Raiders open pre-season with 2-1 win over Saskatoon on Massive River First Nation

The Prince Albert Raiders began the 2023 WHL Pre-Season on the precise foot with a 2-1 win over the Saskatoon Blades on the Jim Neilson Sportsplex on Massive River First Nation.

Raider head coach Jeff Truitt says he was proud of how Prince Albert improved as the sport progressed.

“(There was) nerves within the first. A lot of turnovers by each groups, that’s anticipated. As the sport went on within the second interval, I assumed that we performed actual nicely, carrying many of the motion and responded actual nicely after having to kill some penalties. After which within the third, I assumed that it confirmed our work, and it confirmed the dedication of the blokes not solely to get to a purpose, however to defend.”

2021 second spherical decide Zach Moore opened the scoring for Saskatoon with simply 12.5 seconds to go within the opening body, firing a wrist shot previous Raider netminder Cooper Anderson to offer the Blades a 1-0 lead after twenty minutes of play.

The Raiders would draw even on the 13:27 mark of the center body. Justice Christensen would fireplace some extent shot and Harrison Lodewyk would redirect it previous Blade netminder Ryley Budd to even the rating at 1-1.

The Raiders would take the lead much less then a minute into the third interval as Doogan Pederson’s level shot via visitors would discover twine to offer Prince Albert a 2-1 lead simply 0:35 into the ultimate body.

Raider goaltender Cooper Anderson would earn the win on the afternoon, making 19 saves for Prince Albert. Ryley Budd stopped 28 of 30 photographs for Saskatoon.

Truitt says he was happy with what he noticed out of the 16-year-old Anderson.

“I assumed he was advantageous. He made some saves on their energy performs. It was fairly good. He confronted some powerful photographs. I assumed he was good. Poised, rebound management was fairly good, however he was within the recreation. He was centered and acknowledged performs earlier than they occurred. I actually favored what I noticed out of Cooper.”

It was the second consecutive 12 months that the Raiders have began the pre-season with a win over the Saskatoon Blades. Final 12 months, the Raiders defeated Saskatoon by a rating of 6-3.

Truitt says the Raiders have been excited to be invited again to Massive River First Nation

“Final 12 months, we received to spend just a few days right here, which is nice with our crew, after which with the ability to come again once more. Nice constructing and the followers are terrific. We get handled so nicely as soon as we get right here. It’s a pleasure to return right here yearly.”

The Raiders proceed the pre-season on Saturday night time after they welcome the Saskatoon Blades to the Artwork Hauser Centre.  Puck drops at 7 p.m.

sports activities@paherald.sk.ca