THE WEDNESDAY THRILLER … WITH PHIL ANDREWS

Voice of the Pats Phil Andrews

A great day for the Regina Pats on Tuesday as the team unveiled their coaching staff of John Paddock, Dave Struch, Darrin McKechnie and Rob Muntain. From my perspective it already seems like a good dynamic between the three. I think the players will enjoy playing for these guys and learn a lot.

McKechnie was the latest hire and he is beyond excited to be coaching the team he played for back in the late 1980’s. He had a 53 goal and 102 point season in 87-88. He will be working on a part time basis for lack of a better term. He is a full time police officer in Regina but he said he will be at the rink coaching as much as possible and will be on the road with the team whenever he can be. Good to see a Pats alumni come into the fold!

It was said in the news conference that the coaches have signed 4 year deals, good for continuity going forward.

Training camp starts on Thursday and already some players have made their way into the Queen City. I will have a full training camp preview a little later today at www.philandrews18.blogspot.com.

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What a great football game on Sunday at Mosaic Stadium where the Regina Thunder came back to beat the Saskatoon Hilltops in overtime 16-13! Quarterback Jaeden Marwick led the game-tieing drive with less than 3 minutes left in regulation capped off by a 35 yard William Mcgee Field Goal. Then in OT, Marwick threw a 15 yard touchdown to running back Matt Frass for the victory. The Thunder have now beated Saskatoon in three straight contests. I wonder if that’s ever happened in the history of the Thunder organization. I’m guessing it hasn’t.

The Hilltops defense looked good and the running game was solid but they are certainly lacking at quarterback. It will be a tight race in the PFC this season and I am looking forward to seeing it unfold. The Thunder are in action Sunday home to the Edmonton Wildcats at 1 PM. Drew Barss and I will have the call live on Access 7.

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The Rider game on Saturday had its moments as well. Yes the first half was a little dry with a lot of punts but the excitement picked up in the second half. The defense was once again outstanding but the offense was not the best it’s ever been. That being said they won and so its tough to criticize.

Yes there needs to be improvement there and I am sure they will get it figured out. Getting Weston Dressler back in a few weeks would certainly help that. Again though, tough to see him not getting much of an opportunity.

Next week’s game is a tough one to pick. The Riders looking to make it 5 in a row on Sunday in B.C. Should be a good football game and again two good defenses going at it. Could be another low scoring affair in my estimation.

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My job allows for some pretty cool encounters and yesterday was definitely an example of that. Roberto Alomar was in Regina for two days as apart of the Jays Honda Super Camp. As most of you know he won two World Series with the Blue Jays in 92 and 93. A good bucket list interview. Thanks to CTV’s Darrell Romuld for the picture.