Raiders clinch playoff berth

Lucas Punkari/Daily Herald Captain Brayden Pachal skates by the Prince Albert Raiders bench after scoring a goal earlier this season.

While they were enjoying a day off following a 5-1 road win over the Edmonton Oil Kings Monday night, the Prince Albert Raiders became the first team in the Western Hockey League to clinch a spot in the 2019 playoffs.

The top ranked club in the Canadian Hockey League earned their berth into the post-season as a result of the Brandon Wheat Kings’ dropping a 7-3 affair at home to the Saskatoon Blades Tuesday.

This marks the first time that the Raiders have reached the playoffs in back-to-back seasons since 2013 and 2014.

The 43-7-0-2 Raiders, who are looking to capture their first East Division crown since 1999, will return to action Friday as they’ll go to the Stampede Corral to face the Calgary Hitmen.

Tuesday’s Scores

  • Saskatoon 7 Brandon 3 (Kirby Dach – Three Goals – Second Hat Trick This Season)
  • Regina 2 Lethbridge 1 (Sergei Alkhimov Shootout Winner – Max Paddock – 38 Saves)
  • Vancouver 4 Prince George 2 (Owen Hardy – One Goal and One Assist)
  • Tri-City 5 Portland 3 (Connor Bouchard – Two Goals and One Assist)
  • Seattle 5 Victoria 3 (Roddy Ross – 41 Saves)

Wednesday’s Schedule

  • Moose Jaw vs. Saskatoon – 7 p.m.
  • Regina vs. Calgary – 8 p.m.
  • Medicine Hat vs. Kootenay – 8 p.m.
  • Vancouver vs. Prince George – 9 p.m.
  • Spokane vs. Kelowna – 9 p.m.
  • Seattle vs. Victoria – 9 p.m.
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