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And so it begins again

Sep 21, 2012 | 8:52 AM

The Raiders host the Blades to open the 2012-13 season but it's more than just your average opening night against their biggest rival.

This is the most important season in the Raider tenure of general manager Bruno Campese.

Despite a last place finish that even saw them lose the draft lottery for the first overall pick in the bantam draft, the feeling in the community has been positive over the last six months.

Mind you, credit the organization for making a swift move to eliminate the uncertainty. In addition to picking up the final year options on the contracts of Campese and head coach Steve Young, the board approved a new deal for assistant Dave Manson and the addition of Minto bench boss Tim Leonard which got a big stamp of approval from the hockey community of Prince Albert and area.

The drafting and signing of impressive German import Leon Draisaitl and his showing during training camp and preseason has Raider followers excited. The big centre who is not yet 17 adds depth to an offense that already boasts the likes of Mark McNeill, Anthony Bardero and Dallas Stars second round pick Mike Winther.

A key to secondary scoring will be the contribution of Shane Danyluk. If the 18-year-old can avoid the injury bug that has plagued his first two seasons, the 2nd round bantam selection from the Shusawp could be poised for a breakout campaign.

If fellow 18-year-olds like Logan McVeigh, Chance Braid, and Carson Perreaux get another year better, the offense will be in fine shape.

However, keeping the puck out of the P-A net which happened 312 times last season is the bigger challenge.

The defense, led by Harrison Ruopp and potential first round NHL pick Josh Morrissey should be improved. Morrissey drew rave reviews for his Team Canada under-18 exploits which produced bronze and gold medals in the off-season. Let's not forget his sensational 16-year-old WHL numbers of 10 goals and 38 points last season.

They will be bolstered by the acquisitions of experienced rearguards Shayne Gwinner and Evan Morden, while 19-year-old free agent Zach Hodder should add skill and offense to the blue line. Not to be forgotten is the 20-year-old cannon Antoine Corbin provides from the point.

But again, their success will depend on quick puck movement out of the defensive zone and a commitment to cutting down shots against, particularly rebounds.

In goal, the table is set. Over ager Luke Siemens has proven himself as a number-1 puck stopper while newly acquired Andy Desautels is expected to develop as the back-up following a solid SJHL season in Flin Flon.

On paper, this team looks good and a solid start is crucial in the tough Eastern conference.

However, it will be challenging first month. In addition to the home-and-home series against the Blades who are building toward the Memorial Cup this May as hosts, the Raiders will also face defending champion Edmonton and Calgary, who is also expected to battle for a top-4 spot in the East.

That happens during a four game road trip which wraps up in Kootenay, always a tough place to play.

Early prosperity in the face of a tough schedule to open the 2012-13 season would go a long way to a return to the post season next March.

You can listen to the entire season unfold beginning tonight on 900 CKBI.

dwilson@panow.com

Twitter: RaidersVoice