DUBNetwork Feature Game of the Night: Raiders @ Giants 7:30 PM PST
The first place Prince Albert Raiders continue their western road swing looking to finish off the BC Division chapter in style tonight in Vancouver against the Giants. An added bonus, tonight’s game is set to be broadcast on Sportsnet nationwide.
The Prince Albert Raiders (40-5-0-2) are the first team in the entire CHL to hit the 40 win mark this season, that win coming on Tuesday against the Victoria Royals in a 4-1 effort. Cole Fonstad had a goal, and an assist, and Dante Hannoun was named first star in his return to Victoria where he played 290 career games for the Royals.
Brett Leason and Bowen Byram are expected to return to WHL Action tonight as the pair competed in the CHL/NHL Sherwin Williams Top Prospects Game last night in Red Deer.
The pair are two to watch for sure, tonight’s game will be yet another big showcase for two of the Western Hockey League’s most elite draft eligible players.
The Vancouver Giants (29-12-2-0) have won their last six games in a row, while on this red hot streak they’ve scored 29 goals, while only allowing 15 goals against. It seems the adversity has come and gone for the club as they did go through a tough stretch as does almost every junior hockey club. Contributions are not only coming from the top part of their lineup however from all levels, rookie forward Justin Sourdif has points in two of his last three games, among others up and down the Giants lineup who’ve been there contributing offensively.
One stat to point out, is the Giants have gone undefeated against Eastern Division teams this season, and they put that 5-0-0-0 record on the line tonight when they face the Raiders at the Langley Events Centre.
Who to watch:
Brett Leason (PA) 31G, 42A-Leason has four points in three games against BC Division opponents this season.
Bowen Byram (VAN) 16G, 27A- Byram sits in first place for goals scored by defenseman in the WHL, and sits fifth for total points by defenseman in the league.
Expected Starters:
Ian Scott (PA) 1.791 GAA, .936 SV%- He starts his 35th game of the season tonight, sits in first place in Goals Against Average, Save Percentage, and Shutouts in the WHL.
David Tendeck (VAN) 2.508 GAA, .907 SV%- Tendeck has been steady eddy for the Giants this season, but has let in four goals in back to back starts coming into tonight’s game.
