https://chl.ca/whl-raiders/tag/7th-skater/ Unapologetically P.A. Tue, 19 May 2026 18:42:49 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://media.chl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/48/2026/03/13222146/512-150x150.png https://chl.ca/whl-raiders/tag/7th-skater/ 32 32 https://chl.ca/whl-raiders/article/a-letter-from-the-christensen-family Tue, 19 May 2026 18:42:49 +0000 https://chl.ca/whl-raiders/article/a-letter-from-the-christensen-family Following the end of his WHL Career, Justice Christensen's mother Vanessa sat down and penned this letter to the fans of the Raiders and the City of Prince Albert:  As Justice’s time in Prince Albert comes to an end, I’ve been trying to find the right words—and honestly, I’m not sure there are enough to truly explain what this place has meant to our family over the last four years. Prince Albert welcomed Justice with open arms and somehow embraced Todd and I right along with him. Over time, this city stopped feeling like a place we travelled to… and started feeling like home. Through every season, every high and low, every long bus ride, every packed arena, every send off and welcome home, every heartbreak and celebration, this community wrapped around our family with kindness, support, and love in ways we will never be able to properly thank you for. Curtis—thank you for giving Justice a chance. We always believed he could prove every team that passed on him wrong… he just needed someone willing to open the door. You did that. You believed in him when others didn’t, and that changed the course of his life—and ours. As parents, there is nothing more emotional than watching someone else see the potential in your child and give them the opportunity to become who they were meant to be. I may not have made him tall, but I sure tried to make him tough 🤣. We will forever be grateful to you and the entire Raiders organization for believing in him and giving him a place to grow, succeed, and become the young man he is today. To all the coaches thank you for all the time, patience, support, and encouragement you gave Justice throughout these past four years. You taught so much more than just hockey — you taught confidence, teamwork, discipline, and how to keep pushing himself to improve every day. Your guidance and dedication made such a huge impact, and will always be remembered. Thank you for making this such a special experience and for being such great role models. To Justice’s billet family, the Beres—Chris and Chelsey there truly are not enough words. Thank you for loving him like your own, for opening your home and your hearts to him, and for taking care of him through some of the most important years of his life. You celebrated him on the good days, lifted him up on the hard ones, and gave him stability when we couldn’t physically be there. As a mom, handing your child over to another family is one of the hardest things imaginable—but you made it easier every single day. Knowing he was safe, cared for, and loved gave us a peace I can never fully explain. Sawyer, Beckett, and Boston — watching the three of you grow over these years has been such a special part of this journey. We loved celebrating your accomplishments, the big moments and the little ones, and Justice even attended his very first dance recital. 🥰 You made him laugh, gave him a sense of purpose, and yes… sometimes drove him a little crazy too. But more than anything, you gave him something truly special — a sister and two brothers. You all became family to us, and that is something we will carry in our hearts forever. 💚 To the fans—hockey can be such an emotional roller-coaster, and somehow this community always found a way to make us feel seen, supported, and cared for. I can’t name you all, but the support you show these boys—and us as parents—is something truly rare. The hugs at the rink, the high fives, the cheers from the stands, the bracelets, the baking, the conversations in passing, the kind messages after games, the encouragement during hard stretches, even the offers of a place to stay… those moments mattered more than you probably realize. Thank you for making every trip to PA feel special. A few special shout outs: Jordan for the pre-game hugs, Gloria for all the special treats and texts, Roger, Ann, and Darcy for the cabbage rolls and supper invites, Lynn and Cole for the hugs, smiles, and kindness 😍 And to Mitch and Ashley, Kim, Roger, Brooklyn, and Caitlin — thank you for the friendship, the memories, the laughs, the drinks, the moonshine peaches, and the marathon karaoke night that we’ll never forget. We truly hope this is not goodbye, but just the beginning of many more laughs, fun, and unforgettable memories together for years to come. 