Leavitt Machinery Preview – Game 31 at Saskatoon
RAIDER REVIEW: The Raiders (28-1-0-1) roll into Saskatoon this afternoon to face off against the Blades (18-10-3-0) at SaskTel Centre. On Saturday, the Raiders earned their second consecutive 5-2 win over the Brandon Wheat Kings at the Art Hauser Centre. After giving up the first goal, Cole Fonstad, Kody McDonald, and Sean Montgomery responded in the second period to take the lead. In the third, Fonstad tallied his second of the game and Noah Gregor added the fifth marker of the contest. Gregor also had three assists on the evening. Brett Leason and Max Martin contributed multi-point efforts with a pair of assists each. Ian Scott made 39 saves for his 23rd win of the season.
VS. SASKATOON: This is the third meeting of the year between the Highway 11 rivals. The last outing came on Oct. 14 when the Raiders knocked off the Blades 6-2 at SaskTel Centre, ended a 15-game losing streak in Saskatoon.
2018-19 SEASON SERIES AT A GLANCE
Sept. 30/18 at PA | PA 4 SAS 1 |P. Kelly (1g-1a), B. Leason (2a), I. Scott (28 saves)
Oct. 14/18 at SAS | PA 6 SAS 2 | B. Pachal (1g-2a), P. Kelly (1g-1a), B. Leason (2g-1a)
Dec. 9/18 at SAS
Dec. 27/18 at SAS
Dec. 28/18 at PA
Jan. 5/19 at PA
March 16/19 at SAS
March 16/19 at PA
Power play: Prince Albert – 1/9; Saskatoon – 2/10
Leading scorer: Prince Albert – Brett Leason (2g-3a); Saskatoon – Two players tied (2pts each)
DOWN AFTER ONE: For just the third time this season, the Raiders found themselves trailing after the first period following Brandon’s opening goal on Saturday night. However, the Raiders have come back to win all three games in which they trailed after the opening 20 minutes.
GREGOR’S GOAL: Noah Gregor’s goal in the third period of Saturday’s win was the 100th of his WHL career. It also gave him his fifth four-point or more night of his career. The most points the San Jose Sharks prospect has had in one game is five (2g-3a) on Dec. 3, 2016 when he was with the Moose Jaw Warriors against the Calgary Hitmen.
HEATING UP: Montreal Canadiens prospect Cole Fonstad is starting to catch fire. The winger from Estevan extended his point streak to six games on Saturday night. Over those six contests, Fonstad has scored four goals and added four assists. He now has 10 goals and 13 assists while playing in all 30 games this season.
NEXT UP: The Raiders are back at the Art Hauser Centre on Wednesday night when the Edmonton Oil Kings (16-11-3-2) come to town. Puck drop is 7 p.m. Wednesday night is Santa Anonymous Night with the Optimist Club of Prince Albert. Fans can bring unwrapped toys for donation to the Salvation Army. Tickets are available at raiderhockey.com and the Raider Office.
