Forward Ty Kolle scored the game-winning goal as the Regina Pats defeated the Moose Jaw Warriors 3-2 to begin the 2019-2020 WHL campaign Friday at the Brandt Centre.
The Pats scored their first goal of the season only 20 seconds into the game. Austin Pratt tipped the puck into the net with the assists by Dawson Holt and Ty Kolle.
Kolle added to the lead by scoring from the right goal line; Holt and Tyson Feist drew assists and the Pats took a 2-0 lead into the break.
The Warriors responded in the second period on the man advantage. Keenan Taphorn pushed in his first of the season to cut the Pats lead to 2-1 going into the third.
Moose Jaw tied it up with another powerplay goal, this time from Carson Denomie to make it 2-2.
However the Pats would regain the lead thanks to Kolle who stole a puck in the offensive zone and roofed it for his second of the night, giving the Pats a 3-2 lead.
Max Paddock made 20 saves for the home side as Regina held on to win their first game of the season on opening night.
“5-on-5 we definitely dominated the game. Burying the first one 20 seconds in gave us leverage there, so it was good,” said Kolle in his post-game interview. “We’re looking for a snowball effect here getting the first one under our belts, then getting another one to start off with a lot of confidence.”
Kolle was awarded the game’s first star with two goals and an assist. Pratt and Paddock were named second and third stars respectively.
The Pats and Warriors meet on the ice tonight but this time from Moose Jaw. Puck drop is at 7:00 a.m. from Mosaic Place.
Listen to the pre-game show with Phil Andrews starting at 6:30 a.m.
