When training camp started more than a month ago, Curtis Meger was fighting tooth and nail just to get a roster spot.

Fast forward to today and not only does he have a place in the Prince Albert Raiders’ lineup, he’s now their number one goalie.

After injuries to Ian Scott and Nicholas Sanders, Meger found himself thrust into the starters role. While he doesn’t like how he got here, the rookie netminder plans to make the most of this opportunity.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” he said prior to practice on Tuesday. “I’m really happy to be where I am right now. Obviously it sucks to see a couple of guys go down with injuries, but that’s how opportunities are created. I’m not happy they’re injured, but I’m ready to take on any opportunity that I’m given.”

It’s been a trial by fire for Meger since entering the crease for his first WHL game. On Sept. 29, with the Raiders trailing the Calgary Hitmen 4-1, Meger replaced Sanders and helped Prince Albert to a 6-5 come from behind victory.

He’s started all three contests since then, earning two more wins while posting a 2.03 GAA and a .925 save percentage on the season.

“I had a lot of butterflies, but I seemed to calm myself down pretty quick,” he said. “The play is quick, so you’ve got to adjust really fast. I was just trying to have fun and stay calm, and I think I did well.”

For the rest of this story, please see the Oct. 11 online or print edition of the Daily Herald.