By Jeff D'Andrea

Vandane returns to PA

Jun 5, 2013 | 7:00 AM

Former Prince Albert Raiders defenceman Davis Vandane’s return to PA on Sunday didn’t go exactly as planned.

He stood in the Kinsmen with crutches, favouring his right ankle that was heavily wrapped in tensor bandages as he watched his Yorkton Bulldogs junior lacrosse team lose 16-3 against the Prince Albert Predators.

After leaving Sunday’s game early, Vandane was nursing what was initially diagnosed as a Grade 2 ankle sprain—but he was in a surprisingly good mood.

Injury and all, Vandane said he got to rediscover his long lost love of lacrosse. After playing in the first-ever Pee Wee Box championships in 2007, Vandane had to give up the sport soon after to pursue his WHL hockey aspirations.

“This summer, I really wanted to play it again,” said Vandane, who’s originally from Yorkton. “I really enjoyed the first three games we played, unfortunately I got hurt. It’s been a lot of fun so far.

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“I kinda got cornered by the coaches to play, but I’ve always loved it and had a passion for it,” added Vandane.

“It kinda hit me this year, it’s a great way to stay in shape with cardio and all that.

“I decided to play and help me train for the summer.”

With the Raiders last year, he scored 12 goals in 65 games played, and 15 in his 189-game career as a defenceman with the Raiders and the Spokane Chiefs.

But in lacrosse, Vandane was given a lot more opportunities to score. With the Bulldogs, Vandane scored six goals in just two games before getting injured early in his third.

“I like scoring goals. That’s all I’m really about,” said a smiling Vandane. “I love how it’s so intense and so competitive. You get into the offensive zone and you can literally hit anybody. It’s a fast-moving game, if you’re standing still, you’re not doing anything.

“It’s fun, it relates to hockey in a lot ways but it’s different.”

Continuing hockey

This offseason, Vandane signed a tryout contract with the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL. Although he didn’t make the team, Vandane said it was a very valuable experience to attend the camp and see all the things it takes to play professional hockey.

“Going for that week when I was down there, it really opened up a lot of eyes,” said Vandane. “To make that next step, you have to be a little more committed.

“I took a little time off, but I came back and I was training hard and really getting excited for the summer.”

Vandane hopes to continue to pursue his professional hockey options, but has also kept CIS doors open as well.

Fellow 20-year-old Raider Luke Siemens committed to the University of Alberta Golden Bears program earlier this off-season.

“If the contract’s right, I’d like to take the contract and go pro, but if not, it’s always a great backup plan to play in the CIS and pursue my hockey career that way,” said Vandane.

But although he would have like to come back and visit Prince Albert in different circumstances, Vandane was still happy to revisit his hockey home for the past year.

“For sure, I loved it. I had a ton of fun this winter, made a lot of good friends, my billets and a lot of friends and family that way,” said Vandane. “I’m glad to be back, too bad I can’t stay a little bit longer. I’ll have to come back again.”

jdandrea@panow.com

On Twitter: @jeff_dandrea