Raiders roll into the future after tireless trading

You can’t blame Raiders general manager Curtis Hunt if he went into temporary hibernation.

Just hearing the word “trade” would likely send the sophomore boss of P.A. hockey operations into a cold sweat and a sprint for the door that would likely challenge Usain Bolt’s 100 m world record.

Hunt closed his transaction book at 4 p.m. Tuesday, several hours after agreeing to the last of his 16 trades since training camp, making him the “Monty Hall” of the WHL as the league’s most frequent trader (not including the Dalton Yorke deal at last May’s Bantam Draft, or the release and return of Kolten Olynek).

When training camp broke last August the Raiders believed they would be in the running for a playoff spot, not the first overall pick in the 2017 Bantam Draft. The change in direction became apparent in the bizarre deal that saw all-star defenseman Brendan Guhle stay in Prince George after being named a star in the game against his soon to be Cougar teammates. It is looking like a great deal for the Raiders, because 17-year-old defenseman Max Martin is already showing signs of being a star of the future and the deal includes a first round draft choice in 2018 which should be a high pick when the Cougars will be rebuilding.

The series of events that resulted in the Dec. 28 departure of overager Austin Glover to Red Deer and the return of 20-year-old Kolten Olynek also had hockey operation heads spinning. Within minutes of finalizing the Glover trade, Olynek came bolting down the hall into the Raider dressing room in Saskatoon with his hockey bag over his shoulder.

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The fact those moves were made at all, let alone the stunning circumstances were unconscionable in August. However they are consistent with calamities that have crushed Prince Albert’s post season prognostications.

The Raider nation is hoping short term pain will lead to long term gain. The youth movement could pay dividends if first impressions are any indication. In addition to Martin, the raw talent and aggression of new acquisition 17-year-old defenseman Brayden Pachal, alone is exciting. The other 17-year-old newbie acquisitions D-Jay Jerome and Adam Kadlec show promise, not to mention Cole Fonstad, Carson Miller and Spencer Moe. The sensational 16-year-olds have been scoring at a pace beyond their tender years. On the backline, Martin and Pachal are joined by Zack Hayes, the big, strong 17-year-old who has been gaining incredible experience since game one of 2016-17.

The organization is also giddy over several signed prospects including defensemen Rhett Rhinehart and Adam Herold as well as forwards Eric Pearce, Nikita Krivokrasov and Justin Nachbaur as well as goalie Brett Balas to name just a few.

Goalie Ian Scott is only 17 and poised to play in the CHL top prospects game. The tall, slender Calgarian is experiencing this season should make him a more proficient puck stopper in perpetuity.

This year’s team is well worth watching to see these young guns improve. The veterans will nurture and mentor these youngsters who in some cases are also likely learning how to shave as well as honing hockey skills. The veteran core has also gotten better. Simon Stransky is a magician with the puck and now has a pair of veteran line mates to set up. Jordy Stallard and Curtis Miske are also solid 20-year-old candidates next season.  

Let’s not forget Kolby Johnson whose energy and positivity is infectious and his unpredictable play on the ice is well worth witnessing.         

The future is also dependant on director of player personnel Ron Gunville and his scouts. The Raiders could have as many as eight picks in the first 67 selection in this spring’s draft in addition to a pair of first rounders in 2018. Curtis Hunt hates the word “rebuilding.” His hope is a tumultuous 2016-17 has laid the foundation toward “building” long term prosperity.  

dwilson@jpbg.ca

On twitter: RaidersVoice