💚 To the team staff—especially those we’re lucky enough now to call friends—Kim, Mike, Cliff, Odette, Nick, Kyle, Gritty, Puff, Benny, Nikki (Todd’s private bartender 😉) and so many others behind the scenes… thank you. Thank you for the things nobody sees. For the long hours at the rink, the care you give these boys, the laughs during stressful moments, the shoulders to lean on, fun community events, and the friendships that grew from all of it. Some of my favourite memories from these four years have nothing to do with hockey itself, and everything to do with the people who make the Raiders the special team they are. 💚 I know I haven’t named everyone—otherwise this post would never end—but please know how much every single one of you has meant to us over these past four years. I also want to take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge bus driver Al you travelled many miles sometimes in adverse weather conditions with precious cargo and every single time you got our boys there and home safely.  You became part of the team family, and we appreciate you more than words can express. ❤️ To the other player parents—what a special bond this crazy hockey life creates. The endless texts, the shared nerves, pacing the rink together, the superstitions, the laughs until we cried, the actual tears we cried, the meals, the drinks, the road trips, and all the moments in between… there is something so comforting about being surrounded by people who just get it. Thank you for becoming part of our lives and for making these years so much more meaningful. Leaving Prince Albert doesn’t just feel like leaving a hockey team. It feels like leaving family. It feels like leaving home. And if I’m being honest, a part of all three of our hearts will probably always stay here. Thank you, Prince Albert, for giving our family so much more than hockey. You gave us friendships, memories, love, and a place that will forever feel like home. No matter where life takes Justice, a piece of him will always belong here. And a piece of Prince Albert will always belong to us. 💚 🫶- Love Vanessa, Todd, and Justice]]> https://chl.ca/whl-raiders/article/a-thank-you-to-the-20s Tue, 19 May 2026 17:02:15 +0000 https://chl.ca/whl-raiders/article/a-thank-you-to-the-20s https://chl.ca/whl-raiders/article/raiders-fall-to-silvertips-in-five-games-in-whl-championship-series Sat, 16 May 2026 04:25:04 +0000 https://chl.ca/whl-raiders/article/raiders-fall-to-silvertips-in-five-games-in-whl-championship-series https://chl.ca/whl-raiders/article/game-notes-game-five-vs-everett Fri, 15 May 2026 19:33:16 +0000 https://chl.ca/whl-raiders/article/game-notes-game-five-vs-everett GAME NOTES]]> https://chl.ca/whl-raiders/article/game-preview-whl-championship-series-game-four-vs-everett Fri, 15 May 2026 15:00:21 +0000 https://chl.ca/whl-raiders/article/game-preview-whl-championship-series-game-four-vs-everett SETTING IT UP: The season is on the line tonight for the Prince Albert Raiders. The Everett Silvertips took a 3-1 series stranglehold on the WHL Championship Series Presented by Nutrien on Wednesday. The Silvertips broke a 1-1 tie game late in the second period of game four and never looked back, as they won by a 5-2 final. Everett has scored first in all four games so far in the series. 