Raiders Limp Out of Preseason, Continue to Stumble as Regular Season Begins

As we kick off the SMJHL season, things are not looking positive for the Halifax Raiders. Their preseason was an unmitigated disaster, with the first place Vancouver Whalers more than doubling their last place thirty seven points. The Raiders managed the unenviable feat of finishing last in both goals scored and goals allowed, at 110 and 170 respectively, and posted a differential of -60, worst in the preseason by 42 points.

Opening night did not bring any reason for optimism, as the Raiders took a tough 6-2 loss to the St. Louis Scarecrows, with Dermot Lavelle putting up an impressive five points (1G 4A). Two tough closes losses followed again the Detroit Falcons and Colorado Mammoths, and the Raiders are coming in to their fourth game, at home against the Kelowna Knights, still looks for their first win.

Some are wondering if starting goaltender Ben Holtby is playing hurt, after he posted a 0.876 save percentage in the preseason, and 0.872 in three regular season games. This seems like a kneejerk reaction however, as the Raiders have come into the season with eleven rookie skaters on the roster, including three on defense. The inexperience on the roster points to a frustrating season for Halifax, but General Manager 44 has said fans should remain optimistic that these young players will learn fast and become difference makers on the ice.