By Jeff D'Andrea

Raiders’ Stallard talks about season-ending surgery

Feb 9, 2017 | 4:00 PM

Statistically, Jordy Stallard was playing the best hockey of his WHL career since joining the Prince Albert Raiders after the trade deadline — scoring his first four-game goal scoring streak.

That was abruptly cut shot as Stallard was forced to leave the Jan. 22 contest against his former club, the Calgary Hitmen, with a shoulder injury. Stallard underwent surgery on Monday, ending his 19-year-old season.

“It was rocking news, definitely,” Stallard told paNOW in a phone interview Thursday from his hometown of Brandon, Man. “It was pretty disappointing but that being said, I have to focus on rehab now and focus on getting better for next season.

“The surgery went perfect. It went really well, but obviously I’m pretty sore right now. I’m probably going to be slinged up for about three weeks here, but I’ll jump into rehab as soon as I can.”

Stallard had six goals, 10 points in eight games for the Raiders since coming over from the Hitmen on Jan. 10. Although it’s a small sample size, it’s the only portion of Stallard’s career that he’s averaged more than a point-per-game.

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“That was really good for me in my career,” Stallard said of the trade to Prince Albert. “I was able to jump into a pretty good role, get some confidence and find some good line-mates. We were able to click, so that was pretty good.”

Stallard said there isn’t a firm timetable for his rehab assignment, but offered a three to four-month estimate.

After rehab, Stallard will be attempting to play professional hockey next season despite being eligible to return to the Raiders for another year as a 20-year-old. Stallard was selected by the Winnipeg Jets in the fifth round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.

But although his goal will be to start his pro career, he’s still loyal to the Raiders.

“They’re still my team,” Stallard said. “I watched their game last night against Med Hat and I’m keeping up with some of them.”

More additions on the infirmary

Stallard isn’t the only one on the injury list.

Rookie Carson Miller missed Wednesday’s 3-2 defeat to the Medicine Hat Tigers and will be evaluated for a shoulder injury on Friday. Drew Warkentine was withdrawn from Wednesday’s game due to a lower body injury.

Two more roadies before home return

On Friday, the Raiders will take on the Lethbridge Hurricanes who have points in their last 14 games (11-0-1-2) on the road, before taking on the Kootenay ICE on Saturday.

The Raiders will return home on Feb. 15 to face the Brandon Wheat Kings.

‘Pesky’ Parker Kelly strips the puck and gives it to the streaking Stallard to score against his former team, giving the Raiders a 1-0 lead pic.twitter.com/NIzjaAMlNB

— Jeff D’Andrea (@Jeff_paNOW) January 22, 2017

jdandrea@jpbg.ca

@jeff_paNOW.