The Prince Albert Raiders will again play on Big River First Nation this coming preseason. (submitted photo/Mark Peterson Media)

By Rob Mahon

Preseason Schedule

Raiders to face Blades in Big River rematch

Jun 26, 2023 | 5:00 PM

Before the start of the 2022-23 season, the Prince Albert Raiders and Saskatoon Blades renewed their rivalry in the preseason on Big River First Nation. Before the start of the 2023-24 season, they’ll do it again.

The Raiders released their preseason schedule today, and they’ll start it off at the Jim Neilson Sports Complex, the opening of which they were part of last season. That game will be on September 6 and will be one of four preseason games the team plays.

“They were working around the clock to complete the facility,” said Raiders general manager Curtis Hunt. “They did absolutely everything to accommodate us in any way. We were able to experience education and cultural activities… It was a tremendous experience for all of us. We’re excited to go back.”

The Raiders won the last meeting in Big River by a 6-3 count, highlighted by a pair of goals from eventual rookie of the year Ryder Ritchie. Off the ice, the day was just as big of a success.

“The folks there have taken us in and rallied around the rivalry with Saskatoon,” Hunt said. “It’s an opportunity to experience the Western Hockey League.”

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In addition to that game in Big River, the Raiders will have another neutral site game in Warman against the Blades to close the exhibition schedule out on Sept. 16. It’s a good chance for young players to play in front of a large crowd before appearing in their first official WHL games.

“When you’re a young player and all of a sudden you show up and it’s full and you’re getting asked for autographs, it’s pretty special,” said Hunt. “I think it humbles us right away. They can appreciate the role they have to play not only within that community while they visit but within ours as well.”

On the ice, the Raiders will have lots of evaluation to do. Some prime roster spots are open with the graduation of three 20-year-old players, and several rookies from the 2022 and even 2023 draft classes will get a chance to show their skills.

“You can’t duplicate having an opponent you don’t know versus an opponent you do know from a scrimmage to an exhibition game,” Hunt said. “All of them are progressive steps. They are chaotic because we’re really starting the process to get on the same page, finding combinations of lines, partners, and special teams. There’s a lot of teaching going on early.”

The Raiders also announced their home opener today. That will take place on Friday, September 23 when they host the Moose Jaw Warriors.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP