colton heffleyc

In a year of change for the Prince Albert Raiders, Swift Current's Colton Heffley has been put into a leadership role with the team he joined just two months ago.

The 20-year-old went to the Raiders in December after a trade with the Kelowna Rockets, where he spent the first five seasons of his WHL career. Heffley scored three goals and five points in 31 games since the trade, and played in his 300th career WHL game against the Regina Pats last Saturday.

"Any chance where you can be a leader and help guys move forward and get better in their careers is obviously something I like to do," Heffley said. "It's been real easy, the coaches are great here and having some other Rocket guys come here with me has been helpful."

His trade was one of a number of deals and other personnel changes this season for the Raiders. It was also one of a handful of trades between the Raiders and Rockets, and Heffley says that has helped make his transition to his new team easier.

"All the guys here are great, I had no trouble fitting in, but it's a lot easier when you have guys that have been there and know that winning culture and just want to bring it here," he added.

Heffley also joined two local products in head coach Marc Habscheid and new teammate Tim Vanstone.

"Habscheid's coached me in midget a bit, so there's some familiarity... he's really helped bring a new culture in here, and I think we've got a good chance of making playoffs," Heffley said. "Even in Kelowna, we had a couple of Swift guys around... it's funny how small the hockey world is sometimes."

Heffley, Habscheid and Vanstone, return to Swift Current to face the Broncos on Saturday.

The Red Deer Rebels come to Swift Current to kick off the weekend on Friday night.