PATS 4 WHEAT KINGS 1
Regina, Saskatchewan – The Regina Pats returned to their winning ways in exhibition play Saturday night, taking a 4-1 win over the visiting Brandon Wheat Kings. Here’s the game summary from the Pats’ Daniel Fink:
First Period
After a total of fourteen goals the night before, the Pats and Wheat Kings took a more defensive stance early in the back half of their home-and-home. Neither team could find the back of the net through twenty minutes, but the Pats came within inches of the icebreaker. Logan McVeigh’s shot hit the crowd in front and nearly squeaked into the goal behind Jordan Papirny, but the puck stuck on the goal line and was cleared away by the Wheat Kings. Shots sat 11-10 in favour of Regina after twenty minutes.
Second Period
The scoreless tie only lasted 1:17 into the second period as Sam Steel found enough room to blow a wrist shot to the back of the net. Two minutes later, the rookie was back at it with some help from his linemates as Braden Christoffer got Steel the puck for a tap in goal and a 2-0 Pats lead. Christoffer and Connor Gay assisted on both of Steel’s goals. The Wheat Kings cut into the lead with two Pats in the box. Rookie defender Kale Clague gathered the puck, wandered into the slot and ripped a slap shot past Daniel Wapple for Brandon’s first of the evening. With just under three minutes left in the period, Jacob Elmer brought the fans to their feet when he put together a gorgeous move towards the net and finished with a snap shot to the far top corner leaving the Blue and White up 3-1 heading to the break. Shots sat 26-21 for the Pats through two periods.
Third Period
The Pats held a two goal lead Friday night before the Wheat Kings came back to win and would need a more cohesive effort to remain on top tonight. The Queen City Kids helped their cause by adding some insurance on the powerplay. Sam Steel spied Kyle Burroughs to the side of the goal and the New York Islander’s draft pick drove to the net before showing off quick hands to beat Papirny. Wapple sewed up the game by stopping all ten shots he faced in the final frame for the 4-1 Pats victory. Shots wrapped up 35-31 in the home side’s favour.
The Pats’ next pre-season contest comes Wednesday night as the Blue and White host the Prince Albert Raiders at the Cooperators Centre at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are included for Season Ticket Holders and are $10 for Adults and $5 for Youth in General Admission.
