Raiders Edged By Rebels in Physical Contest
February 4, 2022 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Prince Albert Raiders News Release
Prince Albert, Sask. - In their first game action in 12 days, the Prince Albert Raiders (15-23-1-1) fell 2-1 in a tightly-contested game with the Red Deer Rebels (28-13-2-1) on Friday night at the Art Hauser Centre.
Ozzy Wiesblatt scored the lone goal for the Raiders in the loss, which was also his return to the lineup after leaving January 17's game in Red Deer.
The two teams traded a couple of quality chances in the first period. First, Evan Herman was able to turn the corner on Jackson Van De Leest, but his attempt was turned aside by Chase Coward. At the other end, Tikhon Chaika slid across the crease to steal a goal away from CHL goal-scoring leader Ben King.
Late in the period, Jace Isley of the Rebels was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct for boarding. However, the Raiders were unable to take advantage of the power play.
The Rebels broke the deadlock midway through the second period. Hunter Mayo's shit from the right point got through traffic and past Chaika to put Red Deer ahead with 8:26 to play in the middle frame.
About four minutes later, King capitalized on a turnover to increase the Rebels' lead. He took a pass from Arshdeep Bains on a two-on-one and beat Chaika from near hashmarks of the right faceoff circle to give the Rebels a 2-0 advantage.
With 2:02 to play in the period, the Raiders cut the lead on the half on a power play. On the ensuing faceoff from Dallon Melin's roughing penalty, Keaton Sorensen worked the puck to Sloan Stanick to the right of the net. He found Wiesblatt at the left post and the San Jose Sharks prospect buried the backdoor pass for his ninth of the season to make it a 2-1 game after 40 minutes.
The Raiders had chances for the equalizer in the third. Both Stanick and Cale Sanders forced turnovers near the Rebels' crease, but Coward was up to the task.
In the waning seconds of the game, Wiesblatt nearly potted his second with the extra attacker. He took a pass from Landon Kosior and whistled a shot just wide of the left corner. As the seconds ticked away, the Rebels blocked three shots to keep the puck away from the net until time expired.
Chaika finished the game with 27 saves in the loss. Coward stopped 23 shots for the Rebels.
It's a quick turnaround for the Raiders as they welcome the Edmonton Oil Kings to the Art Hauser Centre on Saturday night. Game time is 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the Raiders Box Office starting at 10 a.m., or any time on SaskTix.ca.
Western Hockey League Stories from February 4, 2022
- Blades Thump Oil Kings 6-1 - Saskatoon Blades
- Warriors Extend Winning Streak to Seven Games in Swift Current - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Raiders Edged By Rebels in Physical Contest - Prince Albert Raiders
- Chiefs Officially Retire Forward Tyler Johnson's Jersey - Spokane Chiefs
- Oil Kings Fall Flat in Saskatoon - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Americans Open Home Weekend against Winterhawks - Tri-City Americans
- Game Day Hub: Feb 4 vs TC - Portland Winterhawks
- Chiefs to Retire Tyler Johnson's No. 9 Jersey Ahead of Friday Night's Game - Spokane Chiefs
- Rockets Hit the Road for Three Games in the USA - Kelowna Rockets
- Blades Start Busy Weekend against Oil Kings - Saskatoon Blades
- Pats Begin Three Game Alberta Road Trip in Lethbridge - Regina Pats
- Warriors Aim to Keep Momentum Rolling in Swift Current - Moose Jaw Warriors
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