The Regina Pats have been hoping some “home cooking” would help get the team moving in the right direction.
Roger McQueen’s power-play goal early in the third period stood up as the winner as the visiting Brandon Wheat Kings beat the Pats 5-3 in Western Hockey League action on Saturday. Its the start of a six game home stand for Regina.
Brett Hyland had a goal and two assists for the Wheat Kings, who led 3-2 after the first period. The second period was scoreless.
Matteo Michels, Rylen Rersma and Carter Klippenstein also scored for the Wheat Kings (19-12-4-1), who were outshot 28-27.
“We didn’t have the energy that we needed in the third period, and it was a bit of a struggle as we played a lot in our own zone, so it’s hard to have the forecheck if you’re defending all the time.” said Pats Assistant Coach Ken Schneider. “We had some new guys in our lineup so it kinda changes things a bit. We’re trying to teach guys our systems on the fly. It’s not an excuse but it does make a difference. Our goalie did a pretty good job but there is probably a couple that he would like to have back. I thought he was a little busy at times but it’s not all on him, we had some great opportunities to score.”
Tanner Howe, Borya Valis and Jaxsin Vaughan scored for the Pats (13-18-3-2).
Both teams went 2-for-4 on the power play.
–With files from the Canadian Press–
