PATS 8 REBELS 5
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.
RP
That third period had the Pats facing pressure not unlike smuggling hot diamonds into Regina from the USA.
Mr Heilman
Colby Williams = gamechanger!
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!