Pats Face Tough Test Against Royals
Game Sponsor: Western Pizza
Head-to-Head
The Regina Pats (32-22-3-3) and Victoria Royals (42-16-1-3) meet for the lone time this season tonight at the Brandt Centre. The Pats have won their previous four meetings with the Royals including last year’s 3-2 victory when Morgan Klimchuk scored the winner with under one minute remaining in regulation. Former Pat defenceman Luke Fenske led the way in that game, registering three assists in the contest. Jordan Fransoo and Tyler Stahl scored the Royals goals in that 2012 contest. Coming into tonight’s game, the Pats opened up a four point lead atop the East Division with a win in Saskatoon. The Royals roll in as one of the hottest teams in the league with points in their last fourteen games. This evening’s game can be heard on 620 CKRM starting at 6:35 p.m. CST.
Western Pizza Poster Night
Lucky fans in attendance at tonight’s game will receive a 2013-14 Regina Pats Team Poster courtesy of Western Pizza. This year’s poster features the team in their red third jerseys.
Lead Up: McVeigh’s Late Marker Lifts Pats to 4-2 Win Over Saskatoon
Morgan Klimchuk got the scoring going in the second period by tallying twice in the middle frame. The Blades answered back with goals from Ayrton Nikkel and Chase Clayton in the third. When the contest looked to be headed for extra time, Dmitry Sinitsyn wheeled around the Blades’ zone before finding Logan McVeigh in front for the go ahead goal. Klimchuk added an empty netter to complete the hat-trick. Dawson MacAuley made 26 saves in the win.
Against B.C.
The Blue and White play their final game against a B.C. Division team tonight. Heading into this contest, the Pats have points in all four games with a 2-0-1-1. Their wins came against Vancouver (5-4 SO) and Prince George (8-0). The losses came at the hands of Kamloops (4-3 SO) and Kelowna (5-4 OT).
Puck to the Net
In recent weeks, the Pats have increased their shot totals and are climbing the league rankings. The Blue and White are now 5th in the WHL, sending an average of 34.65 shots on goal per game. Spending more time in the offensive zone has also allowed Regina to lower their shots against, now sitting 7th in the league with 31.22 shots against per game. The Pats are 22-9-0-2 when outshooting opponents this season.
Send in the Hats
Morgan Klimchuk tallied his third hat-trick of the season Wednesday in Saskatoon. His first came against Lethbridge in which he scored an even strength, powerplay and shorthanded goal. His second came against Prince Albert, scoring twice on the powerplay. The third ‘trick’ featured another special teams goal with Klimchuk scoring his 3rd SHG of the season.
Who to Watch on Victoria
Goaltending has been a very big part of the Royals’ success this season. Coleman Vollrath features the best goals against average in the WHL (2.21) while Patrik Polivka sits 6th in the category (2.58). Vollrath also leads all goaltenders in save percentage (0.932) and features a 20-5-1-1 record on the season.
Upcoming Schedule
vs. Calgary – Saturday, February 22nd, 7:00 p.m. – Brandt Centre (CKRM)
vs. Lethbridge – Tuesday, February 25th, 7:00 p.m. – Brandt Centre (CKRM)
at Swift Current – Wednesday, February 26th, 7:00 p.m. – Credit Union Iplex (CKRM)
Stat Book
Streaks
3 – Dyson Stevenson is on a three game point streak with 5 points (3G, 2A)
2 – Morgan Klimchuk has goals in back-to-back games with 4 goals (4G)
2 – Dmitry Sinitsyn has points in back to back games with 3 points (3A)
Milestones
Games Played
250 – Jesse Zgraggen has played 246 games in his WHL career
250 – Dyson Stevenson has played 242 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
150 – Dyson Stevenson registered the 150th point of his WHL career February 17th vs. Brandon
100 – Morgan Klimchuk has tallied 93 assists in his WHL career
