Ice Raiders Pick Up Cancelled Portland State Game

Photo by: Christina Wigs

Thanks to a few friends in high places, the Oakland Ice Raiders of the Mountain West Hockey League will take on the SRJC Hockey team this Sunday, replacing Division II team Portland State University. The game now moves from a 7 a.m. start time to 5 p.m. matinée at Snoopy's Home Ice.

With news of Portland's cancellation, SRJC assistant coach Nick Harris asked his other squad— the Ice Raiders— to fill the open spot. Back in December, Oakland invited SRJC to play back-to-back games that were going to be cancelled. The squads played for the Lost Ark Leibau Cup, an homage to the golden days of California hockey. The Polar Bears ended up sweeping the weekend.

Oakland is a Senior A Minor team that many former Polar Bear players suit up for. In addition to Harris, SRJC alumni Chris Whitten and Alex De Vaughn are on the team. Head coach Blake Johnson will also join Oakland against SRJC.

"Being a part of both teams, and having several former alumni on the squad, always makes for a exciting match up," Harris said. "We [the Ice Raiders] are fortunate to be invited to play, and the team is excited. It's a perfect warm up for the back-to-back road trips we [the Ice Raiders] have in February."

This exhibition game is a can't miss event for Polar Bear fans. Puck drop is slated for 5 p.m. at Snoopy's Home Ice. As always admission is free.