Photo Brandi Pollock
Prince Albert, SK (CKLQ) – The Prince Albert Raiders picked up their 28th win of the season, 5-2 in front of a packed Art Hauser Centre on Saturday.
After a tough loss on Friday night, the Wheat Kings responded with a solid opening period in Prince Albert on Saturday night. After being outshot 9-1 in the first half of the first period, the Wheat Kings stormed back and fired 13 shots at Ian Scott in the final nine minutes of the frame.
Linden McCorrister’s 10th of the year came on the powerplay and it gave the Wheat Kings a 1-0 lead heading into the dressing room.
In the second, the Raiders exploded for three goals in 1:29 seconds to take a 3-1 lead. Cole Fonstad, Kody MacDonald and Sean Montgomery scored, sending the packed Art Hauser Centre into a frenzy.
The Wheat Kings were not going to roll over and die despite being outshot 24-10 in the middle frame. Luka Burzan responded for the BWK, his 18th of the year to cut the Raider lead to one heading into the 2nd intermission.
Just 1:56 into the third period the Raiders got the insurance marker they needed as Cole Fonstad potted his 2nd of the night to re-open the two-goal lead.
Noah Gregor would add another for the Raiders who take both games of the weekend home and home by the same score.
Ian Scott earned his 2nd straight victory by making 39 saves while Jiri Patera was excellent despite the loss. The Czech import stooped 42 shots on the night.
Brandon played with just 11 forwards and 5 defensemen due to injuries and suspensions. Cole Reinhardt (Susp), Braden Schneider (Lower Body), Jonny Lambos (Upper Body), Chase Hartje (Upper Body), Jonny Hooker (Upper Body) and Lynden McCallum (Upper Body) all missed the game.
16-year-old Bode Hagan made his WHL debut. the 2017 – 7th round Bantam Draft pick finished the night without registering a point or a shot on goal.
The Wheat Kings will return to the practice ice this week in preparations for the final two games before the WHL Christmas break next weekend vs the Saskatoon Blades.
SCORING SUMMARY
1st PERIOD
BWK – Linden McCorrister (10) (Wytinck, Gutenberg) 14:18 PPG
Shots: 14-10 Brandon
2nd PERIOD
P.A. – Cole Fonstad (9) (Gregor, Pachal) 14:13
P.A. – Kody MacDonald (6) (Martin, Masella) 15:11
P.A. – Sean Montgomery (13) (Leason, Martin) 16:00 PPG
BWK – Luka Burzan (18) (Greig, Mattheos) 16:50
Shots: 24-10 Prince Albert
3rd PERIOD
P.A. – Cole Fonstad (10) (Gregor) 1:56
P.A. – Noah Gregor (14) (Leason) 14:30
Final Shots: 47-41 Prince Albert
