Game Preview: Round One, Game Four @ Red Deer
SETTING IT UP:
The Prince Albert Raiders can sweep the first round of the WHL Playoffs tonight in Red Deer as they take on the Rebels once again. The Raiders picked up a 4-2 win last night in Red Deer to take a commanding 3-0 series lead. Alisher Sarkenov scored twice, while Aiden Oiring scored the game winning goal late in the second period. Owen Corkish scored an empty net goal in the final minute of the third period to secure the win.
TWO MONTHS IN THE MAKING:
Corkish’s empty net goal in the third period last night was his first goal since January 23rd, where he had a goal as part of a 6-1 win in Swift Current. He had six goals to finish up the regular season since his goal drought.
SARKS IN THE WATER:
Alisher Sarkenov’s two goals on Tuesday were his first two goals of the 2026 WHL Playoffs. Both of his goals came in the opening 20 minutes, and he came a crossbar away from a first period hat trick. Sarkenov finished with six shots on goal in the game, and he now has three points in three playoff games after registering an assist in game two.
HOWE YA DOING?:
With Max Heise out of the lineup with an injury on Saturday, rookie forward Connor Howe stepped into the lineup in game two, and the Prince Albert product brought the Art Hauser Centre to life. The 16-year-old dropped the gloves with Rebels defenceman Cameron Dillard, fighting a player 10 inches taller than him. Despite the unfavourable mismatch, Howe won the fight, landing several blows before taking Dillard down to the ice.
2025-26 HEAD TO HEAD (REGULAR SEASON):
October 4, 2025: Raiders 4, Rebels 1
December 6, 2025: Raiders 7, Rebels 3
March 3, 2026: Rebels 4, Raiders 3
March 7, 2026: Rebels 3, Raiders 1
SEVEN YEARS IN THE MAKING:
The Raiders and Rebels are squaring off in the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Prince Albert swept Red Deer in that first round series, by scores of 3-0, 6-4, 4-2, and 4-1. The Raiders would go on to win the WHL Championship.
UP NEXT:
If necessary, game five of this series will be on Friday night at the Art Hauser Centre.
