By Wes Gilbertson /
Brent Raedeke never expected to be growing two playoff beards in one season.
Here’s hoping the second one lasts a bit longer than the first.
“I actually just shaved two days ago, so it’s just coming in a bit of five o’clock shadow,” Raedeke said. “But I’m not going to be shaving it for the rest of playoffs, as long as we are in.”
Although the Edmonton Oil Kings were swept out of the Western Hockey League playoff picture in four straight games, Raedeke’s quest for a championship ring isn’t over yet.
Just five days after the provincial rival Calgary Hitmen spoiled the Oil Kings’ post-season party, Raedeke packed his gear and joined the Detroit Red Wings’ minor-league affiliate in Grand Rapids, Mich., where he’ll gain some valuable experience as the Griffins chase an American Hockey League crown.”
It’s obviously a dream come true to play pro hockey that’s what I’ve wanted to do since I started playing,” said Raedeke, a Regina-native. “Getting in a few games and getting some experience right now, as a young guy, it’s awesome. It’s lots of fun.”
Raedeke, who was passed over in the 2008 NHL Draft, knows all about making the most of his opportunities.
He scored an invite to Red Wings rookie camp, where he impressed with his combination of work ethic and skill, then held his own against the likes of Nicklas Lidstrom, Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg at main camp.
Raedeke inked a three-year entry-level contract with the Wings and returned to Edmonton, where he potted 19 goals and added 36 assists in 70 regular-season outings.
Now, the 19-year-old winger is rubbing shoulders literally with grizzled veterans of the pro game.
Led by all-star netminder Jimmy Howard and four-time Stanley Cup champion Darren McCarty, the Griffins have set their sights on a trip to the Calder Cup final.
For the Oil Kings, simply punching a ticket to the WHL’s spring showdown was a step in the right direction.
Steve Pleau’s squad topped the Prince Albert Raiders in a win-or-go-home tie-breaker to grab the eight seed in the Eastern Conference and the right to battle the high-flying Hitmen.
“Because it was our first year making the playoffs, it was obviously a big deal for us,” Raedeke said. “Playing in that tie-breaker game against P.A. and winning in overtime was unbelievable and then getting to the playoffs was an incredible experience for us. I think only two or three guys on our whole roster had ever played a game in the playoffs, so it was exciting.”
It was tough that we played Calgary in the first round, but I think we gained a lot of experience and confidence from going through adversity and I think it will only make us better next year.”
While Raedeke is thrilled to be getting a taste of the professional ranks he was held off the scoresheet in two regular-season outings he’s just as excited to be back in an Oil Kings jersey next fall.
The good news for Major Junior fans in the provincial capital is that most of his buddies will be back, too.
Oil Kings co-captains Brenden Dowd and Jeff Lee and steady blueliner Brandon Lockerby will graduate from the Dub, but star netminder Torrie Jung headlines the list of players eligible to return for another season at Rexall Place.
Raedeke, Brett Breitkreuz, Craig McCallum and shifty Czech Tomas Vincour will anchor the offence, while up-and-coming rearguards Mark Pysyk and Adrian Van de Mosselear will only get better with age.
“I’ve already talked to lots of guys and they’ve told me, even a week after the season, they can’t wait to get back at it next year,” Raedeke said. |