2025-26 HEAD TO HEAD (REGULAR SEASON): November 11, 2025 @ Everett: Raiders win 4-1 RAIDERS WIN SEASON SERIES 1-0 PLAYOFF RECORDS: Prince Albert: 13-6, Goals For: 77, Goals Against: 50 Everett: 15-2, Goals For: 75, Goals Against: 34 WELCOME BACK BRANDON: After missing nine games due to injury, Brandon Gorzynski made his return to the lineup one to remember in game four. The 18-year-old forward scored with 10:07 left in the second period, which tied the game at that point. In 12 games in the 2026 playoffs, Gorzynski has five goals and four assists for nine points. THE CONTROVERSY: Prince Albert had back to back goals disallowed in the third period of game four. Benett Kelly thought he tied the game, but the official had blown the whistle right before he scored, even though the puck was still loose. Moments later, Owen Corkish had a goal disallowed after Evan Smith had pushed a Silvertips defenceman into Anders Miller, causing goaltender interference. To finish off the script, Shea Busch scored shortly after, putting the Tips up 4-2, and putting the game out of reach for Prince Albert. SPECIAL TEAMS STRUGGLES: If the Raiders want to bring the series back to Everett for game six, the powerplay HAS to start clicking. Prince Albert is 1/12 over the last two games, and went 0/6 in game four. UP NEXT: If the Raiders win tonight, game six will be Sunday night in Everett. If game seven is necessary, it will be on Monday night at Angel of the Winds Arena.]]> https://chl.ca/whl-raiders/article/raiders-fall-5-2-to-silvertips-trail-series-3-1 Thu, 14 May 2026 05:02:22 +0000 https://chl.ca/whl-raiders/article/raiders-fall-5-2-to-silvertips-trail-series-3-1 th goal of the playoffs, and fourth of the series, giving Everett a 1-0 lead. With 10:07 left in the second, Brandon Gorzynski made his mark on the game in his return to the lineup. A point shot from Linden Burrett was deflected on the way through by Riley Boychuk, and the puck bounced straight onto Gorzynski’s tape. Right in front of the crease, the 18-year-old winger batted home his fifth goal of the playoffs, tying the game at 1-1. After Prince Albert failed to capitalize on back to back powerplays, the Silvertips scored on their own powerplay with 1:17 left in the middle frame. This time, it was Miettinen setting up the goal, as he fed a cross crease pass to Rylan Gould, who tipped home his sixth goal of the playoffs five hole through Orsulak. The late goal was the last one in the frame, as the Silvertips took a 2-1 lead into the third period. Everett made good on another powerplay, this time striking just 4:24 into the third. From the slot, Carter Bear snapped a shot glove side past Orsulak to make it a 3-1 game, as he picked up his seventh goal of the playoffs. Just over two minutes later, the Raiders responded. From the right wall, Justice Christensen worked his way down low, and fired a low shot on goal that fooled Miller. Christensen was credited with his fourth goal of the postseason, giving the Raiders some life as he made it 3-2. Right after that, adversity struck. Aiden Oiring tried to tuck a shot past Miller on his left post, but the Silvertips goaltender got across to get his toe on it. The puck was still loose and eventually came to the slot for Benett Kelly, who fired home a slapshot. That should have tied the game, except for the fact that the whistle had blown prior to Kelly’s goal. That negated the tying tally, as the Silvertips remained in front 3-2. After a replay, it looked like Oiring’s wrap try may have crossed completely over the goal line, but the call of no goal on the ice stood. Moments later, the Raiders had a rush in the offensive zone again. This time, Owen Corkish swatted a backhand shot into the back of the net, but this would be waved off as well. Goalie interference would be the call, as a Silvertip made contact with Miller in the crease, but it was determined that a Raider initiated the contact. Of course, with back to back goals waved off, it seemed fitting that Everett would grab the game’s next goal. Shea Busch buried a cross crease pass from Zackary Shantz, making it a 4-2 game with 9:40 left in regulation. Matias Vanhanen would add an empty netter with 2:25 to go, sealing a 5-2 Silvertips win. Everett now has a 3-1 series lead. Game five is Friday night at the Art Hauser Centre. Puck drops at 7:30.]]> https://chl.ca/whl-raiders/article/game-notes-vs-everett-game-four Wed, 13 May 2026 17:33:07 +0000 https://chl.ca/whl-raiders/article/game-notes-vs-everett-game-four GAME NOTES]]> https://chl.ca/whl-raiders/article/game-preview-whl-championship-series-game-four Wed, 13 May 2026 15:00:14 +0000 https://chl.ca/whl-raiders/article/game-preview-whl-championship-series-game-four SETTING IT UP: The Everett Silvertips scored a late game winning goal in the third period to pick up a 3-2 win over the Prince Albert Raiders on Tuesday night, taking a 2-1 series lead in the process. The Raiders will look to tie the series back up tonight, before hosting game five on Friday at the Art Hauser Centre. 