Welcome! This is “Welcome to Raptorville”, a series I hope to do weekly, in which I will follow the SMJHL team known as the Colorado Raptors! I will do things like recap weekly games along with spotlighting certain players! I hope you enjoy it!

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The preseason started off rough, with the Raptors starting off 1-2, but rebounding to a nice balanced 3-3-1. It’s just some preseason games, and tactics are sure to be adjusted  throughout.

Player Highlights:
Starting center, Baron Samedi, lead the team in points with a stat line of 5-5-10 and a +/- of +5
Winger, Kral King, had 29 hits
Winger, Raw Cheese McPickle, went 2-4-6 and was tied for leading the team in blocks with 11 and the highest DRG (83)

I would also like to compliment the rookie goalie tandem of DarthDaevin (2-1-1, 0.895 SV%, 3.63 GA) and Meowlnir Kittenson (1-2-0, 0.898 SV%, 2.8 GA), with those stats being very brought down by a tough opening 7-1 loss to the Armada.

Raptors GM Fishy said that “Seeing this team take the ice with so many new additions, you knew there was going to be some sort of adjustment period. But as pre-season went on and everyone began to learn the systems, you can see all the pieces fall into place. There will still be some growing to do and adjustments to be made, but I think this team is ready for the season. I’m expecting some big seasons from our Season 77 class and hoping our rookies can step up this season in a big way. I know it’s a lot of pressure to be putting onto our rookie goalie tandem. But I think with a solid defensive structure, they’ll be able to thrive.”

Raptors Co-GM Takk said “I like what I’ve seen so far from our Raptors during the pre-season.
We’re talking about a team with a bunch of new faces. Some are coming from another team and trying to find their footings with this team and some are brand new and busting through the scene. Hitting 500 is good. I’m happy with 500 at the moment. While pre season games can be entertaining, sell tickets and let players get an idea of what to expect for the next 66 games, I personally don’t put too much stock in it. What I use this time for is usually to see how this new group of players "gel" OFF the ice more than on the ice. I want to see the office chemistry settling in. I want to see the long time dinos bringing the newcomers under their wing (Raptors don’t have wings. Or do they?) and show them the ropes. I want to see all types of dinos (rookies, newcomers and vets) stepping up to their new respective roles. These are the things I evaluate and put stocks on. This can usually give me an idea of what our season’s gonna be. And boy will these dinos be cooking this season”

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Quick Raptor Games Review:
7 - 1 L to Anchorage:
Although they tried their very best, the Armadas offense was too much for the team and rookie goalie tandem.

3 - 1 W over Detroit:
In a bounceback win, Clark Kent had 2 assists, along with a goal and an assist from rookie Enlightened Centrist to pave the way to a nice win. Kittenson saves 22/23 of the shots on net.

0 - 3 L to Maine:
The S78 SMJHL champions overpowered the Raptors in what was a tough loss to end the first stretch of games.

4 - 3 SOW over Anchorage:
The Raptors get their revenge against the Armada, And Baron Samedi leading the way with a goal and an assist for the bounceback win.

4 - 5 OTL to Anchorage:
In the 3rd game of this mini series, Colorado sadly takes the L in overtime, although showing signs of improvement. Despite the loss, Raw Cheese McPickle had one goal and two assists for a nice 3 point game.

4 - 1 W over Carolina:
The Raptors shrugged off the loss and beat the Kraken who were closer to the top of the table. Funny enough, Sam Volta and Gina Pinard, who were acquired via a trade from the Newfoundland Berserkers, both went 1-1-2. along with DarthDaevin getting a 0.96 SV%.

3 - 5 L to Ottawa
The final game of the preseason ended up in a sad loss, letting up 3 powerplay goals. Baron Samedi was still able to have a great game with 2 goals, 1 assist, for 3 points.