Blades continue rebuild, acquire picks and players from Raiders

Press Release

Prince Albert SK – The Prince Albert Raiders have acquired 20 year-old defenceman Graeme Craig from the Saskatoon Blades, along with the Blades 7th round selection in the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft and their 5th round selection in 2016. In exchange the Raiders send to the Blades 20 year-old defenceman MacKenzie Johnston, 18 year-old defenceman Tyler Dea and the Raiders 3rd and 5th round selections in the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft.

Craig is in his fifth year in the WHL having spent time with the Swift Current Broncos and the Blades. He has appeared in 303 career games with 10 goals and 54 assists to go along with 351 minutes in penalties. Craig, 6’5”, 202 pounds, from Red Deer, Alberta, was the Blades captain this season. In 2013-14 Craig has appeared in 44 games for the Blades with 4 goals, 10 assists and 55 minutes in penalties.

Johnston was acquired by the Raiders earlier this season from the Kelowna Rockets. Johnston appeared in 36 games as a Raider with 1 goal, 11 assists and 8 PIMs. Dea was in his first season with the Raiders appearing in 11 games with 2 assists and 2 penalty minutes.

“We are excited to add Graeme to our roster,” said Raiders General Manager Bruno Campese. “His size, experience and leadership abilities will help us through the remainder of the season. The Raiders also would like to thank MacKenzie and Tyler for their contributions to our organization this season and wish them luck.”

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)