The Raiders wrap up a turbulent first half

The Raiders will head home for Christmas break after this weekend's home and home series against the rebuilding Regina Pats.

The first half certainly did not go according to the script laid out by Coach and GM Bruno Campese and his staff. The team's backbone was supposed to be its defence anchored by 20-year-old co-captains Jordan Rowley and Nathan Deck. Rowley missed 16 games after breaking his wrist in a fight with former Blades tough guy Curt Gogal in the season opener. Before Rowley's return, Deck went down for 12 games following a knee-on-knee collision Oct. 22 against Medicine Hat.

Joining his fellow 20 year old's in the mash unit was Igor Revenko who sat out seven games with an abdominal ailment only to injure his knee five games into his return Dec. 4 in Lethbridge. Igor should be back in the line-up Dec. 29 when the second half starts at home against Saskatoon.

While Raider brass is not offering injuries as an excuse, they were a factor in a seven-game losing streak and run of just one win in a 13 game span that spun the Raiders down the Eastern Conference standings. Struggling specialty teams especially at home were also a major contributor. The Raiders spent much of the first half with the worst home ice power play and penalty kill numbers in the WHL.

The P.A. boys can make the playoffs in a parity laden (sometimes parody laden) Eastern Conference if they remain healthy. You have to assume Rowley and Deck will keep improving as they play more games to compliment the offensive resurgence of Ryan Button from the back line. A healthy Igor Revenko needs to catch fire. Igor's second half this season will have to resemble last year’s first half when the bashful Belarusian scored 18 goals in the first 30 games.

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Meanwhile in goal, Jamie Tucker, rookie Eric Williams or both will have to pull out some “Zemlakian” type performances following in the fabulous footsteps of last year's MVP Garrett Zemlack who has graduated to the pro ranks.

If the first half is any indication, the Raiders will provide us with a lot of fun and frustration.

Meanwhile, some thoughts from the 40th anniversary game against Everett. On the ice the 5-1 victory was one of the best Raider performances of the season. The pre-game ceremony was magical. The parade of the now retired Centennial and current Memorial Cups to centre ice by players on those championship teams brought back memories that will be etched in Raider annals forever. It was also fitting to honour the past presidents on hand.

There was a crowd of just over 2,400, which is an excellent turn out on any ordinary night. However, this was the night honouring the franchise for five National championships. Legendary Coach Terry Simpson headlined a long list of Alumni on hand. A sell out should have been a slam dunk. The Raiders are respected and in some corners revered for their accomplishments when you get to chat with fans from other WHL cities.

Hats off to the faithful core of fans who continue to support the team and share that view. It too bad more people in the city don't appear to feel the same way.

dwilson@rawlco.com