Brett Leason will be eligible to return to action for game four on Wednesday night after serving a one-game suspension. Leason led the Raiders offensively this season with 89 points in 55 games played. (Jeff D'Andrea/paNOW)

By Trevor Redden

Leason suspended

Leason suspended one game, will miss game three

Mar 25, 2019 | 5:02 PM

The Prince Albert Raiders will be without forward Brett Leason for game three against the Red Deer Rebels on Tuesday night, as the Western Hockey League has handed down a one-game suspension following his checking from behind major in game two on Saturday.

Early in the second period, Leason checked Rebel forward Cam Hausinger, sending him crashing into the end boards. Hausinger remained on the ice before being helped off by team staff, heading down to the dressing room briefly before returning to take part in the ensuing power play.

Raiders General Manager Curtis Hunt said he respects the rule and the league’s process but disagreed with the decision.

“There was no cross-check, there was a push but no intent from Brett to hurt the player. You look at his track record and he’s represented our team with class all year, he represented our country at the World Juniors, and through his play he’s built a stand-up reputation,” Hunt said.

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“Of course, when we saw the player go into the boards, we all reacted to it and we all hoped that he was OK, that’s the compassionate side in all of us. But when the player comes back right away on that power play, you question it a bit, and our fans were pretty vocal in their displeasure for the rest of the game.”

Head Coach Marc Habscheid agreed with Hunt, stating that the rule is in place for good reason, but it’s unfortunate to see embellishment come into play.

“Looking at the tape he was just pushing him off the puck and then he went into the boards really easily and laid there forever. When he got up, he was out the next shift. Talking to my players he was even laughing about it on the ice, so that’s disappointing,” Habscheid said.

Hunt followed up by saying that the Raiders take pride in how they approach the game.

“Marc and his staff have worked hard to make sure our guys understand the rules and respect our opponent,” Hunt said.

Next man up

With Leason out for game three, Habscheid said forward Spencer Moe will be leaned on to take on a heavier load.

“He’s been playing good lately and I’ve needed to get him more ice time where I can. He’s going to get more on Tuesday for sure,” Habscheid said.

The Raiders lead the Rebels 2-0 in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference quarter-final series. Games three and four will be held Tuesday and Wednesday in Red Deer. If necessary, game five will be held in Prince Albert on Friday night.

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trevor.redden@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Trevor_Redden