Pats End U.S. Divsion Road Swing in Spokane
Head-to-Head
The Regina Pats (12-11-0-0) take on the Spokane Chiefs (15-7-0-0) tonight in the final game of the Blue and White’s U.S. Division road swing. Last year’s meeting saw the teams put a combined eleven goals on the board in a 6-5 OT win for the Chiefs. Morgan Klimchuk scored twice and added three assists in the Pats loss. Five Chiefs registered multi-point nights in the win with Tyler King scoring the game winner in overtime. Coming into this year’s meeting in Spokane, the Pats saw their comeback bid fall short in Tri-City last night. The Chiefs rolled by Prince George, winning 5-2 over the Cougars Friday night. This evening’s game can be heard on 620 CKRM starting at 8:35 p.m. CST.
Lead Up: Pats Comeback Falls Short in 5-3 Loss to Americans
Through two periods it looked like the Americans would run away with the game, leading 4-0 over the Pats. Goals from Marcus Messier, Brian Williams (2) and Philip Tot had the Pats up against the ropes. In the third period, the offence opened up for the Blue and White. Adam Brooks, Braden Christoffer and Boston Leier scored to pull the Pats within one late in the third. The comeback would fall short, though, as the Pats dropped a 5-3 decision to the Americans.
Still Plenty of Road to Travel
The Pats conclude their U.S. Division road swing tonight in Spokane. Through five games of the six game swing, the Pats are 3-2-0-0, bringing their road record to 6-8-0-0 on the season. The Blue and White will play nine more road games (including tonight) by the halfway point of the season (23/36 games).
Back in the Lineup
The Pats get one of their top scorers back tonight as Chandler Stephenson has finished serving his two game suspension. Stephenson is third on the Pats in scoring with 23 points (8G, 15A) in 20 games this season.
Making His Debut
Rookie goaltender Nick Schneider (’97) made his first appearance and start in the WHL last night in Tri-City. The Leduc, AB product made 23 saves in his first action. Schneider was listed by the Pats last year and signed by the team after training camp. He was recalled just before the Pats’ road swing to back-up Dawson MacAuley for the season. Schneider is the first 16-year old goalie to appear in a game for the Pats since the 2008-09 season (Derek Tendler).
Secondary Scorers Heating Up
Heading into their current road swing, the Pats relied heavily on their top scorers to provide all the offence. On this road trip, the Blue and White have seen five players score their first goal of the season (D. Hunt, B. Christoffer, K. Burroughs, M. Kammerer, A. Brooks). Of those players, three have followed up with their second of the year (Christoffer, Burroughs, Hunt) and Dryden Hunt notched his third.
Who to Watch on Spokane
The Chiefs feature the WHL’s leading scorer Mitch Holmberg. The 20-year old forward has 55 points in just 22 games. Last night, Holmberg put up four points, scoring twice to be the first player in the CHL to reach 25 goals on the season.
Upcoming Schedule
at Red Deer – Friday, November 22nd, 8:00 p.m. CST – Enmax Centrium (CKRM)
at Medicine Hat – Saturday, November 23rd, 8:30 p.m. CST – Medicine Hat Arena (CKRM)
vs. Prince Albert – Friday, November 29th, 7:00 p.m. – Brandt Centre (CKRM/Access 7)
