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Regina Pats

Pats Drop Season Debut

September 25, 2015 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Regina Pats News Release


Regina, Saskatchewan - The Regina Pats (0-1-0-0) and Moose Jaw Warriors (1-0-0-0) went toe-to-toe in the opening game of the WHL's 50th season. The Warriors used three powerplay goals to down the Pats by a 3-1 score.

Scoring Summary

First Period

Moose Jaw - Jiri Smejkal (1) from Brook - 12:17 (PP)

Second Period

Moose Jaw - Brett Howden (1) from Popugaev and Perillat - 5:46 (PP)

Regina - Lane Zablocki (1) from Steel - 18:39 (PP)

Third Period

Moose Jaw - Ryan Bowen (1) from Hunt and Howden - 9:42 (PP)

Shots on Goal

Regina - 14-14-5-(33) Moose Jaw - 9-7-13-(29)

Game Story

The Blue and White were buzzing to start their first meeting with the Warriors, testing Zach Sawchenko with the first five shots on goal. Moose Jaw would strike first 12:17 into the frame when Jiri Smejkal got free on a powerplay and tucked the puck around Daniel Wapple. Special teams continued to be a factor in the second period as the Warriors padded their lead on the powerplay. Nikita Popugaev's shot rang off a couple of posts before Brett Howden found the rebound and deposited the puck into a wide open net at the 5:46 mark. The Pats continued to pepper Sawchenko, but didn't find the back of the net until there was 1:21 remaining in the period. Sam Steel dove to chip a puck to Lane Zablocki in front of the Warriors goal and the rookie snuck the puck to the twine for his first WHL goal. The Warriors struck again on the powerplay to restore their two goal lead in the early stages of the third period. Former Pat Dryden Hunt spied Ryan Bowen on the far side of Daniel Wapple and Bowen wristed in his first WHL marker. From there, the Warriors shut down the Pats' offence with the Blue and White only mustering five third period shots. With the Pats unable to break through, the final buzzer sounded sending the Warriors to a 3-1 win.

Quick Hits

Lane Zablocki scored his first WHL goal

Three Pats (Zablocki, Freadrich and Knyzhov) played their first WHL game

Aaron Macklin played his first game in a Pats uniform after being acquired earlier in the week

All four goals in the contest were scored on the powerplay

What's Next?

The Pats and Warriors shift to Regina Saturday night for the Pats Home Opener presented by A&W. Stop by early for the pre-game barbecue at the Agribition Building adjacent to the Brandt Centre starting at 5 p.m. A valid game ticket and donation to the Cruisin' to End MS initiative gets you in as well as a burger or hot dog and a pop. There will also be a cash bar. A live band will be playing 60's tunes and check out the classic cars. Puck drop for the first Pats home game of the season goes at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.ca, the Brandt Centre Box Office and Safeway locations throughout Regina.

Check out the Regina Pats Statistics

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Western Hockey League Stories from September 25, 2015


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