Click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Raiders decide which three 20-year-olds to keep on the roster

Sep 29, 2015 | 4:53 PM

The Prince Albert Raiders coaching staff has settled their overage situation.

The hockey club announced Tuesday its three 20-year-old roster spots will be filled by Jesse Lees, Jordan Tkatch and Hunter Warner.

“We talked about it and we just felt this was best for the organization at this time,” said head coach Marc Habsheid. “We’re fortunate we had four overage players who were good players and good people.”

Their decision means Craig Leverton has gone home to his family in Debden until the future of his hockey career is decided.

In his two seasons with the Raiders, Leverton played 120 games. In that time, he had 24 goals and 37 assists for a total of 61 points. The left winger was picked up from the Lethbridge Hurricanes in September 2013.

“He’s been a big part of the organization,” said Habsheid. “He’s a smart player, he’s good with the puck and he’s a good person so we wish him nothing but the best.”

Less than a week ago, Habsheid told paNOW they were not looking forward to making the tough decision on which 20-year-olds to keep.

“Sometimes hockey is a great game and sometimes it stinks,” he said. “Usually we are trying to keep the best three that fit our situation because some teams have more depth on defense, forward or goaltending, so you try to fill your need.”

On Tuesday, he reiterated how much position played into their choice, with Lees and Warner both crucial to defence.

Besides that, Tkatch, the other remaining 20-year-old, had two goals and three assists against Saskatoon over the weekend.

“It wasn’t what Craig didn’t do, it was more what the others did do and their positions,” said Habshied.

The Raiders host Vancouver Friday and Medicine Hat on Saturday.

A children’s ticket will be offered for free with the purchase of an adult ticket.

For tickets, visit the Raiders’ website (Raiderhockey.com) or call 764-5348.

According to the coaching staff, the roster now includes 25 players, including three goaltenders, seven defencemen, and 15 forwards.

 

news@panow.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow