Max Hildebrand earned the game's first star after posting 32 saves against the Red Deer Rebels on Jan. 6, 2023. (Mark Peterson/Prince Albert Raiders)
Win Column

Hildebrand shuts down Rebels offense, Raiders win 2-1

Jan 7, 2023 | 1:19 AM

PRINCE ALBERT, SK – Max Hildebrand was a brick wall for the Prince Albert Raiders on Friday night, stopping 32 shots to help edge the Red Deer Rebels 2-1 at the Art Hauser Centre.

When asked about his teams efforts and on how Hildebrand played, Raiders head coach Jeff Truitt had a few things to say.

“I thought (Hildebrand) was outstanding,” he continued. “He made a couple of really good save there in the second period on those penalty kills. We needed that effort from our goaltending and we got that with Max tonight.”

In addition to the win, Ryder Ritchie extended his point streak by finding the back of the net for the Raiders in the second while Sloan Stanick added another later on that same period. Eric Johnston and Niall Crocker were the two assist getters for PA who improve to 13-21-3-0 on the campaign.

For the Rebels, Jace Isley was the lone goal scorer while Jace Weir and Jhett Larson collected the helpers. Rhett Stoesser was between the pipes for Red Deer where he made 18 stops as they now fall to 26-7-1-3 on the year.

COMPLETE BOX SCORE

The Rebels put down the pressure in the first period and had the lead to show for it after 20 minutes. Wier’s initial shot was stopped by Hildebrand, but Isely was at the right place and time to put away the rebound to give Red Deer the lead.

A much different story in the second period where the Raiders found themselves in the driver seat. Ritchie managed to keep his point streak alive midway through the frame after a turnover by the Rebels defense allowed him in tight to tie it up.

Then five minutes later, Raiders pull Hildebrand while on the delayed penalty and converted on the opportunity. Pakkala kicked the puck out to the blueline for Johnston who then centred it for Stanick. The 2003-born forward walked into the slot and let one go from the top of the circles. The puck managed to find its way through the traffic in front to give the Raiders the 2-1 lead going into the third.

The Rebels pulled their goalie late in the game for the extra attacker but couldn’t prevail as the Raiders outlasted Red Deer 2-1.

A quick turnaround now for PA where in less than 24 hours, they’ll be back on the ice to host the Brandon Wheat Kings at the Art Hauser Centre. Puck drop is slated for 7 p.m.

logan.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @lloganlehmann

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