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The Regina Pats are hopeful that they’re moving on to bigger and better things following a weekend sweep of two of the best teams in the conference.
On Sunday afternoon, the Pats exploded for four goals in the third period helping them down the Lethbridge Hurricanes 5-3.
“I thought was a really well contested game by both teams,” said head coach John Paddock.
“It’s what we expected. I think we were able to take advantage in the third period of their schedule and play more in their end.”
The win moves the Pats once again above the 500-mark on the season. The team’s they beat this weekend, the Rebels and the Hurricanes, came in with a combined record of 26-13. Those teams also sit first and second in the central division.
Not only did the Pats win both games but they finally got the offence going as well with 13 goals in the two games.
“It’s big for this team. I remember last year after the trade deadline, I think it was the Everett game. We were in a little bit of a slump then we managed to beat Everett, who was a pretty good team, (then) we kind of went on a bit of run,” said Brooks.
“I think guys are feeling pretty confident in that room right now that we can play with everybody.”
As the confidence starts to climb for the Pats, a good weekend was made even better with the return of captain Colby Williams, who scored again on Sunday.
Paddock believes his return to the ice has really sparked the team.
“The big difference is (Williams) coming back. It touches every area of the team. That’s really big. Just goes to show you what we’ve missed,” noted the coach.
“Does that mean we’re going to go out and catch Brandon and PA? No, but we’re a lot more stable back there with him in the lineup.”
Jake Leschysyn opened the scoring on Sunday afternoon with a weak wrister that beat Hurricanes netminder Stuart Skinner just over a minute into the game. The Hurricanes tied it up before the period was over off the stick of Tyler Wong.
Lethbridge took the lead in the second with thanks to Giorgio Estephan eighth goal of the year.
That lead stood until the third when Luc Smith tied it. Arvin Atwal restored the Hurricanes lead minutes later before the Pats scored three unanswered goals as Williams, Adam Berg and Austin Wagner all found the back of the net.
The Pats are back in action on Tuesday night at the Brandt Centre as they host the Medicine Hat Tigers.
THREE STARS
- Pats forward Sean Richards: The 17-year-old rookie made his presence felt with a couple of assists.
- Hurricanes forward Braden Burke: Burke also had a couple of helpers for Lethbridge.
- Pats forward Adam Berg: Berg scored the game winning goal with 1:36 remaining in regulation time.
Attendance: 3,989
