By Trevor Redden

Pearce poised for sophomore step

Aug 28, 2018 | 5:00 PM

Eric Pearce is looking to get back to his goal scoring ways.

With a full year of WHL experience under his belt, the Raider forward knows what to expect this time around and is ready to hit the ice in stride when the season begins.

“I don’t want to warm up to it like last year. I want to be ready to go and make an impact in game one against the Pats,” Pearce said.

Pearce was selected in the second round, 42nd overall by the Raiders in the 2016 bantam draft following a 51-goal season with the Regina Bantam AA Aces. He was one of just two players in the province to eclipse the 50-goal mark that year along with Minto forward Logan Barlage who is now a member of the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

In his first season as a Raider, Pearce hit the back of the net four times in 49 games, adding a pair of assists for six points. This summer, his focus was on elevating his game to the next level.

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“I just wanted to get a little leaner, so I feel better out there, and I think I accomplished that. I did a lot of power skating this summer to get faster,” Pearce said. “My goal is just trying to move up into the lineup, make more of an impact on the team, and ultimately try to be that guy they look for to get the big goals.”

The Raiders will be looking for internal growth this season to replace the 92 goals scored by Jordy Stallard, Curtis Miske, Regan Nagy, and Vojtech Budik who have all graduated from the WHL. With 18 players from last year’s playoff roster back in camp for this season, everybody will be expected to help pick up the slack.

Despite those few but significant losses, Pearce voiced confidence in the returning leadership group and their ability to help younger players along.

“[Pachal], Kelly, Hayes, Monty, they’ve all been here awhile, and I looked up to them the whole year last year. Just learning everything from them getting into the league, they were great at including me in everything and showing me the ropes,” Pearce said.

“I think it will be a great season.”

Training camp formally concludes Tuesday evening with the annual Green and White game at the Art Hauser Centre at 6 p.m. Admission is two dollars or a non-perishable food item.

The pre-season schedule gets underway on Thursday as the Saskatoon Blades come to town at 7 p.m.

trevor.redden@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Trevor_Redden