By John MacNeil /

After missing the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, the Prince Albert Raiders might appear to be easy prey for their Western Hockey League opponents.
Throw in the graduation of their top two scorers from last season (Justin Bernhardt and Ryan McDonald) and it would seem the Raiders will be hard-pressed to reach the playoffs in the 2009-10 season.
But, the team’s returning captain, Dustin Cameron, believes it would be foolhardy for opponents to perceive the Raiders as a weak link in the rink.
“Maybe some teams think they’re going to take us easy, because we’ve had a rough go the last couple of years,” Cameron said during the Raiders’ training camp at the cozy Art 
Hauser Centre.
“But, when I played in Saskatoon, no matter how good P.A. was, when you came into this barn, no one wanted to come in here, because it’s a hard rink to play in. There’s 3,200 fans right on top of you, and people don’t like to come in and play here (as opponents).
“We thrive in that atmosphere. We were good at home last year, but I think our road game has really got to step up this year. When we come into other people’s barns, we’ve got to think like we’re playing at home.”
The Raiders are banking on an experienced defence to lead them this season. Rising star Ryan Button, a third-round draft pick of the Boston Bruins last spring, was among seven returning defencemen at Prince Albert’s training camp in August. Nathan Deck, 19, is part of that dependable group.
“I think the defence end is probably going to be our strong part,” said Cameron, a 20-year-old forward who had 57 points in 64 games last season.
“But I think we’ve got some skilled forwards out there, too. We got (Justin) Maylan from Prince George. He’s having a really 
good camp.”
Maylan, a first-round draft pick of the Moose Jaw Warriors in 2006, is hoping for a breakthrough season as he joins his third WHL team in as many years. The 18-year-old centre had asked for a trade out of Prince George, and the Cougars obliged in July when they dealt him in exchange for 19-year-old forward James Dobrowolski.
Promising centre Ryan Harrison, already on the radar for the 2010 NHL draft, scored 35 points last season and was named the Raiders’ top rookie.
“Harry had a pretty strong 16-year-old year,” Cameron said. “For him to follow up, we need him to be in the 50-point range. I think it’s just going to take every guy that’s up front each night to get the job done offensively.  
“It’s key for some young guys – they’re veterans now – to have some big years. That’ll help us compete and be a playoff hockey team.”
After recovering from an ankle injury suffered late last season, Cameron wants to make the most of his overage year. The other 20-year-olds in camp were defenceman Patrick Kozyra and goaltender Garrett Zemlak. The other returning goalie is 19-year-old Steven Stanford, who is trying to bounce back from an up-and-down season.

OVERTIME
Edmonton centre Mark McNeill, the Raiders’ top pick in the 2008 bantam draft, is expected to make an impact as a WHL rookie. He severed the Achilles tendon in his left ankle during an Alberta under-17 camp last May, but his recovery has proceeded well. … After losing his job as head coach of the Regina Pats, Dale Derkatch has joined the Raiders as their director of player personnel.