Sign up for the paNOW newsletter

Raider vets ready for preseason debut

Sep 8, 2016 | 6:00 AM

It’s about time”

That’s how over-age Raiders centreman Austin Glover feels about getting his skates back on home ice today. He’ll play his first game at the Art Hauser Centre since being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Moose Jaw Warriors five months ago.

Glover, who is one of five 20-year-old’s competing for three overage positions on the roster, said there’s excitement throughout the dressing room heading into their match against their biggest rivals, the Saskatoon Blades.

“It’s nice to get into the swing of things, starting things off in a game against Saskatoon, it will be good,” he said.

Czech born Simon Stransky is also among the core of returning veterans who will be relied upon heavily in 2016-17. The slick stick handling winger said he is getting excited about putting on his Raider uniform for the first time this season.

“Lots of stuff happening in practice, the young guys are here getting into shape, a really exciting time,” Stransky said.

Stransky sensed a developing team chemistry between the remaining veterans and rookies.

“Even last year was really good (for team chemistry), and I hope it’s going to be even better this year and the young guys are really good too.”

Stransky is also getting ready to play for the Boston Bruins in an NHL rookie tournament.

Glover will also suit up for the Dallas Stars.

The product of Clavet, SK said the opportunity to get his first pro experience with the Stars has made him more focused and motivated for Raider training camp.

“It’s kind of nice to have something to work toward I guess, once I’m done in this league (after this season), it’s nice to see some interest,” he said.

Glover and Stransky will be among the veterans in the lineup against the Blades.

The Raiders, who went with primarily a rookie roster last Friday, opened the preseason with a 7-2 loss in Regina.

Saskatoon has two wins and one loss on their exhibition game resume.

The game, which will be broadcast on 900 CKBI, starts at 7 p.m.

The Raiders announced some roster moves Wednesday.

The team traded the rights to forward Trey Fix-Wolansky to the Edmonton Oil Kings for a conditional draft pick.

Forwards Cal Babych and Tyler Maser, as well as defenceman Tyler Lowe have been reassigned, trimming the rost to 30 players.

 

 

dwilson@panow.com

On Twitter: RaidersVoice