Raiders Extend Point Streak with Dominant 4-1 Win Over Rebels

The Prince Albert Raiders secured a decisive 4-1 victory against the Red Deer Rebels on Saturday night, extending their point streak to four games at the start of the season. This match marked the beginning of a six-game homestand for the Raiders, who showcased a strong performance despite an intense atmosphere that featured physical play and several altercations.

Right from the outset, the Raiders demonstrated control over the game, effectively blocking the Rebels’ attempts to break through the neutral zone. The Raiders’ offensive pressure paid off early, with the first goal coming at the 3:56 mark. A well-executed passing sequence saw Ty Meunier finish off a play initiated by Linden Burrett and assisted by Jonah Sivertson, resulting in Meunier’s third goal of the season.

The Raiders continued to capitalize on their momentum, doubling their lead at 13:50. Meunier, again playing a pivotal role, set up Sivertson for a powerful one-timer that found the back of the net, marking Sivertson’s first goal as a Raider. By the end of the first period, the Raiders led 2-0, having outshot the Rebels 13-3.

As the second period commenced, the game took on a more physical tone. A goal from the Rebels came just 31 seconds in, as Matthew Gard found a way to slip the puck past Raiders goaltender Dimitri Fortin. This moment prompted a series of penalties, with both teams exchanging minor infractions. The Raiders, however, regained their composure and scored again at 17:42, with Brayden Dube assisting Ben Harvey on a breakaway goal, bringing the score to 3-1.

The Raiders added to their lead with a powerplay goal at 18:57, driven by a well-timed wrist shot from Dube after a setup from Riley Boychuk and Daxon Rudolph. By the end of the second period, the Raiders had increased their shot total to 21 against the Rebels’ 7.

In the third period, the game saw further penalties, including another stretch of 4-on-4 play. Despite some strong opportunities, neither team could score. Late in the period, a collision involving Sivertson sparked a brief scrum, but officials quickly intervened to maintain order. The final score stood at 4-1 in favor of the Raiders, with shots on goal totaling 28-19.

The Raiders’ special teams performance was noteworthy, going 1 for 5 on the powerplay, while their penalty kill was a perfect 8 for 8. Meunier, Burrett, and Sivertson each notched two points, while Dube led the team with a total of 4 goals and 3 assists in the first five games of the season.

As the Raiders prepare for their next challenge, they will host the Vancouver Giants on March 15, 2024, continuing their homestand and seeking to build on this positive momentum.