Keith Hershmiller/WHL
East Division

Team game key for the Raiders success

Written by Matt Herbert on

Strong team game

Having picked up points in three straight games, the Prince Albert Raiders are making a mark and playing some of its best hockey this season. This all without the contributions of Montreal Canadians prospect and first-round draft pick Kaiden Guhle (Injured).

The Raiders are getting points throughout the line-up. Veteran forward Evan Herman has three goals and Michael Horon has two goals. Veterans Ozzy Wiesblatt, Landon Kosior, Eric Pearce, Justin Nachbauer, and Tyson Laventure have also marked their names on the scoresheet throughout the season.

Rookies getting some valuable minutes

Seven Raiders rookies have had to play a significant amount of ice time.

Terrell Goldsmith, Tayem Gislason, Adam McNutt, and Graydon Gotaas are all on the defence, while forwards Dallyn Peekeekoot, Niall Crocker, Logan Linklater are chewing up minutes in the Subway Hub. Playing time will be valuable for the development and growth of these rookies, as well as building their confidence. The time spent in this unprecedented season will help the players and the team in the years to come.

Teaching and learning

The power play has improved since Ozzy Wiesblatt and Justin Nachbaur were put back on the blue line, but the Raiders will need to keep their power play clicking. It is currently running at 19.4%. With so many veterans not being in the line-up right now, continuing to learn and play ‘Raider Hockey’ will be crucial. The veterans that are on the team are teaching the younger Raiders what it means to be a Raider and play like a Raider. For the Raiders to have success in the future, they will need to play a complete team game and will need to have contributions from every player.

Raider Profile

Dallyn Peekeekoot #26
Birthday: July 16, 2004
Age: 16
Hometown: Ahtahkakoop First Nation
Bantam Draft: Prince Albert Raiders 2019 10th Round
Previous Team – Saskatchewan Under 18 – Prince Albert Mintos

Fan-favorite

Dallyn plays a power forward type game and doesn’t shy away from the physical aspects of hockey. He isn’t afraid to get into challenging areas like in front of the net and the corners. With the Raiders he has had some power-play time and has been placed on the top line – with San Jose Sharks first-round draft pick, Ozzy Wiesblatt, and veteran Reese Vitelli. Number 26 will be a fan favourite for years to come.

Impact on ice and in the community

Dallyn’s impact has been massive; whether scoring on the power-play or dropping his gloves for a fight, he gives the rest of the team a significant energy boost.

Dallyn will be a role model for the young First Nations hockey players for years to come as a member of the Ahtahkakoop First Nation, northwest of Prince Albert. With Peekeekoot jerseys flying off the shelves at the Raiders store and a buzz of excitement and energy around the community, the fans are excited about the future.

Raider notes

Logan Linklater scored his first career WHL goal on Tuesday against the Regina Pats

The Raiders play the Moose Jaw Warriors on Thursday night at 8 PM local time. They are 1-0-0-1 against the Warriors this season. Ozzy Wiesblatt leads the Raiders in scoring (4G-15A) while Eric Alaire leads the way for the Warriors (9G-9A).

The Raiders added Tre Fouquette, D, from SU18HL (Prince Albert), he will wear #36. Kaiden Guhle, D, upper body, remains out of the lineup indefinitely. Evan Herman returned from his injury and Nolan Allan has been added to the IIHF World U18 Championships roster for Team Canada and has played his last game for the Raiders this season.