It came right down to the wire Friday night versus the Muskegon Risers.
Looking for redemption after a crushing loss on Thursday night, the Risers came out firing, scoring two goals in the first five minutes of play. But the Raptors rallied, and thanks to a late power play goal took the lead at the end of the first quarter.
Muskegon briefly tied the game to open the second quarter, but back-to-back goals by defenseman Pat Kelly gave the Raptors a two goal lead. The Risers were not to be denied, however, and every time your Raptors pulled ahead, the Risers rallied to tie. The game appeared headed to overtime when forward Ricky Orozco knocked home a beautiful power play goal off Jonah Dancer's pass with just 1:39 left on the clock.
Forward Ricky Orozco discusses Friday night's excitement
As fans have come to expect, the Raptors featured a balanced attack on offense. Veteran defender Pat Kelly was the leading scorer, recording a hat trick. Dancer and Orozco scored twice each, and each contributed an assist. Team captain Jake Johnson added two assists, with Ronaldo Rojas and Ayo Adebayo each tallying one.
Pat Kelly talks about his hat trick performance vs. the Risers
Goaltender Luis "Luisito" Perez saw his first indoor action of the year Friday night, taking over for most of the second half. Midfielder Tariq Ahmed and forwards / midfielders Kolby Godbolt and Gavin Lewis made their season debuts as well.
GK Luisito Perez on his first indoor action of the season
Your Raptors are back in action this weekend with a two-game stand vs. the Des Moines Demon Hawks. Game highlights from Friday night's action can be found on the Raptors' official team Twitter account. For more team news, in-depth analysis, and everything else a Jurassic Fanatic needs, follow the Raptors Report on Twitter: @IARaptorsReport.
We'll see you this weekend at the Powerhouse!