RAIDERS 5 PATS 4 (SO)

REGINA — The Regina Pats appeared to be on the way to their 38th victory of the season on Friday night in the Brandt Centre, however Kris Schmidli of the Prince Albert Raiders had other ideas.

Schmidli scored with 1:23 remaining in regulation to force overtime and then was the lone scorer of the shootout as the Raiders skated off with a 5-4 victory in a feisty affair.

P.A. led 1-0 after the first period however the Pats erupted for three goals in the second period – from Pavel Padakin, Jake Leschyshyn and Colby Williams – to take a 3-2 lead into the third.  Regina’s Colton Kroeker scored what looked to be the game-winner with 5:37 to play but the Raiders wouldn’t quit and wound up stealing the two points in the derby.

The Pats’ Padakin, Braden Christoffer and Patrick D’Amico were all stymied by Raider netminder Nick McBride in the shootout, who made 33 saves overall to collect the win.  Regina goalie Daniel Wapple took the loss, making 42 stops.

The Pats were outshot 47-37 while going 1/4 on the powerplay and 6/7 on the penalty kill.  The Raiders were afforded almost double the amount of powerplays, and the game was chippy and dirty.  Hopefully the Pats don’t get sucked into that stuff Saturday night in the return match, and face possible suspensions.  The Pats are going to the playoffs while the Raiders are going home.

The attendance was 5082 Friday night, proving Pats hockey is once again relevant in the Queen City.  Remarkably, it took less than a year for the club’s new ownership to do it.

The Pats (37-23-5-6) will conclude the regular season Saturday night in Prince Albert at 7:00 on 620 CKRM before getting ready for Round One of the playoffs (Press Box Sports Bar Pregame Show at 6:35 pm).

Elsewhere Moose Jaw beat Brandon 7-6 in a shootout while Swift Current topped Lethbridge 5-3 meaning the Warriors go into the final game of the regular season two points back of the Broncos for the final playoff spot in the East.  That final spot will be determined Saturday evening.

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Friday night, the Regina Pats honoured their own.  Prior to the opening face-off against the Prince Albert Raiders the hockey team handed out the yearly individual awards.  The Pats presented ten awards recognizing the individual accomplishments of players.

Player of the Year – Colby Williams
Defenceman Colby Williams set new career highs in every major statistical category.   He was a leader in shutting down the league’s top offensive units.  After losing line mate Kyle Burroughs in a trade, Williams continued to be a leader for the team on and off the ice.
2013-14 Award Winner: Dyson Stevenson

Charles Johnston Memorial Top Defenceman – Colby Williams
Considering the season Colby Williams had, it’s no shock for him to be named the teams’ top defenceman.  Williams sits third in the WHL with a +44 plus/minus rating.
2013-14 Award Winner: Kyle Burroughs

Rick Rypien Memorial Award (Unsung Hero) – Patrick D’Amico
This award recognizes the individual who consistently performs at a high level, no matter what.  For Patrick, his hard work translated into a career year offensively.  It his work ethic that earned him a spot on the team as an 18 year old.
2013-14 Award Winner: Boston Leier

Nick Pappas Rookie of the Year – Sam Steel
It’s very rare for a 16-year old rookie to start his career making an impact in all areas of the game.  That is exactly what Sam Steel did.  The 2013 second overall WHL bantam pick finished the year with 54 points (17G, 37A) in 61 games.
2013-14 Award Winner: Dmitry Sinitsyn

Hub Bishop Most Sportsmanlike – Adam Brooks
A contender for the Pats’ scoring lead, Adam Brooks has also been one of the most disciplined players wearing Blue and White this season.  The third year forward has just 16 penalty minutes and has become one of the Pats’ top two-way forwards.
2013-14 Award Winner: Morgan Klimchuk

Mike Kartusch Community Service Award – Braden Christoffer
Your captain should lead by example in whatever he’s doing.  That is exactly why Braden Christoffer won this award.  He relishes the opportunity to be an ambassador for the team having worked with several groups and organizations.
2013-14 Award Winner: Dyson Stevenson

Bill Hicke Most Popular Player – Daniel Wapple
Since arriving in Regina, Daniel Wapple has been a favourite for Pats fans.  It’s a role the Saskatoon native is very comfortable in.
2013-14 Award Winner: Dyson Stevenson

Scholastic Player of the Year – Luc Smith
It’s difficult to find the proper balance between school and hockey, especially as a 16 year old playing your rookie season in the WHL.  Luc Smith not only found the balance, but excelled academically, earning an 87 average at Michael A. Riffel High School.
2013-14 Award Winner: Griffin Mumby

Molson Cup Award – Daniel Wapple
Goaltenders hold down the most pressure packed position on the ice and can often be the difference between a win and a loss.  Daniel Wapple is looking for his 30th win of the year.  The Pats’ starter earned four first star, four second star and two third star nominations this season.
2013-14 Award Winner: Boston Leier


(Photo by Keith Hershmiller Photography)