Pats Battle Broncos for Division Lead
Head-to-Head
The Regina Pats (30-22-3-2) face the Swift Current Broncos (28-22-2-6) for the in over four months. Swift Current held sway over the first half of the season series, winning all three games. Their last meeting saw the Broncos pick up a dominating 6-1 over the Pats. Chandler Stephenson leads Regina with three points (1G, 2A) in the first three games of the season set. Julius Honka victimized the Blue and White in the first three games with eight points (2G, 6A). Winning yesterday in Prince Albert, the Pats have now won three in a row and five of their last six games. The Broncos are 4-4-1-1 in their last ten including last night’s 7-3 loss to the Medicine Hat Tigers. This evening’s game can be heard on 620 CKRM starting at 6:35 p.m. CST.
Lead Up: Wapple Stands Out in Pats 5-4 Shootout Win
The Pats opened up a 2-0 lead and put grabbed a 3-1 advantage on Chandler Stephenson’s 7th shorthanded goal of the season. The Raiders powerplay turned the tables by scoring three times in the second period to give Prince Albert a 4-3 lead heading to the final frame. Dryden Hunt pulled the Pats back even in the third and Daniel Wapple shouldered the load, making 33 saves on the night including stopping a Lean Draisaitl penalty shot and all three Prince Albert shooters in the shootout. Boston Leier scored the winner in the extra shots.
On Top of the Division
Coming from behind to win their 30th game of the season jumped the Pats past the Broncos who had fallen to the Medicine Hat. With the Wheat Kings dropping a 3-2 decision to Kootenay, the Pats took over sole possession of first place in the East Division for the first time this season.
It’s Been A While
The Pats and Broncos have not faced off since October 4th, 2013. The Pats lost that game to start the season 1-5-0-0. Since then, the Pats are 29-17-3-2 since that point. Including that contest, the Blue and White have featured five goaltenders with MacAuley, Tremblay, Schneider, Engel and Wapple all manning the net.
Tough to Trick
Daniel Wapple has faced more shootout attempts than any other goaltender in the WHL without allowing a goal. The Saskatoon, SK product has turned away 11 straight attempts. Wapple’s win in Prince Albert last night was his 20th of the season and 4th in the shootout. Wapple has stopped 2/3 penalty shots faced this season.
Who to Watch on Swift Current
Regina native Graham Black played his 200th WHL contest last night. The New Jersey Devils prospect is enjoying a superb season, sitting 8th in WHL scoring with 74 points (28G, 46A) in 55 games.
Upcoming Schedule
vs. Brandon – Monday, February 17th, 2:00 p.m. – Brandt Centre (CKRM)
at Saskatoon – Wednesday, February 19th, 7:00 p.m. – Credit Union Centre (CKRM)
vs. Victoria – Friday, February 21st, 7:00 p.m. – Brandt Centre (CKRM)
Stat Book
Streaks
6 – Daniel Wapple has started six straight games with a 5-1-0-0 record
3 – Boston Leier is on a three game point streak with 5 points (2G, 3A)
3 – Patrick D’Amico is on a three game point streak with 4 points (1G, 3A)
3 – Morgan Klimchuk is on a three game point streak with 3 points (3A)
Milestones
Games Played
250 – Logan McVeigh played the 250th game of his WHL career February 12th vs. Kootenay
250 – Boston Leier played the 250th game of his WHL career February 14th at Prince Albert
250 – Jesse Zgraggen has played 243 games in his WHL career
100 – Griffin Mumby has played 97 games in his WHL career
Statistical
400 – Dyson Stevenson has accumulated 399 penalty minutes in his WHL career
