’s amazing to watch…There’s a lot of work to be done to be like him, but I like to think I play a little bit similar.”
How did he get his start in hockey?
“When I was 3 or 4, watching the WHL Prince Albert Raiders, I went to every game. Even my U18 AAA team that I played for, I watched and inspired me, and got me excited for my first years of hockey.”
How about being a goaltender, what was the spark?
“Once I tried it, I knew it was for me and I stuck with it.”
He played baseball when he was younger, and lacrosse when he was older, helping him expand his athletic abilities.
Learning how to juggle has become a valuable tool for him, to get ready for games.
“I use juggling a lot. I use different ball patterns and throwing patterns to get my hand coordination and even warm up my eyes before ice sessions.”
What other sports does he like to play?
“I’m a big baskeball guy, I love playing street basketball with my buddies…obviously golf, some nice courses here in Victoria, so I look forward to playing a couple rounds here.”
Off-season training is important, and Kraus will do what it takes to make sure he’s ready for the fall.
“Every summer I’ll get back to the gym and skate. There’s no ice in Prince Albert so I’ll drive to Saskatoon for all my training.
“Biggest part about goaltending is mobility. You’re in a lot of awkward positions, so the strength part of things, and getting to places as fast as you can, and in control.”
What does he want to work on and improve heading into Royals training camp at the end of August?
“Quickness is one, second is staying composed.”
– Marlon Martens
