Ahtahkakoop’s Peekeekoot making an impact with P.A. Raiders

Dallyn Peekeekoot has been making the best of his debut season in the Western Hockey League.

In seven games with the Prince Albert Raiders the 2004 born forward from Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation has five points, with three goals and two assists. Peekeekoot credits much of his offensive success to his line mates.

“I think it just something that comes when you play with a good group of guys, like Ozzy Wiesblatt,” he said.

Peekeekoot explained Wiesblatt is the type of player who will create space for not only himself but also his fellow line mates, which gives them a chance to make an impact on offense.

Before getting the call up to the Raiders, Peekeekoot was on the P.A Mintos roster. He said the jump to the WHL is a significant one.

“It’s a big jump, the guys are so much faster, stronger, you just have to think a lot faster than you would in Midget AAA,” he said.

Peekeekoot added he had been practicing with the Raiders one month before getting to play, which helped him in making the transition.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the Raiders have traveled down to Regina and joined six other teams from Saskatchewan and Manitoba in a bubble. All games are being played at the Brandt Centre with no fans and teams are staying on the University of Regina’s campus. Players and team staff are also tested regularly for COVID-19.

When it comes to being in the bubble, Peekeekoot credits his teammates for making the experience a positive one.

“It’s actually not bad, I thought it was going to be worse, the boys make it so much (fun), they’re like family to be now, they just help me get through the days,” he said.

While they have not been able to make the trip down to see him play in person, friends and family on the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation have been watching his inaugural WHL season.

Recently a COVID safe drive thru was set up where people watched a game on a big screen from their cars. Peekeekoot said its not something he could have imagined growing up.

“That’s like so awesome, to know that people are watching a game of me,” he said.

Currently the Raiders have a record of 5-8-2 on the season. They are back in action Tuesday where they will be taking on the Regina Pats.

(Dallyn Peekeekoot with the Prince Albert Mintos photo courtesy of Ashlee Schmidt)