Weekend campout a success

The Raiders spring camp is being hailed a success. Knowing they weren't going to be cutting any of the 26 players, it was a chance for the coaching staff to teach the newbies what to expect when main camp breaks at the end of August.

First round pick Brendan Guhle impressed team brass with his skill and speed from the back line which is what you would hope from a player they had ranked 2nd overall heading into the Bantam draft.

It was surprise that Las Vegas native Gage Quinney decided to come in the first place. The 17-year-old who played in Phoenix last season impressed everyone at Rutherford rink with his ability and is seriously thinking of becoming a Raider.

Quinney has the option of playing in the USHL (The U-S version of major junior hockey) while retaining his American college scholarship eligability, so the fact he is even considering the Raiders is encouraging. The son of former Calgary Wrangler Ken Quinney told me he is impressed with the organization and would like to play in PA.

You can bet GM Bruno Campese will try to pull out all the stops to sign the speedy and skilled winger who scored a hilite reel goal Sunday, splitting the defense and going forehand-backhand-top corner at high speed.

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If Quinney becomes a Raider it would be a major coup for Campese and company.

Director of player personel Dale Derkatch said he likes the team's depth after watching players from the last three draft classes mixed with list players and estimates up to six who skated last weekend have solid shots at cracking the opening night lineup.

He feels 17-year-olds like Quinney and 2010 3rd round pick Micheal Lorange have legitimate shots. Derkatch also liked what he saw from 16-year-old forwards Reid Gardiner, Tim Vanstone and Spencer Meyer, while 17-year-old defenseman Tyler Dea should also make a serious bid.

Main camp will be a huge step up from last weekend but the spring campers have three months to prepare for the challenge.

The spring camp was highly competitive, pointing to the prospect of an even more competitive main camp which is what this team needs coming off a disappointing last place finish.

Returning veterans went home in March with a warning to be ready to compete and based on spring camp, there are several players who appear skilled and hungry enough to take their jobs.

Optimism reigns supreme after spring, rookie and even main camps, but signs of significant improvement won't really be apperent until the Raiders start playing for points.

Derkatch is excited about the long term future based on what he saw on the weekend, while the entire staff and fan base hope for the same level of excitement in the immediate future.

dwilson@panow.com