Raiders Surge to 6-5 Win Over Pats, Stave Off Late Comeback

UPDATE: The Regina Raiders clinched a thrilling 6-5 victory over the Regina Pats at the Art Hauser Centre on October 27, 2023, staving off a late comeback from their rivals. This win marks the Raiders’ sixth consecutive victory, solidifying their position in the Eastern Conference.

The Raiders showcased their dominance early, netting three quick goals in the first period. Just 26 seconds into the game, Aiden Oiring struck first, swatting in a loose puck for his fourth goal of the season. This was followed by a powerplay goal from Jonah Sivertson, who wrapped the puck around the net after a slick assist from Ty Meunier at 3:26.

The relentless forechecking from the Raiders continued to apply pressure, with Oiring scoring again at 11:30 to extend the lead to 3-0 after the opening period. The Raiders outshot the Pats 17-6 in that frame, demonstrating their offensive prowess.

However, the second period saw a shift as the Pats began to rally. At 6:22, Keets Fawcett scored on the powerplay, cutting the deficit to 3-1. The Raiders responded quickly, with Owen Corkish finding the net at 8:08 for a 4-1 lead, his second goal of the season.

The Raiders maintained control, chasing Pats goaltender Marek Schlenker after Evan Smith scored at 10:35, making it 5-1 heading into the final period.

The third period opened dramatically as the Pats’ Jace Egland scored a short-handed goal just 18 seconds in, igniting their comeback hopes. Yet, the Raiders swiftly retaliated with Smith’s second goal of the night, restoring the lead to 6-2.

Despite the Raiders’ strong start, the Pats surged back with two powerplay goals, narrowing the gap to 6-5 in the closing minutes. With the goaltender pulled, Fawcett found the net again for the Pats, but the Raiders’ defense held firm, with critical blocks from Justice Christensen and Smith preserving the win.

The final statistics showed the Raiders with a slight edge in shots, totaling 39-31 over the Pats.

This game marks a milestone for Riley Boychuk, who continues his scoring streak with points in all eight games this season, now boasting 1 goal and 10 assists. Meanwhile, Corkish had a breakout night, earning three points after struggling earlier in the season.

Looking ahead, the Raiders will face the Edmonton Oil Kings next in a rematch from last year’s playoffs. Fans can catch all the action on 900 CKBI this Saturday.

This exciting victory not only boosts the Raiders’ morale but also sets the stage for an intense season ahead. Stay tuned for more updates as the Raiders continue their quest for supremacy in the league.