VIGR RECAP: PATS TAKE 2-1 SERIES LEAD

Keith Hershmiller Photography

The Regina Pats are now just two wins away from their first WHL championship since 1980.

Robbie Holmes’ even strength goal at 4:49 of the second period was the winner Tuesday night as the Queen City Kids hung on for a 3-2 victory over the Seattle Thunderbirds in Game 3 of the WHL championship series.

The victory gave the Pats a 2-1 series lead in the Best-of-7 Ed Chynoweth Cup.

Before a soldout crowd of 6,178 in the ShoWare Centre in Kent, WA, there were goals a’ plenty in the opening period. Regina’s Connor Hobbs and Chase Harrison both struck on the powerplay with heavy shots from the point which beat rookie Seattle netminder Carl Stankowski.

The T-Birds responded with markers from Alexander True and Sami Moilanen, and the game was tied 2-2 after 20 minutes.

Holmes scored the eventual game-winner early in the second, rifling a shot from the left circle over Stankowski’s shoulder which gave the visitors a 3-2 lead. The score held up into the third.

Pats star Sam Steel had a chance to notch the insurance marker on a penalty shot midway through the final frame, however he was stymied by Stankowski.

Regina held off a furious Seattle flurry in the final few minutes of the game, and emerged with the critical victory.

Pats goalie Tyler Brown was heroic in Game 3, making 35 saves and was named the game’s #1 star for his efforts.

Regina was outshot 37-28 while going 2/4 on the powerplay and 3/4 on the penalty kill.

The Pats were again without the services of captain Adam Brooks, who was injured in Game 1.

Game 4 goes Wednesday at 8:00 pm Sask Time at the ShoWare Centre on 620 CKRM, Access 7 and Shaw.

RP
@rodpedersen