PRINCE ALBERT, Saskatchewan (Interstat) — The Prince Albert Raiders defeated the Red Deer Rebels 4-1 in Western Hockey League play Friday night at Art Hauser Centre.

Braeden Cootes led the Raiders with two goals, including the game-winner, and an assist. Brock Cripps added a goal and an assist for Prince Albert, which improved its league-leading record to 53-16. The Raiders struck first on Cootes’ opening goal in the first period and never trailed.

Red Deer’s Poul Andersen scored in the third period to briefly cut the deficit to 2-1, but Cootes answered minutes later to restore the two-goal lead before Cripps sealed the victory. The Rebels fell to 26-43 in front of an announced crowd of 3,078. The teams meet again in Prince Albert on Saturday.