By Jeff D'Andrea

Raiders’ Euros hit the Art Hauser ice for the first time

Aug 24, 2011 | 6:27 AM

Meet the two new Europeans on Prince Albert Raiders, Norwegian, 18-year-old, forward Jonas Knutsen and 17-year-old defenceman Kristaps Bazevics from Latvia.

Knutsen was the first Euro picked by the Raiders this year, drafted 18th overall in the WHL European Draft and said he’s ready to get his WHL career started.

“I’m really excited, hope we can come along and just win all the time,” said Knusten.

The Raiders scouted Knutsen primarily at the U18 World Championships, scoring three goals in six games for Team Norway.

Although Knutsen admitted that playing on the small North American ice surface will be an adjustment, his style of play fits in well.

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“I think that, but I like small ice, more shots, more hits, everything (goes) faster,” said Knutsen. “(I play) kind of a hard style, and I like to go to the net.”

The ice surface won’t be much of an issue for Bazevics, who was selected by the Raiders just six picks after Knutsen at 24th overall.

Bazevics, who just turned 17 on Aug. 2, played his bantam hockey in California with the Los Angeles Selects, so he`s had that experience recently.

“I think it will help,” said Bazevics.

After his season in California, Bazevics went up to participate in a summer boot camp with former NHL Jamie Huscroft, who also coached the Spokane Chiefs as an assistant from 2002-2004.

He said he put in a full-days’ worth of work in terms of working out, spending an hour and a half in the weight room with Huscroft, an hour on-ice session with the game and another 3-4 hours of private ice by himself.

Now in Prince Albert, Bazevics has certainly logged a lot of frequent flyer miles over this past year, but said he’s been able to adapt to his new locations well.

“I travelled a lot, so it’s alright,” said Bazevics. “I’m kind of used to this.”

The two Euros are the only two listed by the Raiders as Belarusian Igor Revenko is now 21 and Slovakian Michal Hlinka was released by the team.

jdandrea@panow.com