Rebels 6 Raiders 3
The Red Deer Rebels stumped the red-hot Prince Albert Raiders in their first of two WHL weekend games in Saskatchewan.
The Raiders were winners of five of their past six coming into Friday night, but the Rebels jumped out to a 2-0 lead and didn’t look back en route to a 6-3 win.
Michael Spacek and Evan Polei both scored twice as they continued to battled for the team lead in goals.
Polei got his first of the night to open the scoring on a Rebels’ power play. Adam Musil put the puck on net and Polei was there to pick up the garbage just 10 seconds in the man advantage.
Spacek ripped down the wing and shot short side on Raiders goalie Nicholas Saunders for his 22nd of the season with just 30 seconds left in the first period.
Prince Albert responded with two quick goals in the second, but Cam Hausinger got Red Deer back in front midway through the period.
Later in the second, Spacek drew even with Polei when he added his 23rd of the season with another Rebels power play goal, their second of the night. Red Deer finished the evening 2/3 with the extra attacker.
Polei then pulled ahead again on his 24th goal of year with 2:51 remaining and the Raiders net empty. Polei’s 24 goals lead the Rebels and are a career high for the 20-year-old forward. He now has 44 points in 49 games this season.
Lane Zablocki also added an empty net goal with 24 seconds left in the game.
Colton Bobyk finished the night with three assists and was also plus three. The Rebels veteran defenceman is up to 40 points on the year in 51 games.
Rebels goalie Riley Lamb made his first start since Jan. 15 and was impressive with 32 saves in the win.
Red Deer is back at it on Saturday night in Saskatoon when they take on the Blades.
byron.hackett@www.reddeeradvocate.com