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Budik back from Buffalo, Reagan a Raider, Rylan returning

Sep 28, 2016 | 4:46 PM

Prince Albert Raiders defenseman Vojtech Budik just returned from his first main NHL training camp with the Buffalo Sabers, but he seemed happy to be home. Before Wednesday’s practice at the Kinsmen Arena, his face lit up when asked about being a Raider once again.

“I’m so excited for the season, for the game on Friday,” the 18-year-old Czech defenceman said, adding he’s all geared up for the home contest against the Swift Current Broncos. “It’s going to be fun.”

Budik was drafted in the fifth round by the 2016 NHL Entry Draft by the Sabres, like fellow Raider defenceman Brendan Guhle who went in the second round in 2015. They both attended camp together and Budik said it was nice to see a familiar face in the crowd.

Guhle remains in Buffalo for the time being, but the Raiders’ newest addition Cameron Reagan is hoping he’ll come back sooner rather than later.

Reagan, who the Raiders acquired from the Kamloops Blazers on Monday, Sept. 26 for a conditional draft pick, has played a lot of hockey with Guhle.

They both grew up in Sherwood Park, Alta, were on the same bantam and midget teams and played in the 2012 Western Canada Under-16 Challenge Cup.

“It would definitely be a pretty cool feeling to play with one of your really good buddies again,” 19-year-old Reagan said.

Reagan broke in with the Kamloops Blazers as a call-up in the 2013-14 season and played 99 regular season games. He’s a former fourth round pick and has seven career assists.

Reagan didn’t play in either of the Blazers’ opening two games of the season.

“I didn’t play because I went home for family issues, and they had lots of D-men there and they felt they needed to move me for me to play more,” Reagan said. “It’s a business, no hard feelings to them or to me—I’m happy to be here.

“I’m real excited to start the season here. It’s a great town, I know they love their hockey and I’ve heard good things about it so I’m really excited.”

With the return of Budik and the addition of Reagan, the Raiders blueline now looks more secure.

After the opening period of Friday’s season opener against the Regina Pats, the Raiders only had five healthy defencemen after Loch Morrison took a knock and Cody Paivarinta was already battling a lower body injury.

They needed to add 15-year-old defenceman Adam Herold just to make a full defensive core in Saturday’s 4-2 loss at home against the Pats.

Raiders head coach Marc Habscheid said the additions will better their defense and take the pressure off the youngsters in the lineup.

“We can get the young guys playing the minutes they should be playing and getting them in situations where they’re more comfortable,” Habscheid said. “They did a real good job, I’m not saying they don’t move up in the lineup, but we just needed a little help due to injuries. We have a few older guys now, so that will help us out.”

On Wednesday’s practice, held at the Kinsmen as opposed to their normal stomping grounds at the Art Hauser Centre due to ice maintenance, Paivarinta participated but Morrison was still in street clothes.

“[Paivarinta] is close, he’s probably day-to-day now, so we’ll see how it goes,” Habscheid said. “He may or may not be available on the weekend.”

“[Morrison] is going through the protocol and we’ll see. When the doctor says he’s ready, then he’ll be ready. He’s day-to-day right now.”

Returning Rylan

Raiders’ general manager Curtis Hunt said during Wednesday’s practice the Raiders will get their goaltending workhorse back this season.

Hunt said 20-year-old Rylan Parenteau is expected to arrive in Saskatoon Wednesday evening, after attending Vancouver Canucks training camp.

The only players who have yet to return from NHL camps are sniper Reid Gardiner (Pittsburgh Penguins) and power play point man Brendan Guhle (Buffalo Sabres).

 

jdandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_dandrea