Raiders captain Justice Christensen moments before he threw one of the biggest hits of the season on Aleksey Chichkin, sending the opposing player into the bench. (Image Credit: Mark Peterson/Prince Albert Raiders)

By Nick Nielsen

Red Deer local, Raiders captain

Home that raised him vs. home that welcomed him: Raiders captain reflects on playing series against hometown

Apr 2, 2026 | 1:08 PM

The emotions in the game of hockey ramp up during the playoffs for a number of reasons, but for Prince Albert Raiders captain Justice Christensen, there’s an extra layer added to it this year.

Not only is it his final season in the WHL as a 20-year-old, but he’s also getting a chance to play in his hometown of Red Deer in what the Raiders are hoping is a lengthy playoff run.

The 7-game series between the Raiders and Rebels is 3-1, in favour of Prince Albert. If the Raiders win Game 5, the series is over and that means Christensen will have played in his hometown for the last time in his WHL career.

Christensen said while its exciting to have lots of family watching in the stands, his focus is on the task at hand.

“Our job is to get the win here and hopefully not be back.”

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Before the series arrived in Red Deer, Christensen had made some waves on social media with a big hit that sent Aleksey Chichkin tumbling into the bench during Game 1.

JUICE DELIVERS THE BIGGEST HIT OF THE SEASON pic.twitter.com/EAUBMng7lo

— x – Prince Albert Raiders (@PARaidersHockey) March 28, 2026

As a result, the Red Deer fans were not the kindest to the local boy on the opposing team. A mix of ‘boos’ from the local crowd and supportive chants of ‘Juice’ from friends, family, and the Raider fans in attendance competed with each other during the game. It didn’t matter which side was louder, Christensen said he was able to feed off the noise.

“I heard there was a little bit of chirping coming from the stands at me. I’m not really sure if it was positive or a little bit of chirping or backlash on me, but whatever the case is, it’s all good.”

Christensen had not played any hockey in the Marchant Crane Centrium, home of the Rebels, during his minor hockey career. His first game in that rink came as a member of the Raiders. During his four years in Prince Albert, he considered the Art Hauser Centre his ‘home rink.’

Some of Christensen’s most important years growing up happened in Hockey Town North. It started when he arrived at camp in 2022 as a 16-year-old. The success he’s had over the years has led him to his final season in the WHL as a grown man – a 20-year-old who has a foot in the door with the Detroit Red Wings.

“Prince Albert means a lot. It’s everything. It kind of jump-started my career, and I’m super grateful for that opportunity and to call PA home for four years now. It’s meant everything.”

During those four years, Christensen has heard the roar of the crowd at the Hauser get louder and louder as the team built up to this point. While other rinks around the league boast bigger crowds and more amenities, Christensen believes nothing compares to the atmosphere of the Art Hauser Centre when the building gets rocking.

“Our fans are great, and it was definitely a great atmosphere to play in, and for myself, having lots of family and friends here for this game was definitely a little bit of extra motivation. So definitely lots of fans cheering for us.”

Christensen added that the team is fortunate to have so many fans who follow the team for games, and he said they often feed off that energy on the road.

“It’s huge. We know they’re always there to support us, and they’re always loud and cheering for us. So no matter where we are, we know we have that support at home and especially when we’re in the house or it’s loud and it’s infectious for us.”

The Raiders return home Friday night for Game 5 with the Red Deer Rebels as they look to close out the series. Tickets are on sale now and running out fast.

—

nick.nielsen@pattisonmedia.com