Lukas Dragicevic was one of the major additions the Raiders made in the offseason. (Tri-City Americans)

By Nick Nielsen

Offensive Minded Defenceman

Getting to know the Raiders: Lukas Dragicevic

Aug 29, 2024 | 12:51 PM

After being acquired by the Raiders near the end of July, former Tri-City Americans assistant captain Lukas Dragicevic is excited to get started with the Raiders this season. Originally from Richmond, BC, Dragicevic was acquired by the Raiders along with Eric Kahl in exchange for Terrell Goldsmith, Grady Martin, Nathan Preston, and a 2025 third round pick.

Known as an offensively-gifted defenceman, the 19-year-old brings an offensive attack from the blueline that isn’t found in many other defenceman in the WHL.

“I’d say I’m an offensive puck- moving defenceman. I like to make plays, I like to create offence but I’m also someone that works hard in the d-zone. My defence is something that has gotten better over the years and it’s something I definitely take pride in now.”

Dragicevic was drafted in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft in the second round, 57th overall by the Seattle Kraken, and he signed his entry level contract in March. He also played three games in the AHL with the Flint Firebirds, where he managed to earn his first point in professional hockey when he got an assist. While it is a weight off his shoulders to have the entry level deal signed, Dragicevic said that his focus is entirely on Prince Albert and making something happen here.

“It’s nice to have but there’s still lots of work to do. It doesn’t mean too much right now, I still want to win games here and continue to do the best that I can for this team. There’s lots of improvement to go.”

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Coming to the Raiders reunites Dragicevic with Niall Crocker. The two grew up playing hockey against each other and even played on the same Delta Hockey Academy U15 team in Delta, BC during the 2018-29 season.

“We’ve known each other for a really long time now, we grew up playing against each other and with each other. He’s one of the guys that texted right away when I got traded and someone that’s helped me get familiar with Prince Albert.”

When it comes to who has helped Dragicevic along his hockey journey so far, he’s very appreciative of his family’s support in his hockey career. While he’s playing even further away from home than before, he still feels the support of his family here in Saskatchewan.

“I’d just say my family, my mom, my dad, my sister, everybody that’s been a part of my family growing up, all my relatives have just been super awesome towards me.”

Dragicevic has only been in Prince Albert for a few weeks before the start of camp, but he’s excited to be a part of the Raiders and find out what Raider fans have to offer when home games start.

“My billets have been really good, the guys have been really welcoming towards me, the coaches have been great, all the staff here have been really welcoming so so far it’s been really good.”

Dragicevic will be a part of team Pachal for the Raiders camp starting on Saturday, August 31. The Raiders first preseason game is set for Wednesday, September 4 in Prince Albert against the Saskatoon Blades.

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nick.nielsen@pattisonmedia.com