It’s nice to be home!!

The six-game hockey/bonding experience for the Prince Albert Raiders has ended for another year.

The sojourn through the U.S. division and Cranbrook netted two wins and an overtime loss meaning five out of a possible 12 points.

That's okay by most standards, but the long term results won't be known for some time. Team chemistry takes time with ten newcomers in the lineup so residual benefits may be forthcoming.

On the ice, the positives include the goaltending duo of Eric Williams and Cole Holowenko. The two 18 year olds are developing into a solid 1-2 punch between the pipes.

The Raiders had a chance to win each game meaning one more big save, one more shot that goes in instead of hitting the post (and there were many on this trip), one fewer penalty or minor mistake at any juncture of the game are the differences between a 2-3-1 trip and a 5-1, or even 6-0 trek.

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However, they are not easy obstacles to overcome. It takes hard work on and off the ice to acquire those difference making skills. Step one is remaining positive, taking lessons learned and applying them. Repetition in practice prevents repetition of the same mistakes.

Williams, Mark McNeill, Brandon Herrod, Justin Maylan and Harrison Ruopp remain the core of this team, as they go, so will the Raiders.

The Raiders top line which includes McNeill and Herrod has gone pointless for three games. Getting those two back on the score sheet will go a long way toward turning those close losses into victories.

Ruopp meanwhile has emerged as the type of punishing defenseman no one wants to play against.

Second year centreman Mike Winther has also stepped up. The 17 year old is developing into a regular contributor on offense playing on a line with Maylan and Todd Fiddler.

Rookie defenseman Josh Morrissey is as advertised. The 16-year-old projected as a franchise player of the future is playing in all situations and playing very well.

Consistency comes with the confidence that emerges from a string of wins, especially in close games that turn into battles to the bitter end.

The Raiders hope to become a team that expects to win every game, and taking the leap from a group that hopes to win when the puck drops is possible, but proof of of that leap as they say will be in the pudding.

The Raiders host Swift Current Friday and the Pats Saturday before ending the week Sunday night in Regina. They are two teams the Raiders need to reel in to make the expected climb up the Eastern Conference ladder.

dwilson@rawlco.com