By Jeff D'Andrea

The crowded crease; looking at the Raiders’ race between the pipes

Aug 30, 2015 | 4:24 PM

If they so choose, the Prince Albert Raiders have the rare, luxurious option of returning both of their goaltenders for next season.

Nick McBride, 1997-born goaltender, took over late last season as the Raiders were scratching and clawing to get into the postseason. He played seven of the last 10 games, going 5-1-1 with a .919 save percentage.

The 1998-born Rylan Parenteau had the better overall season’s worth of work, as Parenteau had a .901, save percentage, 3.23 goals against average and 18-19-2-1 record compared to McBride’s .895, 3.41, 13-18-0-1.

But it isn’t a foregone conclusion that their jobs are safe. If nothing else, they will have some competition from the young outsiders, 1999-born Ian Scott and 1998-born Curtis Meger. They’re aware of it, too.

“I have to battle out every single game and show up to every game and practice to prove my spot still,” said Parenteau after the first main camp scrimmage Sunday at the Art Hauser Centre. “I’m still at the same rank as everyone else, I just have a little more experience which is what I’m going to use to my advantage here.”

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Scott was selected by the Raiders ninth overall in the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft, making him the WHL highest goaltender picked since the Tri-City Americans selected Carey Price in 2002. He also attended the Team Canada Under-17 Development Camp roster during the offseason.

Meger led all Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League goaltenders in save percentage (.934), goals against average (1.91) and was tied for shutouts with three playing for the Regina Pat Canadians. He also won the league title with the Pat C’s and helped them finish with a bronze medal at the 2015 Telus Cup.

“For Ian, he’s definitely got the size and the movement which are definitely two big things that you want,” said Parenteau. “And then Meger, he has a resume. He did really well last year in a really long season, so with that kind of experience, that will take you far, too.

“They’re both really good goalies, but I know I am too and so is McBride. It’s going to be right down to the nitty gritty, here.”

Scott’s Midget AAA accomplishments are of note, as well. He finished fifth overall in the Alberta Midget Hockey League in save percentage at .917 with the Calgary Northstars, the only 1999-born goaltender in the top 10, and one of just two in the entire league.

But Scott knows he won’t make the Raiders because he did well with the Northstars, or went to Team Canada development camp or because he has the pedigree of high first-round pick. He has to earn his spot.

“The draft number doesn’t really mean anything to anyone,” said Scott. “But definitely coming into this season, the goal is to play for P.A… Just don’t think too much and play like I know I can play, play like I’ve been told I can play and see what happens.”

Scott watched as his main camp teammate Parenteau played all 60 minutes of the first Raiders main camp scrimmage on Sunday, as Team Green beat Team Gold 5-4. Parenteau made 22 saves on 26 shots, while McBride made 32 saves on 37 shots.

“It went pretty well, it’s always great to get the win,” said Parenteau. “The stats weren’t as great as I hoped, I think the biggest thing there is rebound control. Just controlling those pucks a little better will clean my game up really well.”

Although Scott didn’t get to participate, he got plenty of ice time during the Raiders rookie camp Friday-Saturday.

“I felt pretty comfortable in rookie camp, a lot more comfortable than last year,” said Scott. “The first Dub camp last year was a little nerve wracking. I felt a lot more comfortable going into rookie camp this year knowing I’d play at this level of hockey before and just preparing for main camp.”

Injury notes and looking ahead

Raiders overage defenceman Jesse Lees suffered an upper body injury late in the morning scrimmage. With about two minutes left in the scrimmage, Lees skated across the ice to go to the dressing room and get further evaluated. The severity of the injury is not known as of yet by the team.

Forward Tim Vanstone sat out the opening scrimmage with a lower body injury. He parked a stationary bike near the glass and watched most of the morning scrimmage while he kept his legs loose.

The second Raiders scrimmage will start at 6 p.m. The Green and Gold Inter-Squad Game will be at 7 p.m. on Monday.

jdandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_dandrea