Pats at Saskatoon Gameday Preview
Published on March 9, 2013 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Regina Pats News Release
Game #69
Saturday, March 9th
Puck Drop: 7:00 p.m.
Regina Pats (25-36-3-4) Saskatoon Blades (42-22-1-3)
Head-to-Head
Tonight marks the sixth and final meeting between the Pats and Blades this season and first contest between the teams since December 30th. The Pats hold a 1-4-0-0 record against the Blades this season with the Pats winning the previous contest by a 6-2 count. Morgan Klimchuk leads the Pats with nine points against Saskatoon (3G, 6A) in five games. On the other side, Josh Nicholls and Matej Stransky both have ten points in action against Regina.Coming into tonight, the Pats jumped right back into the win column with their victory over Prince Albert and have won four of their last five. The Blades continued to roll with a 6-3 win over Medicine Hat last night and have won eight of their last ten games. Tonight's game will be broadcast on 620 CKRM starting with the Press Box Sports Bar Pre-Game Show at 6:35 p.m.
Lead Up: Pats Get Six in the Second in 6-2 Win over P.A.
After a tight checking and scoreless first period, the second period opened up as the Pats and Raiders combined for eight goals in the middle frame. The teams traded goals in the first minute of the second before the Pats went on to score four straight. Lane Scheidl scored twice while Morgan Klimchuk, Dyson Stevenson and Trent Ouellette also had two point evenings. Matt Hewitt made 28 saves in the win. For full game recap, click here.
First Line Production
The Pats first line has been scoring frequently of late. Chandler Stephenson is on a four game point streak (2G, 5A), Lane Scheidl features six points (4G, 2A) in his last five games and Morgan Klimchuk leads the trio with a five game point streak while tallying eleven points (4G, 7A) over that stretch.
Whelan Back with Pats
The Pats have recalled defenceman Sean Whelan from the Kindersley Klippers of the SJHL after the Klippers were eliminated from the SJHL playoffs this week. Whelan played eight games with the Pats in his last WHL stint.
Who to Watch on Saskatoon
Goaltender Andrey Makarov is having a banner year for the Blades with 36 wins on the season while featuring a 2.52 GAA and a 0.921 SV%. Makarov is also among the league leaders with seven shutouts on the year.
Quick Hits
- Chandler Stephenson had six points (2G, 4A) in his only game against the Blades (Dec. 30th)
- Goaltender Matt Hewitt tallied his first assist of the season and the second of his career last night
- Last night against Prince Albert, the Pats crossed the 300 mark for man games lost to injury/illness this season
Fan Appreciation Night
The Pats final home game of the season is Friday, March 16th against the Swift Current Broncos. There will be fan giveaways all night and one lucky fan will leave with a new hot-tub (courtesy Sunset Bay Leisure) and another could win a new RV (courtesy Traveland RV). 2-for-1 tickets are available at the Brandt Centre Box Office.
Upcoming Schedule
at Moose Jaw - Tuesday, March 12th, 7 p.m. - Mosaic Place (CKRM)
vs. Swift Current - Friday, March 15th, 7 p.m. - Fan Appreciation Night - Brandt Centre (CKRM)
at Swift Current - Saturday, March 16th, 7 p.m. - Credit Union I-Plex (CKRM)
Western Hockey League Stories from March 9, 2013
- Kelowna defeats Kamloops - Kelowna Rockets
- Hitmen blank Hurricanes - Calgary Hitmen
- Blades win in OT - Regina Pats
- Royals Clipped by Giants - Victoria Royals
- Royals' Playoff Tickets on Sale Monday - Victoria Royals
- Pats at Saskatoon Gameday Preview - Regina Pats
- Rebels Clinch First Round Home Ice With 4-2 Win Over Lethbridge - Red Deer Rebels
- Cougars Beat T-Birds in Shootout - Seattle Thunderbirds
- Rankin's Hat Trick Helps Tri-City Outlast Kootenay - Tri-City Americans
- Bertaggia's Hat Trick Leads Chiefs - Spokane Chiefs
- Royals Break Through against Giants - Victoria Royals
- 'Tips Can't Hold Early Leads in Spokane - Everett Silvertips
- Kelowna defeats Kamloops - Kelowna Rockets
- Roughnecks Defeat Swarm 19-15 - Calgary Hitmen
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
