Connor Bedard’s 35-game point streak came to an end on Friday night, but the Regina Pats were still able to come from behind to defeat the Lethbridge Hurricanes 3-2.
Zack Stringer returned from injury after missing the last games to score the game winning goal for the Pats. Sam Oremba and Alexander Suzdalev also scored for Regina.
The Pats were trailing 2-1 heading into the final period before they came back with a pair of goals.
Drew Sim made 33 saves in the win for Regina.
The last time Bedard was held off the scoresheet in the Western Hockey League was the Pats first game of the season against the Moose Jaw Warriors on September 23.
There was 5,378 people in attendance for Friday’s game in Lethbridge.
Head coach and general manager John Paddock felt his team played a solid defensive game, especially in the final minute when the Hurricanes pulled their netminder.
Even though Bedard was unable to score, Paddock was pleased to see the Pats depth contribute to the victory against the Hurricanes.
He said Oremba’s game has elevated during the road trip in Alberta especially since he’s been matched on a line with Suzdalev and Braxton Whitehead.
“I think Sam individually has really helped that line and all of the sudden it clicked. ”
The Pats head coach and general manager was happy to see Stringer get a big goal in his hometown.
“Over the last calendar year he’s had a lot of misfortunates, he’s a big part of our team, it’s good to see him score, it’s good to see him back in the lineup.”
Paddock said even though the Pats have encountered some stumbles during the trip, the team is thrilled to have gained five points through the first three games in Alberta and said they will be looking to finish off the road trip on a good note.
On Sunday, the Pats will meet the Medicine Hat Tigers. Regina’s last lost came at the hands of the Tigers on Sunday at the Brandt Centre.
Coverage of the game on 620 CKRM begins at 4:35.
