Pats and Wheat Kings Meet in Home-and-Home
Head-to-Head
The Regina Pats and Brandon Wheat Kings come together for the first half of a home-and-home to wrap up the Pats’ set of pre-season games. In 2012-13 the teams split their regular season contests with both sides winning three games on home ice while dropping one in friendly confines. Regina and Brandon also split their pre-season home and home last year. The pats are led in scoring by a trio of defencemen (Sinitsyn, Hak, Williams), each with a trio of points to their names. The Wheat Kings are led by rookie forward Jesse Gabrielle who tallied three assists in Brandon’s first two games.
Lead Up: Pats Snag First Exhibition Win 4-3 in Saskatoon
The Pats didn’t lead in Tuesday’s game until Patrick D’Amico tipped in the overtime winner to give the Blue and White their first ‘W’ in exhibition play. The Blades held the lead three times, but Austin Wagner, Adam Brooks and Jack Rodewald each had answers in regulation. Teagan Sacher went the distance in net in his first pre-season action.
Back from the Islanders
Defenceman Kyle Burroughs is back with the Pats after his first NHL rookie camp with the Islanders. The Langley, B.C. product was drafted by New York in the Seventh Round (196th) of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Burroughs led Pats defencemen in scoring last year with 33 points (5G, 28A) in 2012-13. Still away at NHL training camps are forwards Morgan Klimchuk (CGY) and Chandler Stephenson (WAS). For an interview with Burroughs, visit ReginaPats.com.
Decisions to Make
The pressure is on for players looking to make the Pats’ Opening Night (September 19th) roster. After these final
pre-season games, the Hockey Operations department must bring the roster down from the current 32. Included in this group of 32 are eleven 19-year old players, nine of those skaters.
Shot Differential
The Pats haven’t had much trouble putting pucks on net in the pre-season. With 107 in three games, they’re averaging 35.6 shots per game while only giving up an average of 27 per game (81 total). The third period has been the Pats’ best as they’ve outshot the opposition 36-13 and have yet to allow more than 7 shots in the final frame (7, 4, 2).
Who to Watch on Brandon
The Wheat Kings’ strength is in their youth and Jayce Hawryluk is at the front of that class. The skilled forward tallied 43 points in his rookie season, nine (5G, 4A) of them against the Pats in six games.
“Sea of Green” Season tickets
The deadline for Rider Season Ticket Holders to purchase their special priced “Sea of Green” Season Tickets is quickly approaching. For just $250, cheer on the Pats this season from a special Rider-themed green section at the Brandt Centre.
Home Opener presented by Mosaic
The Pats open their home schedule in the first game of the 2013-14 WHL Regular Season Thursday, September 19th.
Pre-Game Ceremonies get underway at 7 p.m., but stop by the Brandt Centre early for the CKRM BBQ starting at 5 p.m.
Upcoming Schedule
vs. Brandon – Saturday, September 14th, 4:00 p.m. – Brandt Centre
vs. Swift Current – Thursday, September 19th, 7:00 p.m. – Brandt Centre – Home Opener presented by Mosaic (CKRM)
at Swift Current – Saturday, September 21st, 7:00 p.m. – Credit Union I-Plex (CKRM)