Owen Corkish's Hat Trick Propels Prince Albert Raiders Past Medicine Hat Tigers in Game 5

Key facts

• Prince Albert Raiders defeated Medicine Hat Tigers 6-3 on May 1, 2026.
• Owen Corkish scored a hat trick, including the game-winning goal.
• Corkish had only three total playoff goals before Game 5.
• Raiders outshot Tigers 47-28 and won 49 of 70 faceoffs.
• Everett Silvertips clinched WHL Finals berth with 4-2 win over Penticton Vees on April 28.
• Medicine Hat Tigers won Game 4 on April 28 with a 2-1 overtime victory, tied series 2-2.
• Liam Ruck scored the overtime winner for Medicine Hat in Game 4.

Corkish’s Breakout Performance Seals Critical Win

The Prince Albert Raiders seized a 3-2 series lead in the WHL Conference Finals with a 6-3 victory over the Medicine Hat Tigers on Friday night. The game belonged to 18-year-old forward Owen Corkish, who recorded his first career WHL hat trick, including the game-winning goal. Corkish entered the contest with just three goals in the entire playoffs and had never scored three in a game at this level.

Raiders Dominate from Start to Finish

Prince Albert controlled play throughout, outshooting Medicine Hat 47-28 and winning 49 of 70 faceoffs. The Tigers' goaltender Carter Casey kept the game from becoming a blowout with several key saves. Despite Casey's efforts, the Raiders' relentless pressure proved too much, as they built an early lead and never looked back.

Series Tied After Medicine Hat’s Overtime Win in Game 4

Two nights earlier, the Tigers had evened the series with a 2-1 overtime victory on home ice. Raiders defenceman Daxon Rudolph opened the scoring with a quick shot past Tigers goaltender Jordan Switzer. Late in the second period, Kade Stengrim tied the game for Medicine Hat. In overtime, Liam Ruck continued his postseason dominance, firing home the game-winner to force a pivotal Game 5.

Everett Silvertips Await Finals Opponent

The Everett Silvertips have already secured their spot in the WHL Finals, defeating the Penticton Vees 4-2 on April 28 to close out the series. Julius Miettinen scored a crucial second-period goal, and Landon DuPont added an assist. The Silvertips now await the winner of the Prince Albert–Medicine Hat series to determine their opponent in the championship round.

Individual Honors and League Awards Announced

The WHL also announced several monthly and yearly awards in late April. Prince George Cougars goaltender Joshua Ravensbergen was named WHL Goaltender of the Year for the 2025-26 season. Everett Silvertips head coach Steve Hamilton received the WHL Coach of the Year award. Additionally, the league revealed the Players of the Month for April 2026, though specific winners were not detailed in the game recaps.

What’s Next: Game 6 and Potential Finals Matchup

With the Raiders leading the series 3-2, Game 6 will be played in Medicine Hat, where the Tigers will look to force a decisive Game 7. If Prince Albert closes out the series, they will face the Everett Silvertips in the WHL Finals. The Silvertips, who swept the Penticton Vees in four games, have been resting since April 28 and will be well-prepared for the championship series.

The bottom line

• Owen Corkish’s hat trick in Game 5 was a career milestone and shifted series momentum to Prince Albert.
• The Raiders’ dominance in shots (47-28) and faceoffs (70%) was decisive despite strong goaltending from Carter Casey.
• Medicine Hat forced overtime in Game 4, with Liam Ruck scoring the winner to tie the series 2-2.
• Everett Silvertips clinched the first WHL Finals berth, defeating Penticton Vees 4-2 on April 28.
• Joshua Ravensbergen (Prince George) and Steve Hamilton (Everett) earned league-wide honors for the 2025-26 season.
• The WHL Finals will feature either Prince Albert or Medicine Hat against Everett, with Game 6 set for Medicine Hat.