Raiders comeback from 3-0 down in the third to beat Brandon 5-4 in overtime
In one of the most thrilling and dramatic games of the season, the Prince Albert Raiders staged an incredible comeback, erasing a 3-0 deficit in the third period to ultimately defeat the Brandon Wheat Kings 5-4 in overtime. This game was a rollercoaster of emotions for the players, coaches, and fans alike, with the Raiders demonstrating resilience, skill, and determination to pull off a win that few could have predicted.
The Wheat Kings looked to be in complete control for the majority of the game, and at one point, they held a commanding 3-0 lead. However, the Raiders, known for their never-give-up attitude, slowly but surely mounted their comeback, scoring three unanswered goals in the third period to tie the game at 3-3. Despite a brief setback when the Wheat Kings regained the lead at 4-3 with just over six minutes left in the third, the Raiders managed to force overtime, where Justice Christensen’s game-winning goal just 53 seconds into the extra frame secured the victory.
The game got off to a fast start for the Wheat Kings, as they took the lead just 4:24 into the first period. Marcus Nguyen, who has been a key contributor for Brandon this season, broke free on a partial breakaway and was sprung into the Raiders’ zone by Nolan Flamand. Nguyen made no mistake, snapping a quick shot past Max Hildebrand on the glove side to give the Wheat Kings a 1-0 advantage. The early goal gave Brandon confidence, and they continued to press the attack throughout the opening period.
Brandon doubled their lead in the final minutes of the first frame. With just 2:10 remaining in the period, Caleb Hadland added another for the Wheat Kings. Charlie Elick sent a crisp pass ahead to Hadland, who found himself with a clear path to the net. Hadland fired a hard shot from the left circle that beat Hildebrand low, giving the Wheat Kings a 2-0 lead and sending them into the intermission with momentum.
The Raiders were struggling to get any offensive momentum in the first period. They were outshot 14-5, and the defense was having trouble keeping up with the speed and physicality of the Wheat Kings. Heading into the second period, it seemed like the Raiders had their work cut out for them if they were to mount a comeback.
Brandon extended their lead early in the second period with a powerplay goal that came just 13 seconds into their man advantage. Luke Shipley took a shot that Hildebrand was able to stop, but the puck trickled through his pads and came to rest in the crease. Dominik Petr was right there to pounce on the loose puck, and he chopped it home to make it 3-0 in favor of Brandon. The goal was Petr’s third of the season, and it gave the Wheat Kings what seemed like an insurmountable three-goal lead.
But despite the setbacks, the Raiders weren’t about to go quietly. They began to show some fight in the third period, and it didn’t take long for them to get on the scoreboard. Brayden Dube, one of the Raiders’ most reliable scorers, sparked the rally with two goals in quick succession. His first goal came just over six minutes into the period when he carried the puck from behind the net, circled around to the bottom of the right circle, and unleashed a precise shot over Brandon goalie Ethan Eskit’s shoulder. The goal cut the Wheat Kings’ lead to 3-1 and gave the Raiders some much-needed momentum.
Less than a minute later, Dube struck again, this time on the powerplay. Lukas Dragicevic, who has been a standout on the Raiders’ blue line, made a great pass to Dube at the right circle. Dube made no mistake, ripping another shot over Eskit’s shoulder to make it a 3-2 game. In a span of just 32 seconds, the Raiders had cut the Wheat Kings’ lead to just one goal, and the momentum had clearly shifted in their favor.
With the Raiders pressing for the equalizer, they got a bit of luck in their favor. Dayce Derkatch, who had been quietly effective for the Raiders all game, scored his first-ever Western Hockey League goal to tie the game. After a puck was dumped behind the Wheat Kings’ net, the pass attempt by Luke Shipley hit the end boards and bounced right back into the crease. Derkatch, who was right there to seize the opportunity, collected the puck and fired a quick shot past a surprised Eskit, who had his eyes on the corner. The fortunate bounce of the puck led to Derkatch’s goal, tying the game at 3-3 with just over four minutes remaining in the period.
The Wheat Kings tried to regain the lead, and they did just that with 6:18 left in the third period. Petr, who had already scored once in the game, struck again to put Brandon back on top. Taking a pass from Quinn Mantei, Petr blasted a shot from the left circle that Hildebrand could not stop, giving the Wheat Kings a 4-3 advantage. It was a crushing blow for the Raiders, who had worked so hard to get back into the game, but the Raiders refused to give in.
With time winding down and the game on the line, the Raiders pulled Hildebrand for an extra attacker, and it paid off with 1:16 left in regulation. From the point, Christensen fired a shot on goal, and Niall Crocker, who had been parked in front of the net, managed to get a stick on it. The tip went past Eskit and into the net, tying the game at 4-4. It was Crocker’s eighth goal of the season, and it sent the game into overtime, much to the relief of Raiders fans, who were on the edge of their seats.
Overtime was where the real magic happened. Just 53 seconds into the extra frame, the Raiders completed their stunning comeback. Christensen, who had already contributed to the tying goal, played a key role in the game-winner. He and Krzysztof Macias raced down the ice on a two-on-two rush, with Christensen on the right wing. Macias made a perfect pass to Christensen in the left circle, and with one deft move, Christensen knocked the puck out of the air and into the net, just over Eskit’s glove. The arena erupted in celebration as the Raiders secured the 5-4 victory, completing their incredible comeback in dramatic fashion.
For Christensen, it was his third goal of the season, but undoubtedly the most important. It was the perfect way to cap off a game that had featured so many twists and turns. The win not only gave the Raiders two points but also showcased their resilience and their ability to never give up, no matter the odds.
The victory also marked an important moment for the Raiders’ season, as it demonstrated their potential to come back from difficult situations. With players like Dube, Christensen, and Derkatch stepping up when it mattered most, the Raiders showed that they are capable of great things when they play with confidence and determination.
As the Raiders returned home to begin a four-game homestand, this thrilling victory against the Wheat Kings will no doubt serve as a source of motivation for the games ahead. With their confidence soaring after this dramatic comeback, the Raiders will look to build on this momentum and continue their strong play as they prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.
Leave a Reply