Brayden Watts skates in his first practice with the Raiders on Thursday at the Art Hauser Centre. (Jeff D'Andrea/paNOW Staff)

By Jeff D'Andrea

Watts Going On

Watts the deal; newest Raider already pretty familiar with the team

Sep 26, 2019 | 4:26 PM

Brayden Watts may be the newest face in the Prince Albert Raiders’ dressing room, but he’s already shared the ice quite a bit with most of the team.

Watts was a part of the Vancouver Giants squad, who took the Raiders to overtime in Game 7 of the 2019 WHL Championship Series back in May. The Raiders acquired Watts from the Giants on Tuesday for a fifth round pick in the 2021 WHL Bantam Draft.

“It’s definitely different, but I’m excited for the opportunity that they’ve given me,” Watts said. “I’m excited to get things going.”

The 20-year-old forward from Bakersfield, Calif., played in all seven grueling games in the series and had two goals and an assist.

Watts’ best game was Game 5 on May 10 in Langley, B.C., as he scored a goal and an assist to help his Giants stave off elimination and move the series back to Prince Albert.

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Playing at the Art Hauser Centre was a challenge for opposing teams coming in, but Watts said he loved it and is looking forward to hearing those cheers again.

“It was electric. This town is amazing for hockey. I’ve heard nothing but good things and I’m really excited,” Watts said. “It was crazy. When we played, we tried to use the energy to our advantage, but definitely, it went to P.A.’s advantage.”

His familiarity with the Raiders goes even deeper than last year’s finals. In his career, Watts has faced the Raiders 26 times. Most of those came when he was with the Moose Jaw Warriors, with whom he started his WHL career with back in 2015 before a move to the Giants at the 2017 deadline.

Watts was one of five 20-year-olds the Giants started the year with, and ended up being scratched for both of their games on opening weekend. He said he was glad to have Raiders general manager Curtis Hunt take him out of that situation and give him a chance to play.

“Everyone knows I sat out the first two games, which was really tough in my 20-year-old year. It’s just the situation we were in, but I’m really fortunate to have the Raiders gave me the opportunity.

The acquisition of Watts, that brings the Raiders up to four overagers on their current roster. Defenceman Zack Hayes is still with the Anaheim Ducks. As for players with the Raiders, the addition of Watts makes up three alongside a pair of blueliners in Max Martin and Jeremy Masella.

At least in the meantime, Watts will likely settle into the team’s top-six forward unit. In his first practice with the team on Thursday, Watts skated on the second line with Ilya Usau and Spencer Moe.

“I think I bring a strong, two-way game. I think that can complement the lineup really well,” said Watts, who will wear no. 27 for the Raiders. “I’ll fit in just fine.”

Watts and the rest of the Raiders will travel to Regina on Friday to take on the Pats, before returning home on Saturday to play the Winnipeg ICE for the first time since they moved from Cranbrook, B.C.

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Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW