Sports stats



WHL Regina Pats

Warriors Edge Pats 3-2

October 9, 2021 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Regina Pats News Release


Regina, Sask. - A slow start to Friday's rivalry matchup with the Moose Jaw Warriors ended up being the difference for the Regina Pats, as they were edged 3-2 in regulation to fall to 2-2 on the young season. The Warriors improve to 2-1 with the win.

The Regiment couldn't find their legs until the second period of play, as they were out-shot 15-5 in the first period. Captain Logan Nijhoff scored his first of the season late in the opening period to tie the game 1-1, but the Warriors had a quick response and took a 2-1 lead into the break. Defenceman Ryker Evans netted his first goal of the season on a power play to tie things 2-2, but Matthew Gallant's late second period marker held up as the game-winner.

Matthew Kieper stopped 32 of 35 in his fourth consecutive start, as the Pats were out-shot 35-26 in the game. They were shorthanded eight times on the night -  including two lengthy 5-on-3s - with the PK going 7-for-8. The Pats power play went 2-for-4.

GAME SUMMARY

The Warriors came out with more energy to kick off this one, drawing consecutive penalties and controlling most of the play. They were rewarded just past the halfway mark of the period when Cade Hayes stuffed one home on the power play following a crease scramble.

Not long after, the Pats had thought they tied the game thanks to Evans, but the goal was called back after Zack Smith was penalized for goaltender interference.

Despite the setback, a late first period power play would prove fruitful for the Pats, as Nijhoff sniped his first of the season past Carl Tetachuk after Evans fed him a perfect bank pass from inside his own blue line. Nijhoff hustled to beat out the icing and got to the puck first, before whipping it over the shoulder and into the back of the net.

The Warriors responded under a minute later off of Hayes' second of the game, which was scored with just six seconds to go in the opening period.

The Pats picked up the pace in the second, equalizing the game on another power play 7:40 in. Evans let a wrist shot go from the left point that had eyes and went through everyone to make the game 2-2.

While the Pats had their mojo back, the Warriors did well to push back, and with under three minutes to go in the period, defenceman Matthew Gallant notched his first career WHL goal after coming down the left side on his off-wing and beating Kieper to make it a 3-2 score.

The action in the third and final frame came fast and furious, despite no goals being scored.

Early in the period, the Pats found themselves on a lengthy 5-on-3 kill, but got away unscathed. Not long after, the Warriors came close, but ended up hitting the post.

On another kill later in the period, Cole Carrier earned himself a shorthanded breakaway, but was stopped when he went to the backhand.

As the period wore on, the ice started to tilt in the Pats favour, but they were unable to draw even. Their best chance late saw Bedard turned away by Tetachuk on a one-timer on the power play.

Regina was unable to get any sustained pressure when they pulled the goalie and the final score was 3-2.

3 STARS

Cade Hayes - MJ - 2G

Matthew Gallant - MJ - 1G

Ryker Evans- REG - 1G, 1A

WHAT'S NEXT

The Pats host the Brandon Wheat Kings on Sunday at the Brandt Centre at 4 p.m., followed by a home-and-home next weekend with the Winnipeg ICE.

Check out the Regina Pats Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from October 9, 2021


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.

OurSports Central