2025-26 HEAD TO HEAD (REGULAR SEASON): November 11, 2025 @ Everett: Raiders win 4-1 RAIDERS WIN SEASON SERIES 1-0 PLAYOFF RECORDS: Prince Albert: 13-5, Goals For: 75, Goals Against: 45 Everett: 14-2, Goals For: 70, Goals Against: 32 THE DIFFERENCE MAKER: Julius Miettinen has been all over the puck the last two games, playing a large role in Everett’s back to back wins in this series. The 20-year-old Finnish import scored the game winning goal with 4:28 left in the third period in game three, and had points on four of Everett’s six goals in their game two win. Altogether, Miettinen has seven points in the WHL Championship Series, and is a forward the Raiders will need to shutdown in game four, along with the rest of the Silvertips’ first line. LEADERS LEAD: Raiders captain Justice Christensen is doing his part in the WHL Championship Series. The 20-year-old has a point in all three games, with goals in the first two contests, and an assist on Ben Harvey’s goal last night. Christensen has 12 points in 18 playoff games in 2026. Braeden Cootes also has points in all three games to start the series, with a two point night in game one, and one point efforts in games two and three. The same can be said for Brock Cripps, who has a point in all three games entering tonight. UP NEXT: Game five of the WHL Championship series is on Friday night at the Art Hauser Centre. If necessary, game six will be on Sunday in Everett, followed by a possible game seven, also in Everett. If the Raiders win to tie the series tonight, game six is guaranteed at Angel of the Winds Arena.]]> https://chl.ca/whl-raiders/article/silvertips-score-late-game-winner-to-take-series-lead Wed, 13 May 2026 04:49:06 +0000 https://chl.ca/whl-raiders/article/silvertips-score-late-game-winner-to-take-series-lead th goal of the season, opening the scoring in game three. Prince Albert responded with 1:41 left in the first, as they scored a powerplay goal to tie the game. At the blue line, Braeden Cootes and Brock Cripps exchanged passes. Cripps dealt to Cootes at the left circle, and Cootes send a one touch pass to the left circle for Max Heise. Locked and loaded, Heise ripped a one timer past Anders Miller, scoring his fourth goal of the playoffs, tying the game at 1-1 after 20 minutes. Just 1:59 into the second period, the Raiders grabbed their first lead of the game, as rookie forward Ben Harvey tipped a shot home. Maddix McCagherty dropped the puck along the wall to Justice Christensen, who wheeled with it up to the top of the left circle. The Raiders captain fired a shot on goal that Harvey deflected on the way, beating Miller over his right shoulder. Harvey got on the board for the fourth time this postseason, putting the Raiders up 2-1. This time it was Everett’s time to tie the game late in the period, as they scored with 1:53 to go in the second. From the blue line, Silvertips defenceman Luke Vlooswyk scored his first goal of the playoffs, firing a shot past Orsulak through traffic to make it 2-2. The game would be tied heading into the third, although the Raiders would need a big penalty kill to start the third, as they were shorthanded with Everett on a five on three man advantage. The game winning goal came with 4:28 left in the third period, as Julius Miettinen came up clutch for the Silvertips. After Orsulak made an initial save, Miettinen followed up on the rebound, backhanding a shot over Orsulak’s blocker, scoring his 13^th goal of the playoffs, giving Everett a 3-2 lead. To make matters worse, the Raiders took a penalty in the final two minutes, putting a major stall into their comeback bid at the end of the game. In the dying seconds, a Prince Albert shot missed just over the net, the buzzer sounded, and the Silvertips came away with a 3-2 win, taking a 2-1 series lead. Game four of the WHL Championship Series is Wednesday night at the Art Hauser Centre. Puck drops at 7:30pm.]]> https://chl.ca/whl-raiders/article/game-notes-vs-everett-game-three Tue, 12 May 2026 18:32:16 +0000 https://chl.ca/whl-raiders/article/game-notes-vs-everett-game-three GAME NOTES]]>