PREVIEW: PATS AT T-BIRDS IN GAME 3
REGINA at SEATTLE, Game 3
(WHL Final Tied 1-1)
8:00 pm, Tuesday
ShoWare Center, Kent, WA
620 CKRM, Access 7, WHL on Shaw
Overview
The Regina Pats (13-6) are on the road tonight for Game 3 of the WHL Championship Series, presented by Rogers, in Seattle against the Thunderbirds (13-3). The Pats picked up a 4-3 overtime win in game two on Saturday night to even the best-of-seven series at a game apiece.
Lead Up: Josh Mahura Plays Hero in Game 2
Josh Mahura scored twice including the overtime winner to lead the Pats to a 4-3 win in game two of the WHL Championship Series on Saturday night. Regina took the lead, 50 seconds in when Sam Steel took a loose puck in front and finished on the backhand for his ninth of the post-season. The Pats held that lead into the second but Seattle would score three times in 56 seconds to go ahead 3-1. Regina got one back on the powerplay late in the frame from Josh Mahura and it was 3-2 after 40 minutes. In the third, Filip Ahl tied it up after forcing a turnover and scoring his fifth to make it 3-3 and that eventually forced overtime. The Thunderbirds took a penalty at the five minute mark of OT and off the opening faceoff, Josh Mahura hammered a slap shot from the left point and scored his second of the night to give the Pats the 4-3 win and a 1-1 series tie. Mahura, Filip Ahl, Dawson Leedahl and Sam Steel each had two point nights in the victory.
Series At A Glance
The Pats and Thunderbirds split the first two games of the WHL Championship Series at the Brandt Centre. Both of the contests went to overtime, Seattle winning game one, Regina game two. Both clubs have scored five goals in the first two games while the Pats have outshot the Thunderbirds 58-56. The Regina powerplay has gone three for 10 and the penalty kill five for seven. Sam Steel and Dawson Leedahl lead the Pats with three points in the series, Josh Mahura and Filip Ahl each have two. Tyler Brown is 1-1 with a 2.39 GAA and a .911 SV%. Seattle is led by Mathew Barzal and Ethan Bear who have three points each while Donovan Neuls and Ryan Gropp have two. Carl Stankowski is 1-1 with a 2.39 GAA and a .914 SV%.
Viewing Party
There will be a Pats Viewing Party presented by Nite Staging and IKS Media at the Turvey Center for Games 3 and 4. Watch the games on the big screen with other Pat fans and enjoy great food and drink. K9 will be on hand and admission is free for the first 1,000 fans.
Leedahl Signs
Regina Pats forward Dawson Leedahl has signed a three year, entry-level contract with the New York Rangers. Leedahl, a product of Saskatoon, enjoyed a breakout year in 2016-17, scoring 35 goals and 54 assists for 89 points. The overager has carried that production into the post-season with 11 goals and 23 points in 19 games. Leedahl was acquired from the Everett Silvertips in a trade in July of 2016. His previous career high in points was 33 with the Silvertips in 2013-14.
Brown Named WHL Goalie of the Week
Tyler Brown has been named the WHL Goaltender of the Week and the league nominee for Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending May 7. Brown went 1-1 with a 2.39 GAA, .911 SV% and 51 saves in the first two games of the WHL Championship Series. This is the third time in four weeks Brown has been named WHL Goalie of the Week.
Upcoming Schedule
Game 4, Pats @ Seattle – Wednesday May 10, 8 p.m. – ShoWare Center (CKRM)
Game 5, Pats @ Seattle – Friday May 12, 8:30 p.m. – ShoWare Center (CKRM)
Game 6, Pats Vs Seattle – Sunday May 14, 6 p.m. – Brandt Centre (CKRM) If necessary
(Courtesy Phil Andrews/ReginaPats.com)
