BLAZERS WIN ON NIEDERMAYER NIGHT
It was memorable night at the ISC as the Blazers raised Scott Niedermayer’s #28 to the rafters in front of a sold out crowd of 5,464. The Blazers had a strong first period scoring three times which led to a 4-1 victory over the Prince Albert Raiders.
The Blazers started off with a bang after the 30-minutes pre-game ceremony honouring Niedermayer. A point shot from Tyler Hansen hit the helmet of goaltender Luke Siemens. Colin Smith grabbed the rebound and put home his 31st of the season to make it 1-0 Blazers only 35 seconds into the game. The line of Smith, JC Lipon, and Tim Bozon was dynamite in the first period combining for seven points. JC Lipon made it 2-0 as he took a sweet feed from Smith and potted his 24th of the season. Smith made it 3-0 with 1:51 to play in the first period as he scored on another rebound. The Blazers outshot the Raiders 20-6 in the first period.
The Raiders swung the momentum in their favour in the second period. The Blazers took three straight penalties early in the period and gave the Raiders a lengthy 5-on-3 power play but were solid on the penalty kill. The Raiders got on the scoreboard midway through the period as Evan Morden’s shot glanced off Jonas Knutsen stick and past goaltender Cole Cheveldave to make it 3-1. The Raiders outshot the Blazers 12-5 in the period.
The Blazers took the game back over in the final frame. Kale Kessy extended the Blazers lead to 4-1 on the first shift of the period as he stuffed home his 12th goal of the season 14 seconds into the period. From there, the Blazers cruised to the end. They played well defensively, and Cheveldave stopped the door as they won 4-1 over the East Division leading Prince Albert Raiders.
Colin Smith finished with two goals and an assist, while JC Lipon had a goal and an assist and Tim Bozon had two assists. The line was a combined +9 on the night.
The Blazers will end their home stand on Monday, January 28th when they host the division rival Kelowna Rockets. The Rockets sit six points ahead of the Blazers in the B.C. Division.
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
