RECAP: Sam Steel scores twice in Pats playoff clinching, 2-1 win over Kootenay

The Regina Pats clinched a playoff spot for a fifth consecutive year thanks to a 2-1 overtime win in Cranbrook, B.C. over the Kootenay ICE on Friday night. Sam Steel broke a scoreless tie for the Pats late in the second period when he wired his 29th of the season into the top corner and it was 1-0 after 40 minutes. The ICE drew even in the third on a two on one when Cameron Hausinger scored and the game needed overtime in a 1-1 tie. It took just 31 seconds for the Pats to take the extra point, Sam Steel scored from the slot for his second of the night and 30th of the season to give the Pats the 2-1 victory. Regina outshot the ICE 34-20, the powerplay was oh for two, the penalty kill four for four and Max Paddock made 19 saves. The Pats (37-25-5-1) wrap up their Central Division road trip on Saturday night in Lethbridge against the Hurricanes. Puck drops at 8 p.m. Regina time on 620 CKRM.

Scoring Summary
First Period
NO SCORE

Second Period
Regina – Sam Steel (29) from Matt Bradley and Cale Fleury – 17:25.

Third Period
Kootenay – Cameron Hausinger (19) from Brett Davis and Alec Baer – 11:09.

Overtime
Regina – Sam Steel (30) from Cameron Hebig and Josh Mahura – 0:31.

Shots on Goal
Regina 10-11-12-1-(34)    Kootenay 5-5-10-0-(20)

Powerplays
Regina 0/2       Kootenay 0/4

Quick Hits
– The Pats have made the playoffs in five straight seasons and in six of the last seven years.
– Sam Steel has his point streak to 10 games with nine goals and nine assists in that span.
– Cale Fleury and Josh Mahura each extended their streaks to four games with a goal and four assists in that stretch.

What’s Next?
The Pats wrap up their Central Division road trip on Saturday night in Lethbridge against the Hurricanes. Puck drops at 8 p.m. Regina time on 620 CKRM. Next home game is Wednesday, March 14 against Prince Albert at 7 p.m. at the Brandt Centre. Tickets are available at reginapats.com, the Brandt Centre Box office and at any Regina Safeway where FunZone tickets are just $13 plus tax.