REGINA – Pats captain Colby Williams made a triumphant return to the lineup as the 20-year old Regina product netted a goal and an assist along with three minor penalties in an 8-5 victory over the WHL’s top-ranked team, the Red Deer Rebels Friday night.
It was Williams’ first game of the year after an off-season injury and the Washington Capitals prospect’s impact was immediately felt.  He added a highlight reel hit in the second period which touched off a melee.
Before a crowd of 4388 in the Brandt Cente, the Pats jumped to a 2-1 lead after the first period on goals by Sergei Zborovskiy and Austin Wagner.
Regina upped its lead to 6-2 after 40 minutes as Wagner added his second of the night, plus singles came from Adam Berg, Colby Williams and Lane Zblocki.
However a wild third period ensued as the Rebels closed the Pats’ lead to 6-5 midway through the final frame.  Regina collected itself to score a pair of goals late from Chase Harrison and Sam Steel (empty net) to send the fans home happy.
Regina outshot the 5th-ranked team in the nation 40-33 and rookie Pats goalie Jordan Hollett got the win in his first career start.  Regina was 3/8 on the powerplay and 4/5 killing penalties.
Rebels goalies Rylan Toth and Trevor Martin split time in goal while Jeff de Witt and Ivan Nikolishin did the scoring for the visitors.
Regina (8-8-1) returns to action Sunday at 4:00 pm when they host the Lethbridge Hurricanes on 620 CKRM.
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Anonymous
Anonymous
9 years ago

That third period had the Pats facing pressure not unlike smuggling hot diamonds into Regina from the USA.

Mr Heilman

Anonymous
Anonymous
9 years ago

Colby Williams = gamechanger!

Anonymous
Anonymous
9 years ago

Great game last night! Goes to show when the team is clicking they can beat anyone. Now crush Lethbridge and prove to us fans you're for real!