Prince Albert Raiders Claim Overtime Victory Over T-Birds, 5-4

UPDATE: The Prince Albert Raiders stunned the Seattle Thunderbirds with a thrilling 5-4 overtime victory at the ShoWare Center in Kent, Washington, on October 20, 2023. Forward Brayden Dube scored a bizarre game-winner just 3:31 into the extra period, deflecting a wrist shot that slipped past Thunderbirds goalie Marek Sklenicka, solidifying the Raiders’ impressive performance on their western road trip.

The Raiders have now achieved five wins in six games, showcasing their resilience. Coach Ryan McDonald emphasized the importance of shooting the puck, stating, “You never know what can happen.” Dube’s goal came after a cautious overtime where the Raiders focused on possession, waiting for the right moment to strike.

With the game tied at 4-4, the Raiders had to rally from behind once again. Aiden Oiring emerged as the third-period hero, scoring the equalizer with just 1:09 remaining after Seattle had taken a late lead. McDonald praised his team’s determination, saying, “Our guys play hard until the end… just continued to play behind, continued to play north.”

The match began poorly for the Raiders, who trailed 2-0 after the first period, outshot 14-4 by the Thunderbirds. However, the Raiders turned the tide in the second period, scoring three goals to take a 3-2 lead. Dube, Oiring, and Daxon Rudolph contributed to the offensive surge, with Rudolph tying the game on the power play.

Seattle’s power play was also effective, with first-round pick Brock England scoring early in the first period and Sawyer Mayes adding another in the third. The Thunderbirds’ Antonio Martorana scored his fourth goal in three games, keeping the pressure on the Raiders.

Goalies faced a barrage of shots, with Sklenicka making 26 saves and Dimitri Fortin bouncing back from a shaky start to record 40 saves for Prince Albert. This victory marks the Raiders’ second consecutive comeback from a 2-0 deficit, having achieved a similar feat against the Portland Winterhawks earlier in the week.

As the Raiders prepare for their next challenge against the Wenatchee Wild on October 21, puck drop is set for 8 p.m. CST. Fans are eager to see if the team can maintain their momentum and extend their winning streak.

This game not only highlights the Raiders’ fighting spirit but also sets the stage for an exciting season ahead. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.