Former Flin Flon Bombers forward Chris Rauckman has embraced the challenge of adjusting to the Canadian Interuniversity Sport level.
As a rookie learning the ropes, Rauckman is contributing to the University of Prince Edward Island hockey team. He has an assist and four penalty minutes through 14 games.
Rauckman has helped the UPEI Panthers to an 8-6-1 record and fourth place in Atlantic University Sport, as of Nov. 29.
“I have enjoyed how challenging it is,” Rauckman said. “The speed in the league was hard to get used to, but it has pushed me to be a better player. There’s lots of talent in the CIS and it’s a fun league to be a part of. It’s a short season, so every game matters and has a playoff atmosphere to them.”
He has also enjoyed living in Charlottetown and what his new province has to offer. “PEI is a beautiful province,” said Rauckman, a business major. “I’ve loved it since the first day got here. I really enjoy the culture and people. Everyone is so nice and I’ve felt comfortable with my choice to come here.”
Rauckman is originally from Red Deer, Alberta. He played his first two junior seasons with the Drumheller Dragons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, before being acquired by Flin Flon. Last season Rauckman had 39 goals and 64 points in 56 games.
“I’ll always be proud to say I played in Flin Flon,” Rauckman said. “My time spent there was unforgettable, and the best part of playing there was knowing I was a part of an organization with so much history, and, of course, the amount the town loved hockey and the Bombers.”
