PATS, ICE CONCLUDE HUB SEASON

REGINA – The 24-game WHL East Division Hub season came to an end for the Regina Pats and Winnipeg ICE on Tuesday in the Brandt Centre. In a crash-and-bang, rock ’em sock ’em affair, the ICE prevailed 6-4 to send everyone into summertime.

The game started out tight enough, but a pair of goals by James Form and Mike Ladyman put Winnipeg out to a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes. The ICE started to pull away in the second, upping their lead to 4-1 courtesy goals from Connor Geekie and Michael Milne while the Pats responded with Zack Smith’s 5th of the year. It was 4-1 Winnipeg after two periods but the story wasn’t about the scoresheet.

ICE star and Vegas Golden Knights prospect Peyton Krebs left the ice after taking an apparent check-to-the-head by Regina’s Ryker Evans at the 4:42 mark. Krebs received an unsportsmanlike conduct minor for chirping the officials before heading to the ICE dressing room.

However Krebs appeared for the third period, but didn’t see the ice. Clearly he didn’t want to see his star-studded WHL career end in that fashion. The Pats struck thrice in the final period, from Carter Massier and two more from Zack Smith, however Winnipeg responded with goals by Zachary Benson and Milne to thwart Regina’s comeback bid.

Pats captain Logan Nijhoff left the game with injury with 4:08 remaining, however he returned for the Pats’ season-ending on-ice congregation.

Final score: Winnipeg 6 Regina 4

The Pats outshot the Ice 31-27 while going 2/5 on the powerplay and 5/6 killing penalties. Overage Regina goalie Roddy Ross took the loss in his final WHL game while Carl Stankowski collected in the win in his final junior appearance.

The Pats concluded the Hub Centre season at 9-12-3.

Thanks WHL and Regina Pats for a fantastic display in the Dub Hub!

RP
@rodpedersen

(Photo: Keith Hershmiller Photography)