Goaltender James Venne has come over to the Prince Albert Raiders from the Medicine Hat Tigers via trade. (Submitted Photo/Broad Leaf Media)

By Rob Mahon

Raiders Add Goalie

Raiders add depth in net, acquire Venne from Medicine Hat

Sep 20, 2022 | 5:15 PM

If there’s one position a hockey team absolutely does not want to find themselves suddenly in need of, it’s between the pipes.

While the Prince Albert Raiders are seemingly set in goal, they’ve added an insurance policy via a trade.

The Raiders announced Tuesday they have acquired 2004-born goaltender James Venne from the Medicine Hat Tigers. Going the other way to Medicine Hat is an eighth-round pick in the 2023 WHL prospects draft.

Venne is no stranger to hockey in Saskatchewan. Not only is he a Saskatoon native who played his minor hockey in that city, but he also played last season in the SJHL with the Melfort Mustangs. In 33 games with the Mustangs, he posted a 2.76 GAA and .898 save percentage. He also ended the regular season with an impressive 17-7-5 record and two shutouts.

“We’re excited to bring James into Prince Albert,” general manager Curtis Hunt said. “He’s coming back home to Saskatchewan, and we’re looking forward to bringing him in and increasing the competition among the team.”

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Both goaltenders from last season for the Raiders, 2004-born Max Hildebrand and 2003-born Tikhon Chaika, have returned for the season ahead. Hildebrand had the most recent start for the team, stopping 20 of 21 shots he faced in a 2-1 preseason victory in Warman over the Saskatoon Blades.

The season opener for the Raiders against the Blades is this Friday, September 23, at the Art Hauser Centre. Game time is 7:00 p.m.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP