Jayden Kraus has played in 19 games for the Victoria Royals this season. (Submitted photo/KevinLightPhoto)

By Nolan Kowal

Homecoming

WHL rookie Kraus returns to P.A. as member of Royals

Jan 12, 2024 | 1:00 PM

He’s not yet sure if he’ll be starting in net, but Victoria Royals goaltender Jayden Kraus said his return to his hometown of Prince Albert on Friday will still be special regardless.

“I think it’s going to be a really cool experience, something that I’ve kind of worked toward my whole childhood so it’ll be cool once it’s all real,” said Kraus, as his Royals get set to invade the Art Hauser Centre Friday night for their only meeting with the Prince Albert Raiders this season.

The 17-year-old WHL rookie said he’ll have a lot of family and friends in the stands, and admits the post-game get togethers could get a little bit chaotic.

“I don’t really know how I’m going to see everyone after the game, but it’s going to be so cool to have all the support at the game and get to see a lot of people that I haven’t seen in a while.”

Although Kraus had played in a couple of games with the Royals in past seasons, this is his first full season at the major junior level.

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“It’s been good…I’ve had lots of support around me,” Kraus said. “Obviously playing with [other Royals goaltender] Braden Holt has been awesome…he’s been a fantastic leader for me. Just learning things every day and trying to get better day by day.”

Victoria is one of the top teams in the WHL’s Western Conference with a record of 23-14-2-2.

“At the end of the day I just think it comes down to how much the guys want it,” said Kraus. “Every day they want to get better and they want to be a winning hockey team, so just the motivation between the guys has led to a lot of success here in Victoria.”

Kraus admitted he’s got fond memories of playing at the Art Hauser Centre, particularly during his AAA tenure with the Prince Albert Mintos.

“We had a couple big playoff series and a couple big wins there that I’ll never forget,” he said. “Played a lot of games at the Art Hauser and I’m excited to do it again.”

“My family had season tickets [for the Raiders] and we were a billet family,” Kraus continued. “I’ve definitely shifted which team I like the most nowadays, but yeah it used to be the Raiders.”

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nolan.kowal@pattisonmedia.com