McNeill and Ruopp, the new faces of the new Raiders

Mark McNeill and Harrison Ruopp will not only be two of the go to guys on the ice with the Raiders this coming season, they are also today's public face of the team heading into training camp.

After returning from their respective NHL development camps, the hulking 18 year old's spent an entire day doing media interviews, recoring radio and TV commercials and interacting with some of the team's business clients. That was the morning after representing the team in the annual Prince Albert Exhibtion parade. McNeill and Ruopp mingled with fans of all ages with the poise of seasoned veterans.

The buzz about the Raiders around P.A. has been extremely positive since the memorable six game series against Saskatoon, their first post season foray in four years. And why not? McNeill and Ruopp are part of the young core of a team with hopes of goalie Eric Williams and forwards like Mike Winther, Shane Danyluk and Austin Connor also being another year better. McNeill finished second on the team in goals and points with 32 and 81 respectively. McNeill's season earned the two year WHL veteran with a pro ready body and a game that isn't far behind, a first round selection by the Chicago Blackhawks, the Raiders highest NHL pick since 2004. The other top scorers Jonathan Parker, Brandon Herrod and Justin Maylan are all elibagle to come back as overagers.

If veterans Antoine Corbin, Tyler Yaworski and rookie Josh Morrissey can step up in the abscence of graduating defensemen Nathan Deck and Jordan Rowley, the Raiders should be in a position to move up the Eastern Conference ladder. The Phoenix Coyotes are among those who feel Ruopp can be a big physical big time back line minute muncher in the dub, as they selected the farm boy from Zehner in the third round.

Parker, who attended the Buffalo Sabres development camp also had a pro playoff cup of coffee with the ECHL's Bakersfield Condors while Herrod has been invited to the Phoenix Coyotes rookie camp. Corbin is heading to the San Jose Sharks rookie camp next month. So the Raiders are also back on the minor pro and NHL radar screens.

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The key for the Raiders will be a solid start to keep the positive vibes flowing for a franchise that gave fans a strong finish including playoff experience to talk about and didn't lose a boat load of money for the first time since 2007.

The next chapter will begin Aug. 25 when training camp breaks with the preseason opening on the 31 at home against the Saskatoon Blades.

Hockey is back!!!!

dwilson@rawlco.com