PREVIEW: Pats Look to Keep Rolling in Lethbridge as Playoff Push Continues
Lethbridge, Alta. – The Regina Pats continue their road swing on Friday night as they visit the Lethbridge Hurricanes at the VisitLethbridge.com Arena, looking to build more momentum in a tight Eastern Conference playoff race.
WHL REGULAR SEASON GAME #43 | Regina Pats (15-21-5-1) at Lethbridge Hurricanes (12-33-0-1)
| Date | Time | Friday, January 23 | 8:00pm CST |
| Place | VisitLethbridge.Com Arena |
| Watch / Listen Live | Victory+ | 620 CKRM |
| Live Stats | Click Here |
| Game Notes | Click Here |
| Roster | Click Here |
| What’s Next | Next Game: Saturday, January 24 at Calgary |
| Social Media | Follow on “X” | Facebook | Instagram |
GAME PREVIEW
Regina enters the matchup playing some of its best hockey of the season, winners of four of their last six games and points in five of the last six (4-1-1). The Pats are coming off a statement 4–3 victory over the Edmonton Oil Kings on Wednesday at Rogers Place, picking up three of a possible four points on the trip so far.
One of the biggest signs of Regina’s growth has been their ability to close games. Over their last six outings, the Pats have outscored opponents 9–1 in the third period, a reflection of a team learning how to manage tight contests. That progress has also shown up in the standings, as Regina has improved to 5-6-5-1 in one-goal games this season after early struggles in close finishes.
In Wednesday’s win in Edmonton, Taylor Tabashniuk delivered a career-high 39-save performance, earning his fourth straight victory between the pipes. Regina received goals from Ruslan Karimov, Ephram McNutt, Ellis Mieyette and Matt Paranych, while being outshot 42–30. The Pats went 1-for-6 on the power play and 2-for-3 on the penalty kill.
Special teams continue to be a major strength for Regina. The Pats’ power play has now scored in nine straight games and ranks second in the WHL with 48 power play goals. Meanwhile, the penalty kill has allowed just two goals in its last four games, operating at a strong 90.9 percent clip (20-for-22) over that span.
With the recent surge, Regina is now tied with the Red Deer Rebels at 36 points for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, with 26 games remaining in the regular season.
On the other side, the Hurricanes are looking to snap out of a difficult stretch. Lethbridge has dropped eight straight games and currently sits 10th in the Eastern Conference and 22nd overall in the WHL with 25 points —11 points back of the Pats in the playoff race. The Canes were last in action Wednesday, falling 5–4 at home to the Brandon Wheat Kings. Owen Berge, Kai Anderson, Gavin Lesiuk and Cohen Pentney scored for Lethbridge, while goaltender Koen Cleaver made 21 saves.
Friday’s contest marks the second of four meetings between the two clubs this season. Regina took the first matchup, earning a 6–4 victory over Lethbridge at the Brandt Centre on October 25.
WHO TO WATCH
Ruslan Karimov continues to be a key offensive driver for Regina heading into Friday’s matchup. The forward has recorded points in seven of his last nine games, producing six goals and three assists over that stretch. Karimov now sits with 26 points (12G–14A) in 35 games this season and has been a consistent threat in all situations as the Pats push for a playoff spot.
Ellis Mieyette is also trending in the right direction offensively. The forward picked up a goal and an assist in Wednesday’s win over Edmonton and has totaled two goals and four assists over his last five contests. Mieyette now has 27 points (9G–18A) in 41 games and continues to provide timely offense and energy as Regina looks to extend its strong run of play.
COMING UP
The Pats return to the ice tomorrow evening against the Calgary Hitmen at the Scotiabank Saddledome. The Blue Brigade will wrap up their stretch of five straight away from the Brandt Centre on Friday, January 30 against the Swift Current Broncos.
The Pats return home on Saturday, January 31 against the Moose Jaw Warriors with puck drop set for 6pm.
