PATS TRIM BRONCOS 3-2 FOR FIRST WIN

REGINA – It came down to the very final second, but the Regina Pats held off the Swift Current Broncos 3-2 in the Brandt Centre Hub Wednesday evening to collect their first victory of the WHL season. Exceptional Player Connor Bedard kept up his torrid pace for the Pats too.

The Broncos – who were also looking for their first victory of the abbreviated campaign – came out on fire, outshooting the Pats 15-10 after the opening frame. However it was the Pats who led 2-1 after the opening 20 minutes, thanks to overage Carson Denomie who netted his 5th and 6th goals of the season.

Denomie’s second tally was set up by Bedard, which extended the rookie’s point streak to four games, and then Bedard potted his 4th goal of the season on a breakaway just 53 seconds into the middle period. Bedard now has four straight multi-point games to begin his major junior career.

Things got tense late as the Broncos’ Cole Nagy made it 3-2 on a 6-on-4 powerplay situation. However despite a furious rally in the waning seconds, the Pats held on for the win.

Swift Current outshot Regina 35-30, and Regina went 0/5 on the powerplay and 7/8 killing penalties. Matthew Kieper picked up the win in the Regina goal while Reid Dyck took the loss for Swift Current.

The Pats (1-2-1) return to action Saturday at 8:00 pm against the Brandon Wheat Kings on AccessNow TV and 620 CKRM. The Broncos’ next game is Thursday evening against those same Wheat Kings.

In earlier action in the Regina Hub on Wednesday, Winnipeg downed Saskatoon 2-1 in overtime. The Ice will face the Moose Jaw Warriors in Thursday’s other game.

RP
@rodpedersen

(Photo: Keith Hershmiller Photography)