By Jeff D'Andrea

Raiders get boost on D-core with Warner and ‘Mack attack’ back

Sep 26, 2014 | 5:15 PM

After surrendering just four goals in their two-game sweep last weekend against the Saskatoon Blades, the Prince Albert Raiders defence core will get even stronger.

They’ll gain two 19-year-old defencemen in Hunter Warner and Mackenze Stewart, who are returning from NHL training camps. Warner attended the Wild’s camp, while Stewart was with the Vancouver Canucks.

Raiders head coach Cory Clouston said that both “should be in the lineup” for Saturday’s game against the Regina Pats, but wishes he could have had some more practice time with them. Both Warner and Stewart left on Sept. 9 and didn’t arrive until this week. Warner didn’t get in until 4 p.m. on Thursday.

“Obviously, they’re going to be important players for us but the tough thing is, they haven’t really been with us for a long time,” said Clouston. “You can say what you want, but when you’re practicing with your own team and your D-pairings, that chemistry is created though practice.

“They missed most of that.”

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The Raiders did get Warner and Stewart into Friday’s practice to prepare in preparation for Saturday’s game.

Warner, a 19-year-old rookie, said that he feels he has a good grip on Clouston’s systems.

“It’s definitely different. I feel everybody has a different system everywhere you go,” said Warner, who played with the USHL’s Fargo Force last year. “I just want to come here with an open mind, adjust well and work hard at everything you do.

“I think I’m adjusting well to the systems, but I guess we’ll see (Saturday) night.”
Stewart, who was Clouston’s Raiders last season, is more worried about increasing his role on the team than having to get used to a new playbook of systems.

“I’m hoping to get more minutes this year and step into a bigger role,” said Stewart. “I’m looking forward to getting the season on the road. I think we’ve got a good team and a bunch of guys that are really clicking right now.

“I just want to get on that train and start the season.”

Warner’s reaction to Wild signing

Whenever Warner didn’t have to play a hockey game himself, he would take a 20 minute trip from his Eden Prairie, Minn., home over to the Xcel Energy Center to watch the Minnesota Wild.

“You’d look around and just say ‘wow, it’d be great to play here someday,’” Warner said.

After Tuesday, that might just happen.

Before they sent him back to the Raiders, the Wild signed Warner to a three-year, entry level contract. Even though he’s back at the Art Hauser Centre, the excitement still hasn’t worn off.

“It’s probably one of the best things that’s ever happened to me,” said Warner, who arrived Thursday afternoon. “It’s just like a thrill. I live 20 minutes from the rink and I grew up watching those guys play. I’ve always dreamed of throwing on a Wild sweater. It’s just a dream come true.”

Injury update

Overage forward Jayden Hart (lower body) has been medically cleared to play for Saturday’s game but since there are three other 20-year-olds on the team, he is not guaranteed to get in the lineup. Clouston said the team would make a decision on which three 20-year-olds would suit up Saturday and who would be the odd man out.

Tim Vanstone (lower body) is listed on the WHL’s weekly report as an “indefinite” return. Clouston said Vanstone is still a few weeks away before he can resume skating.

The Raiders (2-0) will play the Pats (0-2) Saturday at 7 p.m. They’ll also host the Moose Jaw Warriors on Oct. 3, before going to Regina on Oct. 4 for another contest against the Pats.

jdandrea@panow.com

On Twitter: @jeff_dandrea