Newcomers make case for Defence
Newcomers make case for defence
Blue-liner Brendon Wall new to Raiders but no stranger in P.A. arena
JOHN MACNEIL
The Prince Albert Daily Herald
Brendon Wall wasn’t really a stranger when he walked into the Art Hauser Centre this week to join the Prince Albert Raiders.
"My whole life, I’ve played here," said Wall, the 19-year-old defenceman acquired in Monday’s trade with his hometown Saskatoon Blades.
"I played minor hockey in Saskatoon, so I always came here for tournaments. I played (midget) AAA with Beardy’s and we came here quite a bit for league games and the Ice Mania (tournament). And, with the Blades the last couple of years, we visited here often."
But that familiarity with Prince Albert didn’t make his trade to the Raiders any less shocking.
"I was quite surprised, actually, but it’s a good opportunity to come here," said Wall, who made his Raiders’ debut at home Tuesday night in a 4-3 win over the Kootenay Ice.
"I’m looking forward to getting to know all the guys. I think there’s a lot of potential here in P.A."
Wall and rookie defenceman Tyler Yaworski, 17, came to the Raiders in the deal that sent goalie Steven Stanford, 19, to Saskatoon. The Blades are deep on defence, so Wall became expendable.
"It’s hard when they’ve got four guys on the back end that have been drafted or signed (by NHL teams)," said Wall, referring to Stefan Elliott, Sam Klassen, Jyri Niemi and Teigan Zahn.
"I’m happy to be here, though. I’m hoping to provide steady play and log some minutes on defence. Maybe contribute more offensively, if I’m given the chance. And just play solid on the back end for the Raiders. Do whatever they need."
Joins blue-line anchors
The Raiders needed a top-four defenceman to complement workhorses Ryan Button, Nathan Deck and Jordan Rowley, and they believe Wall is the man for that job, said coach and general manager Bruno Campese.
Wall’s first shift as a Raider came in the opening minute of Tuesday’s victory. He played alongside Button, a third-round draft pick of the Boston Bruins.
Wall’s favourite NHL team is Detroit, and he’s a big fan of premier Red Wings defenceman Nicklas Lidstrom.
"I really like the way Lidstrom plays." Wall said. "He’s really smart and he passes the puck well. He thinks the game really well."
Wall, Yaworski and Dalyn Flette – the goaltender acquired from the Brandon Wheat Kings in a separate trade Monday – are with the Raiders on a U.S. road trip that includes five games in eight days, beginning Friday against the Spokane Chiefs.
Wall’s new teammates include four fellow Saskatonians. And his family can still attend his games on a regular basis.
"P.A. is relatively close," Wall said. "It’s only an hour or so down the highway, so it works out well."
Wall suffered a groin injury in late August while training, but he’s been able to play.
"It’s getting better, but it still bothers me once in a while," he said.
