Raiders forward Reece Vitelli has been named the team's new captain. (Mike Horn/Prince Albert Raiders)

By Rob Mahon

Vitelli Named Captain

Raiders name Vitelli captain, Allan alternate

Dec 8, 2021 | 5:09 PM

From critical faceoffs late in the game to fearless shot blocks to timely goals, Reece Vitelli has brought it all for the Prince Albert Raiders this season. Now he’s officially the head of their leadership group.

The team announced today that in the wake of the trade of captain Kaiden Guhle, they’ve named Vitelli their new captain. The 20-year-old Winnipeg native joined the Raiders early in the 2019-20 season following a trade from the Everett Silvertips.

“It’s a huge honour to be named the Raiders captain this year with the history behind the Raiders organization and how long they’ve been part of the WHL,” Vitelli said in a media release. “It’s truly an honour.”

Vitelli first became part of the leadership group last season during the hub environment in Regina, when he was one of six players to wear an alternate’s “A”. In that season, he posted 22 points in 24 games and played his way onto the radar of the Arizona Coyotes. He attended their rookie camp this offseason and parlayed that into a spot in their main camp.

“Being an older a guy and being in a lot of different experiences in the WHL, I can help the younger guys and lead the way on and off the ice with my play, hard work and dedication,” Vitelli said.

Community support

The Hunger Games return to Prince Albert

1h ago

Raiders win 5-3

Defensive scoring leads Raiders over Wheat Kings

9h ago

GST Holiday

Federal government's two-month GST holiday begins

Dec 14, 2024

This season, Vitelli leads the Raiders in goals with eight and is their second leading point producer with 14 points in 22 games. His other attributes, however, helped secure him the captaincy as he’s shown a willingness to sacrifice his body and an ability to win critical faceoffs. Defending a lead against the Brandon Wheat Kings on November 27, for example, he was out for ten defensive zone draws and won nine of them.

“We are big believers that a team needs a captain,” said Raiders head coach Marc Habscheid. “Joining our team during the shortened season, Reece knows about our culture and what it means to be a Raider. He’s vocal with our group and leads by example.” Habscheid added defenceman Remy Aquilon was also strongly considered for captain and remains a key part of their leadership group.

Vitelli’s move from alternate captain to captain meant there was room for another Raider to move into a leadership role. That player was Nolan Allan. The Chicago Blackhawks first-round pick in 2021 has tied or set career highs in goals and points already this season with two goals and twelve points in 20 games, all while playing the physical, tight defensive style that put him on NHL radars in the first place.

“It’s an honour to join these guys who have already worn letters on our team and follow in their footsteps,” Allan said. “It was a huge learning experience watching them lead.”

Allan and Vitelli will wear their new letters for the first time when the Raiders face the Regina Pats on Friday night in Regina. That game will air on 900 CKBI.

—

rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP