2019 WHL Prairie Classic: Social Roundup
On Sunday, October 27, the Western Hockey League hosted its third ever out-door-game as the Regina Pats hosted the Calgary Hitmen at Mosaic Stadium in the 2019 WHL Prairie Classic. Although a brisk day, the fans turned out in force supporting both teams to a great game.
In a back-and-forth game, the Hitmen emerged victorious in a 5-4 overtime decision. Both teams played exceptional hockey that led to a winner-take-all overtime period.
This was the third-outdoor-game played in WHL history after the first two games hosted in Spokane, Wash. and Calgary, Alta. in 2011 turned out to be great successes for the league.
For the third time in WHL history, we had a little fun outdoors. Thanks to the @WHLPats & @WHLHitmen for putting on a fantastic show. 🏒 ❄️ pic.twitter.com/0rp5LKaWjW
— The WHL (@TheWHL) October 27, 2019
One of the first to chime in on social media highlighting the beautiful venue was long time voice of the Calgary Flames, Rob Kerr. The night before, the National Hockey League (NHL) hosted the Tim Hortons Heritage Classic at Mosaic with the Calgary Flames taking on the Winnipeg Jets. The ice was in pristine condition for the tilt on Sunday and we are with Rob on this one, the rink looked pretty amazing.
Kudos to the @WHLPats for an amazing #PrairieClassic. It really was the epitome of what outdoor games are supposed to be all about. pic.twitter.com/waOEb2mUa5
— Rob Kerr (@RKerrYYC) October 27, 2019
Plenty of fans came out to the party despite the chilly conditions including the Regina Stingers ringette team.
stingers take on the pats game🥶 #PrairieClassic pic.twitter.com/S2GUDCF5B8
— kiarra corbin (@kiarra63664773) October 27, 2019
Lots of fans sported toques and hoodies with many other layers as well to watch the home town team battle on the ice.
https://twitter.com/NatashaHuber/status/1188567097762299904
From one game to the next, fans showed their hockey pride at both outdoor games.
Always nice when our incredibly dedicated Board of Directors get to enjoy an afternoon @evrazplacelive – thanks for all your support and leadership in delivering an amazing #HeritageClassic and #PrairieClassic weekend in #yqr pic.twitter.com/aH6VygVKmZ
— Tim Reid (@timreid62) October 28, 2019
https://twitter.com/JGuignardGlobal/status/1188560567763492865
What a great weekend in Regina, culminating with the Prairie Classic between the @WHLPats and @WHLHitmen. It seemed no Pats player wanted to leave the ice even well after the final buzzer. A game these players will remember forever. #WHL pic.twitter.com/SSPT89S20n
— Taylor Shire (@Taylor_Shire) October 28, 2019
The biggest part of the day was the fans who cheered loud all game despite sub-zero weather. The fans of both teams came out in droves with 15,401 people taking in the game!
With that #yqr #Saskatchewan Hockey Week has come to a close. Congrats to the @WHLPats on an exciting #PrairieClassic and thanks to everyone who made the #HeritageClassic such a wonderful experience! Now let’s get ready for @sskroughriders football! pic.twitter.com/RMo1pfNX75
— Tim Reid (@timreid62) October 28, 2019
Regina Pats
The Pats were all over the ice throughout the game and were a tough opposition for the Hitmen who came off a victory the night before. The Pats sported the team’s clean new Prairie Classic jerseys that went up for auction after the game. The Pats got a great performance out of Nikita Sedov who picked up his first goal in the WHL to tie the game up in the third period. Also, Pats goaltender Max Paddock had a big day turning away 43 shots in the game. Paddock and Sedov picked up first and third star of the game honours respectively.
Re-live the 2019 Prairie Classic in this edition of #Patsin60!#JoinTheRegiment pic.twitter.com/R5fA8mm1Iw
— Regina Pats (@WHLPats) October 28, 2019
Calgary Hitmen
After falling to the Pats in the 2011 Winter Classic, the visiting Hitmen were on a mission from the start and emerged with the win. Vancouver Canucks prospect and hometown boy Carson Focht, potted the eventual game winner, lifting the Hitmen past the Pats.
A perfect ending 🔥 #25Together pic.twitter.com/eDUx6TITSr
— Calgary Hitmen (@WHLHitmen) October 28, 2019
If you missed the game make sure you watch the video below recapping the sights and sounds from the match up.
The @WHLPats & @WHLHitmen put on an incredible performance at the 2019 WHL Prairie Classic. Experience all the sights & sounds from Sunday's spectacle. pic.twitter.com/drZKkNoWr8
— The WHL (@TheWHL) October 28, 2019