Game Preview: Round Two, Game One vs Saskatoon
SETTING IT UP:
The Prince Albert Raiders and Saskatoon Blades begin another chapter of their storied rivalry tonight, as the two clubs meet in round two of the 2026 WHL Playoffs. The Raiders took care of the Rebels in five games in the first round, while the Blades went all the way to game seven, where they beat the Edmonton Oil Kings in overtime.
2025-26 HEAD TO HEAD (REGULAR SEASON):
March 21 @ Saskatoon: 4-0 Raiders
March 20 @ Prince Albert: 4-0 Raiders
February 14 @ Prince Albert: 5-4 Raiders (SO)
February 1 @ Saskatoon: 3-1 Raiders
January 31 @ Prince Albert: 4-0 Blades
December 14 @ Saskatoon: 5-4 Raiders
September 20 @ Saskatoon: 3-2 Blades (OT)
September 19 @ Prince Albert: 4-2 Raiders
RAIDERS WIN SEASON SERIES WITH 6-1-1-0 RECORD
GORZYNSKI SCOREZYNSKIS THE OT WINNER:
Brandon Gorzynski played hero in Prince Albert’s game five win over the Red Deer Rebels. Last Friday, the Dallas Stars prospect scored 2:21 into overtime, wrapping around his second goal of the playoffs.
A HANDFUL OF AWARDS UP FOR GRABS:
This week, the Raiders had five finalists for different league awards. Prince Albert is up for the business award, head coach Ryan McDonald was named a finalist for Coach of the Year, while general manager Curtis Hunt is a finalist for Executive of the Year. Additionally, Michal Orsulak has been named a finalist for Goalie of the Year, and Daxon Rudolph is up for Defenceman of the Year. Last week, Brock Cripps was named a finalist for WHL Rookie of the Year, and Braeden Cootes is in the running for Most Sportsmanlike Player.
UP NEXT:
The series continues tomorrow night for game two at the Art Hauser Centre with a 7pm puck drop. Games three and four are in Saskatoon on Tuesday and Wednesday night.
