DUBNetwork Feature game of the night: Raiders @ Broncos 7 PM CST
Although the Prince Albert Raiders and Swift Current Broncos are on complete different ends of the standings, when these teams have met this season fans have been gifted to entertaining action. The Swift Current Broncos were actually the second team to beat the Raiders this season, that coming back in early December.
The Prince Albert Raiders (45-7-0-2) have been back to sailing on some smooth waters now riding a four game winning streak after facing some pretty tough competition. The Raiders took until the latter half of the third period to shut down the Hurricanes on Saturday night in Lethbridge. Max Martin and Noah Gregor chipping in with two assists, while Cole Fonstad scored two goals including the game winner. The Raiders are miles ahead of everyone else in the league, comparing across the CHL they sit among the top with only the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of the QMJHL with a better record at 47-7-0-1.
Cole Fonstad has been soaring to new heights among this Raider domination of late. The Montreal Canadiens fifth rounder from 2018 has collected 12 points in his last five games, carrying a lot of the Raiders load in the absence of Brett Leason. Fonstad has already reached a new personal high for goals in a single season at 26 compared to 21 last season. Fonstad doesn’t appear to be stopping anytime soon either, surely trying to beat his career high in points set last season at 73 points.
The Swift Current Broncos (10-38-2-2) are hoping tonight’s tilt with the Raiders is just what the doctor ordered to end their current five game losing streak. If you took a look at the standings prior to tonight’s contest you’d be thinking that the Broncos have no chance. It’s only when you dig deeper to find that the Broncos have been right there in almost all four of their season series meetings thus far. The Broncos are .500 when facing the Raiders at home this season, and you can be sure the Innovation Credit Union i-plex will be rocking this evening.
Who has been responsible for keeping the Broncos within striking distance against one of the CHL’s best teams?
One of the answers lies with Ethan Regnier, notching six points in those four games against Ian Scott and the Raiders. The Bronco’s first round pick in the 2015 Bantam Draft has stepped up to the plate this season when it comes to playing PA. Regnier has been shook off an eight point season in 2017-18, and rebounded with energy on a team that hasn’t seen much winning. He’s got 26 points in 52 games this season, good for first in team scoring.
Who’s expected in net:
- Boston Bilous (PA) 3.354 GAA, .869 SV%- With Ian Scott out, Bilous has been the go-to, he did allow five goals in his last start against the Hurricanes.
- Riley Lamb (SC) 3.517 GAA, .928 SV%- Lamb has been solid since joining the team back in January, holds a 2-2-0-1 record in six games with the team.
Other games on tap:
Edmonton Oil Kings (30-16-4-4) @ Brandon Wheat Kings (23-22-3-4)
- Brandon looking to get back on track, 5-4-0-1 in their last ten. Edmonton has won both meetings between the teams this season.
Calgary Hitmen (28-20-4-1) @ Lethbridge Hurricanes (27-16-5-5)
- Lethbridge leads this hefty divisional series matchup by a 3-1 count this season. Lethbridge beating the Hitmen by a 6-4 score in their last meeting.
Saskatoon Blades (34-13-8-0) @ Medicine Hat Tigers (31-18-3-2)
- All the signs point to Saskatoon, they are entering on a four game winning streak and have also won all three meetings between the teams this season.
Victoria Royals (27-22-1-2) @ Kamloops Blazers (20-27-4-1)
- Kamloops, in the hunt for the last Wild Card spot, is on an 0-2-1-0 run looking to turn things around in a hurry or else there will not be springtime hockey in the River City.
