Reece Vitelli, along with overager Brayden Watts, was named as the Best Defensive Forward for the Raiders. (Jeff D'Andrea/paNOW Staff)

By Jeff D'Andrea

Reece’s Pieces and Watts’ the Deal?

Vitelli and Watts split the Best Defensive Forward award

Apr 17, 2020 | 3:08 PM

We have another double-trophy in the Prince Albert Raiders Year-End Awards.

Reece Vitelli and Brayden Watts both split the Best Defensive Forward Award.

Vitelli came over to the Raiders from the Everett Silvertips in the Cole Fonstad trade after the first eight games of the season. The 18-year-old from Winnipeg finished first on the team with 531 faceoffs won and logged a ton of time on the penalty kill.

“It’s truly an honour being acknowledged for this award, since we had so many guys on our team capable also.”

The 20-year-old Watts had a lot of high offensive numbers for the Raiders, with 29 goals and 61 points in as many games. He was also +30, good enough for third on the team in plus-minus. Both Watts and Vitelli had a shorthanded goal in the season.

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“It’s a huge honour to know that our coaching staff and our teammates trust us in every situation of the game,” Watts said. “Having a good 200-foot game is a huge part of being a hockey player. We’re very honoured to receive this award.”

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Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW