The Raiders Jr. Hockey Club showed flashes of resilience but came away without a win after facing two of the Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League’s stronger clubs over the weekend.
The Raiders dropped a 7–4 decision to the St. James Jr. Canucks on Friday, Jan. 30, at Ab McDonald Arena, despite generating 43 shots on goal.
St. James built a 3–0 first-period lead and never trailed, powered by a four-goal performance from Jayden Ward. Cole Robertson added two goals for the Canucks, including one on the power play.
Raiders goals came from Zach Einarson, Riley Kushnier, Cole Kennedy and Mason Laarveld, with Kennedy and Kushnier each factoring on multiple scoring plays. Owen Savoie stopped 45 shots in net as the Raiders went 2-for-4 on the power play.
Two nights later, the Raiders pushed the league-leading Transcona Railer Express to overtime before falling 4–3 Sunday afternoon at Ed Golding Arena.
Noah Banera opened the scoring for the Raiders in the first period, while Einarson and Kushnier added goals as the teams traded momentum throughout regulation. Kushnier’s third-period marker tied the game and forced overtime.
Ryder McLure ended it 1:36 into the extra frame for Transcona. Savoie again saw heavy action, turning aside 40 shots in the overtime loss.
With the results, the Raiders sit eighth in the MMJHL standings at 12-19-3, while Transcona remains atop the league and St. James holds a playoff position in the crowded middle of the table.
The Raiders return home Thursday, Feb. 6, when they host the St. Boniface Riels in a 7:30 p.m. matchup.
