Raiders shoot for back-to-back wins against Hitmen

The Prince Albert Raiders (12-20-3-0) kick off the first homestand of the new year Wednesday night where they’ll host the Calgary Hitmen (19-11-3-1) for the final time this season.

In addition to this being the final time the Hitmen visit PA in the regular season, it’s also the final regular season matchup between these clubs. In three previous meetings earlier this season, Calgary currently holds the upper hand in the season series with two wins to one. Both Hitmen victories came back in October when they won 6-1 on the 15th and 6-2 on the 23rd. The Raiders have a chance to tie the season series with their other victory coming on Nov. 25 when they won 5-2.

Calgary enters the contest having won their previous matchup last night in Saskatoon where they came back in the third period to beat the Blades in overtime 3-2. The Raiders also come into tonight undefeated in 2023, defeating the Regina Pats 5-2 on Sunday.

Tonight will also be the first game for the newest member of the Green and Gold Aiden Oiring. The 2005-born forward was acquired from the Winnipeg ICE on Saturday, along with a third-round pick in 2024 and 2025, in exchange for former assistant captain Carson Latimer. So far this season, the Calgary-born rookie has five goals and three assists through 26 games.