Pats Down Wheat Kings, Stay On Top Of East

By Colton Hordichuk – ReginaPats.com

Regina, Saskatchewan – With first place in the East division up for grabs, the Regina Pats (31-22-3-3) faced off against the Brandon Wheat Kings (28-24-6-2) on Family Day.

In the first five minutes, the Blue and White dominated the Wheat Kings. As a result, the Pats’ hard work forced the visitors’ Tyler Coulter to take a tripping penalty at 5:19. The Blue and White’s power play came up short, though, as Coulter was able to return to the ice two minutes later with no change to the score.

With 6:09 left in the opening stanza, the Wheat Kings were called for another tripping penalty. During the Pats’ second man-advantage, Dryden Hunt rushed the puck up the boards, and was caught off-guard by the Wheat Kings’ Colton Waltz. Connor Gay came to his defence, and ended up getting the instigator and a 10-minute misconduct. Hunt left the game, and didn’t return.

Pats defenseman Colby Williams took a late boarding penalty, which carried over into the second period. After 20 minutes, the game was scoreless.

Just as Williams’ penalty expired, the Wheat Kings’ Richard Nejezschleb was given the gate for hooking. Seconds after Nejezschleb’s penalty, the Pats’ bench was called for too many men. Logan McVeigh served the minor. Dyson Stevenson scored the game’s first goal on the power play at 6:55. Boston Leier and Morgan Klimchuk set up Stevenson’s 27th of the season.

Following Stevenson’s tally, Pats goaltender Daniel Wapple misplayed the puck, but recovered in time to make a sensational diving paddle save on Quintin Lisoway. Carter Hansen increased the Pats’ lead after finishing a two-on-one with Braden Christoffer, and at 13:24, Stevenson made it 3-0 with his second of the game.

Wheat Kings goaltender Jordan Papirny faced a flurry of shots in the third period. The visitors had a chance to get on the scoreboard when Pats captain Kyle Burroughs shot the puck out of play and had to sit a pair for delay of game. The Wheat Kings’ opportunity was short-lived, though, as Nejezschleb was called for slashing.

At 18:55 of the third frame, Morgan Klimchuk cleaned up a wild bounce off the end boards. The Pats’ fourth goal was assisted by Stevenson and Chandler Stephenson. Wapple made 23 saves en route to the Pats’ 4-0 win over the Wheat Kings.

Three Stars
1. Dyson Stevenson – 2G 1A
2. Jordan Papirny – 35 SVS
3. Daniel Wapple – 23 SVS, SO

Next game: at Saskatoon – Wednesday, February 19th, 7:00 p.m. – Credit Union Centre (CKRM)

Next home game: vs. Victoria – Friday, February 21st, 7:00 p.m. – Brandt Centre (CKRM)