The Raiders Jr. Hockey Club picked up an important home-ice victory Friday before falling in a tight matchup two days later as they continued Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League action at Seven Oaks SportsPlex.
The Raiders opened the weekend with a 4-3 win over the St. Vital Jr. Victorias on Jan. 16, using a strong second period to build enough offence to hold on down the stretch.
Carter Andersson gave the Raiders a late first-period lead, scoring with just 13 seconds remaining in the frame. After St. Vital briefly pulled even early in the second, the Raiders answered with goals from Aiden Carty, Logan Bruneau on the power play, and Brennan Feschuk to take control of the game.
Goaltender Owen Savoie turned aside 40 of 43 shots to earn the win as the Raiders were outshot but capitalized on key chances.
The Raiders were back on the ice Sunday, hosting the Charleswood Hawks, but came up just short in a 4-3 loss.
Charleswood jumped out to a 3-1 first-period lead before the Raiders clawed back in the third. Riley Kushnier and Cole Kennedy scored late to pull the Raiders within one, but the comeback bid fell short.
Savoie again saw heavy action in goal, making 24 saves in the loss.
Following the weekend split, the Raiders sit eighth in the league standings with a 12-16-2 record as they continue to battle for playoff positioning in the Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League.
Upcoming games
The Raiders return to Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League action on Thursday, Jan. 23, when they visit the Ft. Garry/Ft. Rouge Twins for a 7:30 p.m. start. The Raiders then return home on Saturday, Jan. 25, hosting the River East Royal Knights at Seven Oaks SportsPlex in a 2 p.m. matchup.
