The Regina Pats are still searching for their stride early in the Western Hockey League season, but Friday night offers a chance to make a statement against the team that ended their playoff run last spring.
The Pats welcome the Medicine Hat Tigers for their first meeting since Medicine Hat eliminated Regina in five games in the first round of last season’s WHL playoffs. With a familiar opponent across the ice and a chance to test themselves against one of the league’s top teams, the Pats are looking to break their current win-lose pattern.
Regina head coach David Bell knows the Tigers will challenge them.
“They’re super skilled, they’re fast, they’ve got some big bodies,” Bell said. “There’s no mystery why they’re a good team, so I think it’s a good measuring stick for us — where we’re at.”
Bell believes his team can compete with Medicine Hat, but keeping pace with the Tigers isn't the ultimate goal.
“As a group, as an organization, we want to take a step, and not just be happy with competing with them,” he said. “We want to beat teams. Every night we want to beat teams.”
That mentality will be important for a Pats squad looking to put its early season struggles behind it. Despite the inconsistent start, Regina forward Liam Pue remains confident the group has more to offer.
“We’ve had our ups and downs. I think we’re a much better team than we’re playing right now, and we’ve got so much more to prove. I think we’re gonna keep learning, keep growing as a team. I think the wins will start to come.”
Friday’s matchup also gives the Pats extra motivation, who haven't forgotten how their season ended against the Tigers.
Pue said the playoff history adds another layer to an already important game, especially as Regina looks to secure a big win against a strong opponent.
“I mean, they’re the team that kicked us out of the playoffs last year, so obviously, you know, we maybe dislike them a little more,” Pue said. “They’re a good team, and we need a big win, so I think it’s important that we come ready and prepared for that game.”
Pue’s star linemate, Maddox Schultz, echoed that sentiment, saying the team is eager to get another crack at Medicine Hat.
“Bragging rights are on the line. We still don’t think we should’ve lost in that Game 5, so there’s definitely a lot of excitement around the team about playing Medicine Hat again.”
Schultz acknowledged the Tigers have another strong roster this season but believes the Pats can match their game.
“They’ve got a pretty good team this year, so we’re looking forward to the challenge, but we think we’re right with them.”
Puck drop Friday night at the Brandt Centre is at 7 p.m. You can hear the game on 620 CKRM, with pregame talk starting at 6:30 p.m.
