Preview: Regina Pats at Red Deer Rebels
January 17, 2015 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Regina Pats News Release
Regina, Saskatchewan - The Regina Pats (26-15-2-1) start the back half of their Central Division swing against the Red Deer Rebels (25-14-3-3) at the Enmax Centrium (8 p.m. CST). It's the second meeting of the season between the two clubs with the Rebels taking the first contest by a 4-3 count in overtime. Pavel Padakin leads the Pats with two goals against Red Deer this season, one with Regina and one with Calgary. Presten Kopeck led the Rebels to victory, scoring twice in the first matchup of the year. Coming into tonight's game, the Pats are 1-1-0-0 on their trip after a 6-2 loss to Edmonton last night. The Rebels had their five game win streak snapped in a shootout loss to Victoria on Friday. Listen to tonight's contest on 620 CKRM with Home Depot Pats Hockey starting at 7:35 p.m. CST
Lead Up: Pats Ruled by Oil Kings in 6-2 Loss
Three goals in the first and three goals in the second downed the Pats in Edmonton. Lane Bauer had three of the Oil Kings' markers with Luke Bertolucci, Brayden Brown and Dysin Mayo scoring the others. The Pats got the final two goals of the contest from Austin Wagner and Adam Brooks.
Friend Now Foe
For the second time in three games, the Pats take on a former teammate. Tonight it's their first meeting with 19-year old Connor Gay as a member of the Rebels. The Saskatoon, SK product had 44 points (20G, 24A) in 39 games at the time of the trade and has 5 points (2G, 3A) since joining Red Deer.
PK Getting the Job Done
Despite allowing two goals on the powerplay last night, the Pats penalty kill has successfully done away with 39 of its last 42 times shorthanded (92.9%). That surge has the Pats up to 15th in the WHL at an overall percentage of 77.9%. At its lowest point, the Pats PK fell to 72.1% on October 25th.
Scoring from Everywhere
The Pats come into tonight's game featuring one of the league's most balanced attacks. Despite moving three top scoreres at the Trade Deadline, Regina has six skaters with 30+ points (Brooks, Cooper, Christoffer, D'Amico, Steel, Padakin) with two knocking on the door (Wagner (29), Gabrielle (27)). The Blue and White also have eight players with 10+ goals (Brooks, Cooper, D'Amico, Christoffer, Steel, Padakin, Wagner, Gabrielle).
Upcoming Schedule
at Calgary - Sunday, January 18th, 5:00 p.m. CST - Scotiabank Saddledome (CKRM)
vs. Moose Jaw - Friday, January 23rd, 7:00 p.m. - Brandt Centre (CKRM)
at Brandon - Saturday, January 24th, 7:30 p.m. - Westman Place (CKRM)
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