The Regina Pats are about to embark on one of the most important stretches of their season — four games in five nights — with playoff implications staring them in the face. Regina opens an Alberta road swing Tuesday in Red Deer, continues Wednesday in Edmonton, then wraps up the trip with stops in Lethbridge on Friday and Calgary on Saturday.
When the week begins, the Pats sit just one point back of the Red Deer Rebels for the eighth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot, with a game in hand. They’re also five points behind Moose Jaw for seventh, again with three games in hand. In other words, the math is simple: opportunity is knocking.
Pats assistant general manager Tristan Frei was this week’s guest on Pats Chat on the SportsCage. And agreed that Tuesday’s game was a big one for the team.
“We’re one point back of them with a game in hand, and we’re playing them Tuesday. There are some very beatable teams on this trip.”
It’s a stretch that could define the next two months.
The Pats still have 28 games remaining on their schedule, but Frei knows that the urgency ramps up from here.
“Every game is super important in terms of this playoff push,” he said. “The guys know how important each night is.”
While fans naturally look at the standings and start counting points, Frei says the internal message is much narrower — and that’s by design.
“We can’t be looking at who’s playing who or who’s getting points. We’ve got to worry about ourselves. If we take care of the teams we’re playing every night, that’s a better recipe for success than trying to predict what everyone else is doing.”
That focus becomes even more critical on the road, where energy swings quickly and discipline can be tested. Frei believes special teams — and avoiding unnecessary penalties — can tilt games, especially on the road.
“Special teams play a massive role in our league. If a team has a good power play and you can limit their opportunities, it gives you a better chance to win. Staying disciplined on the road is huge.”
Analytics and video work are part of the daily routine, but Frei is quick to point out that hockey still comes down to effort and execution.
“Analytics are a tool. They give you insight and help you prepare, but at the end of the day, there are two teams on the ice trying to take two points from you. It’s an effort-based, team-based sport.”
The grind of a lengthy road trip also brings its own benefits, particularly for a young group.
“You spend every day together — you wake up together, go to bed together,” Frei said. “There’s a bonding element to that. And you’re playing every other night, so regardless of the result, you’re right back at it. Playing hockey is fun, and that’s why these guys are here.”
The light at the end of the road trip tunnel is an enticing one. When the Pats return home, they’ll do so to face their biggest rival.
Regina’s next home game is Saturday, January 31, when the Moose Jaw Warriors come to the Brandt Centre — a matchup that could carry even more weight depending on how this week unfolds.
Before then, though, all eyes are on Alberta and four games that could reshape the playoff race.
Tuesday’s game in Red Deer can be heard on 620 CKRM, with the pregame show beginning at 7:30 p.m.
