WHL Prince Albert Raiders

Raiders Cap Off Weekend With 5-2 Win Over Warriors

Published on February 18, 2023 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Prince Albert Raiders News Release


The Prince Albert Raiders followed up an entertaining win over the Regina Pats on Friday night with a 5-2 win over the Moose Jaw Warriors on Saturday night. Their third straight win gave them four points on the weekend, as the team continues to close in on the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Moose Jaw had a chance to open the scoring just 2:30 into the first period, when Jagger Firkus was awarded a penalty shot after he was hooked by Landon Kosior. Firkus slowly worked his was in on Chaika, and deked to his backhand, but his shot went off of Chaika's toe and then off the post, staying out and keeping the game scoreless.

It took a while to find the first goal of the game, but Niall Crocker scored the icebreaker with 5:41 left in the first period. After failing to capitalize on a 5 on 3 powerplay earlier in the game, the Raiders turned on the pressure in the offensive zone late in the period. Carter Anderson forced a turnover down low, which led to Evan Herman feeding a pass in front for Crocker. Parked in the slot, Crocker ripped a one timer past Jackson Unger to give Prince Albert a 1-0 lead.

Around two minutes later, the Warriors tied things up, as a two on one rush was converted by Brayden Yager. Flying down the right wing, Yager kept the puck and sniped a shot over the shoulder of Tikhon Chaika. His 24th goal of the season made it a 1-1 game.

The Raiders quickly took the lead back in the second period, scoring just 1:41 in to take a 2-1 lead. It was Ryder Ritchie who set up Aiden Oiring, who fired a shot past Unger. Oiring picked up his second goal in as many games, bringing his total to 10 on the season.

Midway through the middle frame, Eric Johnston made it a 3-1 lead on a Raider powerplay. After Evan Herman won the faceoff in the attacking zone, the puck came to the point to Landon Kosior. Kosior sent a pass across to Johnston, who fired a one timer one goal. The shot glanced off of Unger's glove, but found its way to the back of the net, giving the green and gold a 3-1 lead, which would be how the score read heading into the third.

The Warriors cut into the lead midway through the third period, as Josh Hoekstra made it a 3-2 game. A shot from long range beat Chaika glove side to make it a one goal game with 8:15 left in the final frame.

Once again, the Raiders took that two goal lead back, as Landon Kosior sniped a shot from the point. His seeing eye shot beat Unger for his 16th goal of the season, giving PA a 4-2 lead.

With 2:28 to go and the Raiders on a powerplay, the Warriors decided to pull the goalie. That plan did not go well for Moose Jaw, as Niall Crocker intercepted a pass at centre ice and buried a shot into the empty net before Unger could dive back to the crease in time. Crocker's second goal of the night gave the Raiders a comfortable 5-2 lead, which is how the game would end.

It was a perfect four point weekend for the Raiders, who improved to 22-28-3-0 with the win. They are now just six points back of a playoff spot. It will be a travel day on Sunday, as the team heads to Brandon to prepare for a critical matchup with the Wheat Kings in a Family Day matinee. Puck drop is 2:30.

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Western Hockey League Stories from February 18, 2023


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