By Trevor Redden

Scottsdale’s Sottile seizes opportunity in Saskatchewan

Sep 29, 2017 | 12:00 PM

From Scottsdale to Spokane to Saskatchewan, hockey keeps taking Prince Albert Raiders forward Brock Sottile all over North America.

Sottile grew up in Calgary but moved to Scottsdale, Arizona in his youth, receiving his dual citizenship earlier this year. The 18-year-old forward expected to keep an American address this winter as he went to training camp with the Spokane Chiefs, but a trade early last week meant it was time to dust off his Canadian passport and head for northern Saskatchewan.

Acquired by the Raiders last Tuesday, it was right into the action for Sottile as he was in the lineup on opening night at the Art Hauser Centre three days later. The next night, he picked up his first assist on a beautiful stretch pass that Devon Skoleski converted into the team’s first goal of the season in Moose Jaw.

“It’s nice getting up here and getting things going, fitting in with the team, learning the new systems, and just getting a feel for what P.A. is all about,” Sottile said. “(The trade came) as a bit of a shock to me. I think the biggest difference so far is the weather. It’s definitely a little colder up here, a little different scenery, but I’m happy to be back in Canada.”

The 6’0”, 180 lbs forward made the jump to junior hockey last year, appearing in 34 games with the Calgary Mustangs in the Alberta Junior Hockey League. Although the Mustangs finished in the basement of the junior ‘A’ league, Sottile acclimated himself to the game with nine points and 93 penalty minutes in his rookie season.

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“I think it was an easy jump for me just because I kind of strive towards a physical game. I skate well and I enjoy the corners, I think it was just a little adjustment on the speed of the game but I felt I fit in well,” he said.

As for this season, it’s another step as he makes the transition to the Western Hockey League, but so far, he’s finding his stride.

“I think there’s a jump, and I’m adjusting well. I think the game’s faster, the passes are always on the tape, and everybody has a shot up here that’s dangerous so you’ve got to respect it. All in all, I think the game’s the same we’re not reinventing the wheel, and I’ve just got to do my role.”

Raiders host Hitmen, Tigers this weekend

After a pair of losses to the Moose Jaw Warriors on opening weekend, the Raiders are back in action for two home games beginning tonight against the Calgary Hitmen.

The Hitmen come to town with a 1-1 record after an opening weekend series split against the Kootenay Ice. Calgary outscored the Ice 5-4 over two games.

On Saturday, it’s the Medicine Hat Tigers making their first appearance of the season at the Art Hauser Centre after a Friday night contest in Saskatoon. The Tigers split a pair of games against the Lethbridge Hurricanes last weekend, outscoring Lethbridge 6-5. During Saturday’s game the Raiders will be wearing Don Cherry inspired sweaters, which are available for purchase online or at the rink this weekend, with proceeds benefiting the Saskatchewan branch of the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

The Raiders are not expected to see any relief on the injury front this weekend, as goaltender Ian Scott and defencemen Austin Crossley remain out. Forward Justin Nachbaur will serve the final game of a three-game suspension tonight, and will be eligible for his WHL regular season debut Saturday.

Prince Albert trimmed the roster by two players on Thursday, announcing the release of 19-year-old forwards Drew Warkentine and Kolby Johnson.

Friday’s game can be heard live on XFM 101.5, and Saturday’s contest will be broadcast on 900 CKBI. Puck drops at the Art Hauser Centre at 7 p.m. both nights, with pre-game on air at 6:30 p.m.

trevor.redden@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nedderrovert