The Prince Albert Raiders are no strangers to the bright lights.
On Monday night, the Raiders hosted their first ever slo pitch classic on Rotary Field at Prime Ministers’ Park.
Cliff Mapes, the executive director of business operations for the Raiders, says the team wanted to organize something that could help the team grow closer off the ice and also showcase players personalities to the fanbase.
“We’ve always wanted to do some fun things. A little team building opportunity for us to get the fans out to see our guys in person doing something different than hockey and I think it was a good night actually. It was a fan’s dream. Lots of home runs, lots of base runners, lots of action. I really enjoyed the night, and I think by the fan’s reaction, so did they.”
The game wasn’t a pitcher’s duel by any stretch of the word. Team White defeated Team Black by a final score of 32-31 in seven innings.
Brayden Dube earned player of the game honours for Team White, finishing five for six with three home runs, a double and a triple. Oli Chenier was named player of the game for Team Black launching two home runs and three doubles.
The two teams combined to launch 16 home runs off of pitchers Tim Sabo and Mike ‘Nugget’ Waleski.
Justice Christensen and Max Hildebrand were selected as team captains for the game.
Christensen says it was a good way for the Raiders to bond as a team after a long training camp and preseason schedule.
“It was a lot of fun, obviously playing against teammates and stuff made it a bit competitive and having everyone come out is a lot of fun and everyone played pretty well. It made for a good night.”
Some players had a little bit of an advantage over their peers. Max Hildebrand played baseball until he was drafted into the WHL by the Raiders and served as the equipment manager for the Saskatoon Berries in the Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) this past summer. Hildebrand even for the opportunity to take a few rounds of batting practice.
For some players, it was their first time getting out on the diamond.
Hildebrand says it was a fun despite the difference in skill level.
“It was obviously a lot of fun playing with these guys and I enjoy baseball a lot. It was fun to come out here and play with my buddies. It’s obviously funny trying to put them in the right positions to look good for everyone and it’s entertaining watching those guys.”
The Raiders continue the preseason on Friday night when they welcome the Saskatoon Blades to the Art Hauser Centre. Puck drops at 7 p.m.
sports@paherald.sk.ca
