Pats vs Broncos Gameday Preview
Published on October 12, 2012 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Regina Pats News Release
Friday, October 12th
Puck Drop: 7:00 p.m.
Regina Pats (4-5-0-0) Swift Current Broncos (3-1-3-1)
Head-to-Head
The Pats and Broncos have already faced off twice in the young season. The first meeting between the two featured a Pats comeback from three goals down and an eventual 4-3 overtime victory. The second contest saw the Pats down two and nearly another comeback, but Swift Current goaltender Eetu Laurikainen came up large by stopping twelve Pat shots in the final frame. The Pats come in after taking an exciting overtime game from Portland while the Broncos dropped their previous game, 2-1 to the Rebels. Tonight's matchup can be heard on 620 CKRM, starting at 6:35 p.m. with the Press Box Pre-Game Show.
Calendar Night
Lucky fans attending tonight's game will receive a Regina Pats 2012-13 Calendar courtesy of Sasktel.
Lead Up: Hewitt Steals One from Winterhawks
Matt Hewitt was stunning in the first period of Tuesday's game against Portland. The 20-year old netminder made 14 saves on 15 shots in the first period to keep the Pats in the contest. Goals by Adam Rossignol and Trent Ouellette set the stage for Lane Scheidl to win it in overtime wrapping up a 3-2 Pats win.
Shutting Down the PP
The Pats penalty kill is on a roll right now. The kill hasn't allowed a powerplay goal in three games and have killed 16/17 opportunities in their last four (94%).
Helping Out Against the Broncos
Dyson Stevenson is off to a solid start this season with seven points in nine games. He has been especially effective with three assists in two games against Swift Current.
MVP
Matt Hewitt's hot streak in net continued against the Winterhawks. He has wins in his last four starts, only allowing eight goals over that stretch while making 121 saves (0.938 Sv%).
Who to Watch on Swift Current
After holding off the Pats third period charge in the teams' last meeting, Eetu Laurikainen was named the Vaughn CHL Goalie of the Week. The 20th Overall selection in the 2012 CHL Import Draft is certainly turning heads in his WHL rookie season.
Quick Hits
- The Pats are the only team in the WHL with two overtime wins
- Trent Ouellette is the only player in the WHL with both a shorthanded goal and shorthanded assist
- The Pats have the 5th best penalty kill on home ice at 86.4%
Upcoming Schedule
vs. Everett - Saturday Oct. 13th, 7 p.m. - Brandt Centre (CKRM/Access 7)
vs. Tri-City - Friday Oct. 19th, 7 p.m. - Brandt Centre (CKRM) *Hat Giveaway Night*
at Red Deer - Tuesday Oct. 23rd, 7 p.m. - Enmax Centrium (CKRM)
Western Hockey League Stories from October 12, 2012
- Silvertips Rally to Top Brandon in OT - Everett Silvertips
- Winterhawks Earn 5-2 Win in Prince Albert Friday - Portland Winterhawks
- Pink the Rink 2012 Is Coming Soon - Everett Silvertips
- Giants Add Grit by Picking up Kale Kessy from Medicine Hat - Vancouver Giants
- Tigers Trade Kale Kessy to Vancouver Giants - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Blazers Continue Hot Start - Kamloops Blazers
- Pats Reassign Hamblin - Regina Pats
- Pats vs Broncos Gameday Preview - Regina Pats
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.
