PREVIEW: Pats Look for 5th Straight win Saturday against Moose Jaw
The Regina Pats (27-3-6-1) carry a four game winning streak into Saturday night’s game against the Moose Jaw Warriors (24-9-6-1). Puck drop is at 7 p.m. at the Brandt Centre. The Pats won Friday night on home ice, 6-2 over the Calgary Hitmen. The Warriors meanwhile shutout the Saskatoon Blades on Friday 4-0. Tonight is the fourth of eight meetings for Regina and Moose Jaw. The Pats hold a 2-1-0-0 record in the first three meetings in the season series. Tonight’s game can be heard on 620 CKRM with Bennett Dunlop Ford Pats Hockey beginning at 6:35 p.m.
| Regular Season Comparison | Regina | Moose Jaw | |
| Record | 27-3-6-1 | 24-9-6-1 | |
| Goals For/Against | 204/110 (+94) | 153/139 (+14) | |
| Powerplay | 31.2% (49/157) | 22.2% (37/167) | |
| Penalty Kill | 82.5% (156/189) | 79.9% (115/144) | |
| Team Save Percentage | 0.905 | 0.907 | |
| Leading Scorer | Sam Steel (30-39-69) | J. Halbgewachs (35-29-64) | |
| Leading Scorer (Defence) | Connor Hobbs (16-28-44) | Brook/Sozanski (23 points) | |
| Scoring by Period (1st-2nd-3rd-OT) | 64-60-77-3 | 43-53-44-5 |
Lead Up: Sam Steel Leads Past Past Calgary Friday
Sam Steel scored his first career hattrick as part of a four point night to lead the Pats past the Calgary Hitmen, 6-2 at the Brandt Centre on Friday. The Pats scored three times in the opening eight minutes and added three more in the third in the victory. Steel scored his 30th of the season at 11:34 of the final period to complete the hattrick. Nick Henry scored twice as well for the Pats and added an assist while Connor Hobbs had three helpers. Tyler Brown stopped 25 of 27 shots and the Pats won their fourth straight game to improve to 27-3-6-1 on the season.
100 Wins
Head Coach and GM John Paddock picked up his 100th regular season win on the Pats bench on Friday night. Paddock is in his third season in Regina and holds an overall record of 100-55-14-12. Paddock was hired in August of 2014 and has led the club to the playoffs in both of the first two years behind the bench. The Pats got to the second round in both the 2015 and 2016 playoffs. Paddock is 12-9 with the Blue and White in the post-season.
A First for Steel
Pats forward Sam Steel scored his first career WHL hattrick on Friday night against the Calgary Hitmen. His three goal night puts him at 30 on the season in 31 games. Those 30 goals are second most the WHL so far this year. Steel’s previous career high in goals was 23, set in the 2015/16 season. For his career, Steel has 70 goals and 193 points in 169 games. The Anaheim Ducks first round pick is leading the WHL with 69 points.
Streaking
Pats forward Nick Henry is riding a career high six game point streak entering Saturday night. Henry scored twice and had an assist in Friday’s win over the Hitmen. In his last six games, Henry has scored six goals and has five assists. For the season, the rookie out of Portage la Prairie, MB has 20 goals and 22 assists for 42 points in 37 games. The 42 points is second among WHL rookies, one back of the league lead.
Upcoming Schedule
Pats Vs Tri-City – Friday January 13, 7 p.m. – Brandt Centre (CKRM)
Pats Vs Prince Albert – Saturday January 14, 7 p.m. – Brandt Centre (CKRM)
Pats @ Prince ALbert – Sunday January 15, 4 p.m. – Art Hauser Centre (CKRM)
