Trade Deadline Looms as Pats Face Rebels
Head-to-Head
The Regina Pats (20-17-3-2) host the Red Deer Rebels (20-19-0-2) for the first time this season. Overall it’s the third time the two squads match up with their fourth coming January 25th. The Pats hold a 1-1-0-0 record in two games against Red Deer. Chandler Stephenson (2G, 1A) and Dyson Stevenson (1G, 2A) lead the way with three points each against the Rebels in the two contests. Three Rebels (Conner Bleackley, Rhyse Dieno and Matt Bellerive) have three points (1G, 2A) against Regina this season. Coming into tonight’s final action before the WHL Trade Deadline (Friday, 12 MST) the Pats have points in their last two contests while the Rebels fell to the Wheat Kings in Brandon last night by a 5-2 score. This evening’s game can be heard on 620 CKRM starting at 6:35 p.m.
Lead Up: Pats Salvage Point in 4-3 OT Loss to Wheat Kings
Heading into the third period down 3-0 in Brandon and having not scored at Westman Place in five periods had things looking quite dire for the Pats. Cue a third period comeback, as Dyson Stevenson blocking a Ryan Pulock point shot gave the Pats a spark. Patrick D’Amico opened the scoring shortly after the block, followed by a pair from defenceman Colby Williams to tie the game. In overtime, a controversial goaltender interference call proved costly as Richard Nejezchleb jumped on a bouncing puck in front of the Pats net and ended the game with just three seconds left in the extra frame.
On the Move
The Pats dipped into the trade market yesterday by acquiring defenceman Isaac Schacher (’95) from the Victoria Royals in exchange for a pair of 5th Round Bantam picks (‘15/’16). The 6’4”, 215 lbs defender comes to the Blue and White with seven points (1G, 6A) and a plus 13 rating in 35 games this season.
Where Did This Come From?
Through the first 93 games of his career, defenceman Colby Williams (’95) had a zero in the goal column. Since that time, the Regina product has six goals in nine games including a pair of two goal performances. Ten of Williams’ twelve points (6G, 6A) on the season have come in his last twelve games.
Back from International Duty
Players and Coaches are filtering back to their WHL teams at the conclusion of various international tournaments. Defenceman Brady Reagan is back from the World U17 Hockey Challenge with a Silver Medal as a part of Team Pacific, while Asst. Coach Josh Dixon and Team West captured a 9th place finish at the same tournament. Max Kammerer is also back in Regina after helping Germany top Norway in the relegation round of the World Junior Championships.
Who to Watch on Red Deer
Smooth skating defenceman Haydn Fleury is one player to keep your eye on because NHL Scouts are watching him closely as well. Fleury has 28 points (5G, 23A) in 39 games this year and is rated as an ‘A’ player on the NHL Central Scouting ‘Players to Watch’ list.
Upcoming Schedule
vs. Calgary – Friday, January 10th, 7:00 p.m. – Brandt Centre (CKRM)
at Saskatoon – Saturday, January 11th, 7:05 p.m. – Credit Union Centre (CKRM)
vs. Kootenay – Friday, January 17th, 7:00 p.m. – Brandt Centre (CKRM)
Stat Book
Streaks
3 – Boston Leier has assists in three straight games with three assists
2 – Colby Williams has goals in back-to-back games with three goals
2 – Morgan Klimchuk has points in back-to-back games with three points (1G, 2A)
Milestones
Games Played
200 – Chandler Stephenson played the 200th game of his WHL career January 4th at Brandon
100 – Dryden Hunt has played the 100th game of his WHL career December 30th vs. Prince Albert
100 – Colby Williams played the 100th game of his WHL career January 1st vs. Lethbridge
Statistical
150 – Morgan Klimchuk has 145 points in his WHL career
150 – Boston Leier has 144 points in his WHL career
