By Jeff D'Andrea

Raiders Lange with crazy start; still hassled by teammates

Oct 1, 2014 | 4:55 PM

If there would be one guy on the Prince Albert Raiders that could be untouchable from pranks, it’s Sawyer Lange.

He’s the 20-year-old hometown hero, proudly wears an assistant captain’s ‘A’ for the Raiders this year. Despite being a defenceman, he actually leads the Raiders in points, with five in the Raiders’ first three games.

But as shown by Tomas Andrlik before Wednesday’s practice, nobody on the Raiders is safe from shenanigans.

Andrlik, Lange’s defensive pairing no less, made sure he was in the P.A. boy’s line of sight and did his best to distract him during interviews.

“Go away Tomas!” Lange said as his face reddened.

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After a couple tries and a scurry down the hall away from the mischievous Czech, Lange finally got a chance to gather his thoughts.

He talked about how glad he is to be one of the three remaining 20-year-olds on the Raiders this year, especially considering they entered the year with seven. The Raiders were with four at the start of training camp, but went down to three on Monday, sending Calder Brooks to the Spokane Chiefs.  

“It’s obviously disappointing to lose a good friend like Calder Brooks, but it’s kinda nice to that we’re settled in with our three 20’s and we can just calm down, relax and play the game,” said Lange, who wears an ‘A’ for the team. “I’m excited to be an older guy and leader on the team this year.

“I feel like our team has grown a lot in the years that I’ve been here and I’m excited to see what we can do this season.”

Lange has done quite a bit so far in the season’s early days, scoring a Raider-best five points in the team’s three games. He’s also tied for second in points among WHL defencemen and only Duck Lake’s Ryan Pilon has more (six points in four games with the Brandon Wheat Kings).

And Lange has done all this without his D-partner last year, scoring machine Josh Morrissey. But Lange said he’s been able to benefit offensively, especially on the power play.

“(Morrissey) was a key guy on the power play last year and he was a go-to guy in getting pucks to the net from up top,” said Lange. “I’ve stepped into that role this year for us, so far, I’ve been able to get pucks through and they’re finding their way on net and guys are getting in front of the net and banging pucks in.

“I’ve gotten quite a few points from that already.”

Both of Lange’s assists in Saturday’s 4-3 loss to the Regina Pats came on the power play. He set of Jayden Hart beautifully in the high slot, where he ripped a bar-down rocket, the other was point shot tipped by a screening Jordan Tkatch.

Tkatch and Lange teamed up quite a bit when they both suited up for the 2010-2011 Prince Albert Mintos Midget AAA club.

“I’ve known him a few years now,” said Lange. “I’ve lost touch with him over the last couple of years with him playing in PG in different conferences and stuff like that. Haven’t kept up much, but it’s nice to be playing with him again.

“He’s a good guy to have in the room. We’re glad to have him.”

Despite all the ribbing he gets, the Raiders would say the same of Lange, too.

jdandrea@panow.com

On Twitter: @jeff_dandrea