From left to right: Alternate captain Niall Crocker, captain Eric Johnston, and alternate captain Sloan Stanick. (Mike Scissons/Prince Albert Raiders)

By Nolan Kowal

Captain Eric

Raiders announce leadership group ahead of season opener

Sep 20, 2023 | 5:12 PM

Veteran defenceman Eric Johnston will be the captain of the Prince Albert Raiders this season.

The team made the announcement on Wednesday, just two days ahead of their regular season and home opener against the Moose Jaw Warriors on Friday night at the Art Hauser Centre.

Johnston, a Regina native, said he’s excited to carry on the tradition of the players who came before him.

“Just looking back at the veterans that I’ve been through, like Nolan Allan, Reece Vitelli, obviously Evan Herman last year’s captain. I’ve gotten to learn a lot from them and I think I’m ready to take this step on.

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The 19-year-old added that he’ll be vocal in the dressing room while also leading by example.

“Everybody could say that in the room I’m a loud guy, probably get annoyed at me a little bit. But also I’ll lead by example with my work ethic and stuff. Always leading the way and helping the young guys too,” Johnston said.

The Raiders also announced Wednesday that forwards Niall Crocker and Sloan Stanick will be the alternate captains.

“Sloan and Niall, they both could have taken the ‘C’ too,” Johnston said. “That’s the thing about our group is we have a lot of leadership in our group. Very proud of them and well-deserved to those two.”

With multiple returning players on this year’s squad, Johnston said having a more experienced team will be helpful with bringing along the younger players.

“I think just getting the young guys their confidence and getting them as comfortable as possible. I don’t think it’ll be easy but it’ll definitely be better I think this year because of our veteran squad going into the season,” Johnston said.

“We’ll have a more veteran squad that’ll know what it’s like to be in a regular season game because it’s a whole different animal.”

Johnston will be the 48th captain in franchise history.

“When looking at announcing leadership, you’re asking for characteristics of what a Prince Albert Raider is,” said Head Coach Jeff Truitt. “He is extremely hard-working, he is accountable to himself, he holds others accountable, and he has taken guys under his wing and treated everyone so well since he got here. To show his knowledge and show those characteristics are the reasons why Eric Johnston will be our captain this season”.

Puck drop for Friday’s game is 7 p.m.

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nolan.kowal@pattisonmedia.com