By Jeff D'Andrea

Tkatch to play in first-ever playoff game; Parenteau all-star

Mar 23, 2016 | 5:26 PM

Prince Albert Raiders forward Jordan Tkatch has played 336 games in his WHL career since it began five seasons ago.

But in those 336 games, none of them have been during the playoffs.

In his last year in the WHL, Tkatch will finally get his first taste of the post-season as the Raiders take on the Moose Jaw Warriors this Friday and Saturday at the Art Hauser Centre.

“You want to win, always. I was kind of on some struggling teams, some rebuilding teams when I was younger,” Tkatch said. “To be a contender and to finish where we did (this season), that’s kind of an accomplishment in itself.

“I think it would be special to go a couple rounds, or as far as we can — the Memorial Cup. That would be something ultimate.”

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Tkatch is one of 13 Raiders who could be playing in their first post-season game, not including the affiliate call-ups currently on their roster.

Tkatch said before Wednesday’s practice the pressure hadn’t set in yet, but believes it could be on it’s way.

“I’m sure when the time comes, there’ll be a little bit of nerves. I know there’s a little more (on the line) but at the end of the day, it’s the game I love,” Tkatch said. “I’ve been doing it for how long. I have to keep that in my head, play it like any other game and play like I usually do.”

Tkatch played the first 66 games of the year before getting sidelined March 8 in Red Deer.

Tkatch was able to return for two games before the regular season ended. Raiders head coach Marc Habscheid said it’s beneficial to have Tkatch back into his rhythm heading into the playoffs.

“He’s back to normal. It’s good that we got him in those two games at the end of the season,” Habscheid said. “He was off for a week. Just to get back, there’s nothing like playing. You can ride the bike and you can practice all you want, but you need games to play. He got those in so he’s fine now.”

In their final home game of the regular season, the Raiders announced an attendance of 3,299 — their best crowd of the season and most since 2014. That very well could be a sneak preview of the Art Hauser Centre atmosphere in the postseason.

“I’m not going to lie, this is one of my favourite rinks. When it’s full like that, it’s even better,” Tkatch said. “It’s awesome for the fans to come out like that and support us. I’m sure they will Friday and we really appreciate it.”

“It gives us an extra boost when we need it. It’s so fun to play in that atmosphere — I’m excited.”

Game 1 will be on Friday and Game 2 will be on Saturday at the Art Hauser Centre. Mosaic Place in Moose Jaw will be the host for Games 3 and 4 on Monday and Tuesday. All games start at 7 p.m.

All-Star tenders and awards

Rylan Parenteau was the lone Raider named in the WHL Eastern Conference All-Star Team. Parenteau was named as the conference’s Second Team All-Star. Parenteau was 25-17-5-1 in 55 appearances, with a shutout, .913 save percentage and 2.82 goals against average.

Warriors goaltender Zach Sawchenko was on the First All-Star Team, as were Warrior forwards Dryden Hunt and Brayden Point.

In the WHL Western Conference, former Prince Albert Mintos goaltender Connor Ingram was on the second All-Star team as a member of the Kamloops Blazers.

Prince Albert’s Peter Anholt was named the Eastern Conference’s Executive of the Year. He’s the general manager of the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

Put me in coach

Currently on the Raiders roster are call ups Cole Fonstad, Carson Miller, Evgeni Astrouski, Zack Hayes and Curtis Meger. Miller already has two WHL career goals, his first coming against the Warriors.

jdandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_dandrea