Raiders forward Aliaksei Protas provides a screen in front of former teammate and Warriors goaltender Boston Bilous. Jeff D'Andrea/paNOW Staff

By Jeff D'Andrea

Beantown's Return

Bilous returns to warm welcome at the Hauser, despite almost stealing one from his old Raiders

Mar 1, 2020 | 9:54 PM

Ozzy Wiesblatt scored a nice individual effort goal to extend his points streak and lead the Prince Albert Raiders to their second straight win, a 3-2 victory over the Moose Jaw Warriors. Kaiden Guhle scored in his second straight game. Zack Hayes threw one of the biggest hits of the year, completely blowing up Tate Popple at the blueline.

But the most popular player in the Art Hauser Centre by a mile was Boston Bilous.

A smattering of fans and billets and volunteers gathered around the visitor’s dressing room to say hi again to Bilous or give him a kitchen appliance he could bring with him to his new digs in Moose Jaw. Even Hayes and fellow veteran Eric Pearce were waiting to talk to him.

Bilous was on the Raiders team that won their first WHL title in 34 years last season, and entered this year as the team’s starter. Bilous was then traded to the Warriors at the deadline, receiving fifth and seventh round picks in return.

It was a memorable game for Bilous. He almost stole one for the visitors as well, making 40 saves on 43 shots.

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“It’s pretty cool. You kinda remember everything, all the memories you made. It’s a surreal feeling for sure,” Bilous said on returning to the Art Hauser Centre for the first time since the trade. “A lot of emotions go through your head, but when you play, you just try to play. It sucks that they won tonight,” Bilous added while chuckling.

Bilous was named as the game’s third star and received an extra warm welcome from the Raider faithful.

“Props to the crowd and the Raider organization. I think everyone knows here what the crowd brings, especially in the playoffs and intense games,” Bilous said. “They’re first class and diehard fans. I expected that, but not in a cocky way.”

Wiesblatt scored a highlight reel goal in the first period, winning a battle, chipping the puck to himself and finding the far-side corner on Bilous. That extends Wiesblatt’s scoring streak to eight games, giving him four goals and 12 points during that streak.

“We won a championship with him. We’re all pretty close with him,” Wiesblatt said. “It’s obviously pretty cool to play him again, hopefully we can see him again pretty soon.”

The game was a little too close for comfort for the Raiders, who got into a little penalty trouble. Cade Hayes and Ryder Korczak both scored on the power play and had a 2-1 lead in the second period. The Raiders were able to recover with Guhle scoring in his second straight game, and Aliaksei Protas getting the game winner in the third.

But the Warriors had a good chance to tie the game late. With Raiders goaltender Carter Serhyenko down on the other side of the goal, Eric Alarie had a great angle to score but it was blocked in the crease by Aliaksei Protas.

Raiders head coach Marc Habscheid says after two spirited games with the Saskatoon Blades, especially Saturday night’s emotional 3-0 victory, he’s just glad to get the two points.

“Boston played well and I think coming off yesterday, I think this not unexpected for sure,” Habscheid said. “Moose Jaw competed, we got into penalty problems and once they scored early, that kept them interested and made it difficult for us. In the end, we just wanted the points—it didn’t matter what it looked like.”

Scoring Summary

First Period

1-0, Raiders, Ozzy Wiesblatt (unassisted), 11:58

1-1, Warriors, Cade Hayes from Ryder Korczak and Daemon Hunt (power play), 18:03

Second Period

2-1, Warriors, Ryder Korczak from Martin Lang (power play), 6:41

2-2, Raiders, Kaiden Guhle from Evan Herman, 10:54

Third Period

3-2, Raiders, Aliaksei Protas from Brayden Watts and Spencer Moe, 1:12

Winning the conference

The University of Saskatchewan Huskies men’s hockey team beat the UBC Thunderbirds in two straight games this weekend, giving them the Canada West conference title. The Huskies feature former Raiders Jordan Tkatch (who’s also a former Midget AAA Minto) and Logan McVeigh, as well as former Mintos goaltender Taran Kozun. They beat the Thunderbirds, who had former Raider Austin Glover on its roster.

Tkatch, McVeigh, Kozun and the rest of the Huskies will head to the U Sports University Cup in Halifax, N.S. from March 12-15.

Still no rest for the wicked

Despite playing games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the Raiders will only get one day off before their next contest. They will host the Calgary Hitmen on Tuesday at the Art Hauser Centre.

Tuesday’s game will be the Raiders’ first “This Girl Can” game night, presented by the upcoming 2020 Esso Cup. The game will feature Morgan Willoughby and Jessica Vance, both who played with the Prince Albert Northern Bears before moving on to the University of Saskatchewan Huskies. Young players can skate from 4 to 4:45 p.m., before a speaking event at 5:30 p.m.

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Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW