Derkatch leaving the Raiders to join the Leafs

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“I sat down with my wife and my family, it seemed like a good opportunity for me, it fits our lifestyle and family life. It’s a new challenge and I’m really looking forward to it.”

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MacKenze Stewart and Brendan Guhle are among players drafted and signed to NHL contracts under Derkatch’s watch. He said he’s proud of the team’s improving track record during his tenure.

“I think if you were to compare it to most teams in the Western Hockey League, I think we’re above average,” said Derkatch. “I think after about five or six teams we are the next team in line to have a lot of players drafted, or the next most drafted in the Western Hockey League.”

He was also pleased with the Raiders 2015 bantam draft picks after watching them perform at the rookie and main training camps that wrapped up with Monday’s intrasquad game.

“I thought it might have been the most skilled group we’ve had come in (to training camp),” said Derkatch.

The former WHL star with the Regina Pats, who had a highly successful 13-year pro career in Europe before becoming a scout, said the new batch of Raider rookies more than held their own.

“I, for the most part, could not tell the difference between our young players and the veterans when it came down to the main camp,” said Derkatch. “I understand the veterans know who the younger guys are and may not have been fully engaged, but when it comes to skill I thought our young guys were right in there.”

Garrett Clegg came in as the team’s seventh round draft choice and scored a training camp leading six goals.

Derkatch was a head coach at Notre Dame College and with the Regina Pats, as well as a scout with the Washington Capitals, before joining the Raiders.

The 51-year-old said he will take many fond memories with him from his time with the Raiders, thanking former GM Bruno Campese for the opportunity, and the scouts for their hard work.

Assistant Director of Player Personnel Ron Gunville will take over Derkatch’s responsibilities in the interim until a search for a successor can be conducted. Gunville is entering his third year with the Raiders after previously serving as a scout for the Prince George Cougars.

dwilson@jpbg.ca