Niall Crocker shields the puck from a Rebels attacker during a game earlier this season on Dec. 9, 2023. (Mark Peterson/Prince Albert Raiders)
Gameday preview

Raiders host Rebels for final meeting of regular season

Jan 31, 2024 | 12:00 PM

The Prince Albert Raiders (20-23-1-3) are looking to return to their winning ways on Wednesday night when they welcome the red-hot Red Deer Rebels (27-13-1-4) to the Art Hauser Centre.

The Raiders have been struggling in the New Year, winning just three of 11 games so far in 2024. The victories all came in a shootout, defeating Saskatoon twice along with a win against Victoria. In their last five games, the Raiders hold a 1-4 record.

On the other hand, the Rebels are looking to push their win streak to double digits. Red Deer is riding nine consecutive wins, which includes triumphs over Saskatoon, Brandon, and two against Medicine Hat. The streak also saw a win against Prince Albert back on Jan. 20 when the Rebels narrowly won 2-1.

Speaking of previous matchups, Red Deer leads the season series 2-1 and has a chance to claim it with a win tonight. The Raiders’ lone victory against the Rebels came back in October in Red Deer when P.A. cruised to a 6-2 win.

Following the contest, the Raiders will head south to Moose Jaw to wrap up their season series with the Warriors on Friday before welcoming Medicine Hat and the Tigers to the Art Hauser Centre for the first time this season on Saturday.

How the Eastern Conference stands ahead of tonight’s interdivisional matchup.

Who to Watch

Veteran Sloan Stanick became the first Raider to surpass the 60-point mark on the year during last game’s loss to Saskatoon on Saturday. The marker came short-handed and was his 21st tally of the campaign, pairing nicely with his 39 assists. The pride of Rapid City, Man. has points in his last five games, scoring three goals and six assists.

Raiders forward Niall Crocker is looking to build on his memorable season against Red Deer tonight as he hopes to eclipse the 40-point mark for the first time in his career. The 19-year-old netted a goal in his last game, adding to his career-high 14 goals and 25 assists. The Delta, B.C. product also has four points in his last three games (1g, 3a).

More information about tonight’s contest.

loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com

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