PATS 5 ROYALS 3

Keith Hershmiller Photography

REGINA – The Regina Pats scored four unanswered in the third period to win their fourth straight game, 5-3 over the Victoria Royals on Friday night at the Brandt Centre.

The game was scoreless after one but in the second the Royals scored three times to the Pats one.

Matt Bradley with the lone goal, his 10th of the season and it was 3-1 Victoria after 40 minutes.

In the third, Bryan Lockner and Matt Bradley picked up goals in the first five minutes to tie the game 3-3.

Then with just over seven minutes left, Marco Creta stole a pass at the offensive blueline and snapped home his first career WHL goal which would turn out to be the game winner.

Jonathan Smart added an empty netter in the final minute and the Pats took the two points.

Marco Creta, Sam Steel and Matt Bradley each had two point nights while Tyler Brown made 26 saves. The Regina powerplay was one for three and the penalty kill three for five with a shorthanded goal.

Quick Hits
– Marco Creta scored his first career WHL goal and had an assist in the win. He has five points in eight games this year.
– The Pats scored their fourth shorthanded goal of the season off the stick of Matt Bradley in the second period.
– Regina has outshot their opponents in six straight games and in nine of 12 games to start the year.

What’s Next?
The Pats (7-4-1) wrap up their four game home stand on Saturday night against the Vancouver Giants at 7 p.m. at the Brandt Centre. Tickets are available at reginapats.com, the Brandt Centre Box office and at all Regina Safeway locations, Safeway Funzone tickets are just $13 plus tax.

(Phil Andrews/ReginaPats.com)