Valk, Tigers End Pats’ Two Game Streak
By Colton Hordichuk – ReginaPats.com
Regina, Saskatchewan – Hot off a pair of back-to-back wins on the weekend, the Regina Pats (27-22-3-2) returned to action Tuesday evening to host the Medicine Hat Tigers (30-19-3-0).
Tigers captain Curtis Valk drew the first penalty of the contest. The Pats’ penalty kill was solid. They didn’t allow a single shot on goal during Griffin Mumby’s two minute minor for tripping. The Blue and White received their first man-advantage with 5:37 left in the opening frame. That was short-lived, though, as Boston Leier had to sit a pair for interference. The Pats and Tigers enjoyed some four-on-four hockey for about a minute and a half, but neither team broke the scoreless tie. The penalty troubles continued for both squads as the first period came to an end.
The Blue and White went shorthanded at 1:25 of the second, and the Tigers cashed in all thanks to Tommy Vannelli. Valk and Dylan Bredo set up the visitors’ power play tally. Trevor Cox made it a two goal lead for the Tigers at 5:20. Valk picked up his second assist of the game on the scoring play, and on a delayed penalty, he eventually scored one of his own.
Just before the television timeout, Pats forward Chandler Stephenson was awarded a penalty shot after being dragged down on a partial breakaway by Ty Stanton. Stephenson made good on his one-on-one opportunity with Tigers goaltender Marek Langhammer. The Pats trailed by two at the end of 40 minutes, but had 1:15 of power play time carry over into the third.
As soon as the Pats’ power play expired, Valk came back the other way with a great scoring opportunity, but Daniel Wapple shut the door. At the 6:52 mark, Stanton unloaded a shot from the point. The puck ricocheted off the Tigers’ Miles Koules and over the goal line. That was all the Tigers need as they held on for the 4-1 win.
Three Stars
1. Curtis Valk – 1G 2A
2. Marek Langhammer – 41 SVS
3. Trevor Cox – 1G
Next Game: vs. Saskatoon – Saturday, February 8th – 7:00 p.m. (CKRM)
Next Home Game: vs. Saskatoon – Saturday, February 8th – 7:00 p.m. (CKRM)
