Murray Wood: Arrest in 2001 Saskatoon assault case should make perpetrators worried
A 52-year-old man has been charged in connection with a 2001 sexual assault allegation in Saskatoon. Murray Wood says he...
A fast start, steady goaltending and a star performance from Maddox Schultz have the Regina Pat Canadians heading back to the Telus Cup.
The Pat Canadians defeated the Moose Jaw Winmar Warriors 5-1 on Sunday at the Co-operators Centre to win the regional final and earn another shot at a national championship.
Read more:
- Humboldt marks eight years since Broncos bus crash
- Edmonton Oil Kings take Game 6 in overtime controversy, Saskatoon Blades prepare for Game 7
- A.J. Allen reflects on CFL free agency, negotiations with Riders
“It feels unreal right now, and super surreal to get the win,” Schultz said.
The 16-year-old player wasted no time setting the tone, scoring just 18 seconds into the game on a breakaway, a moment that immediately swung momentum in Regina’s favour.
“I just kind of got loose and ended up burying it,” Schultz said. “Huge goal for us.”
Regina built on that early push as Brady Vipond made it 2-0 late in the first period, scoring off a rebound just after the power play expired.
Despite the scoreline, the game remained tight through stretches, with Moose Jaw generating chances, including a second-period goal from Jamie Kirwan and a missed open-net goal in the first that could easily have changed the game’s momentum.
Pat Canadians head coach Ryan Hodgins said his group responded exactly how he expected in the high-pressure game.
“I was really happy with the boys. These guys executed, and we played really well,” Hodgins said. “That’s what these guys do – they just respond.”
Moose Jaw cut into the lead on the power play in the second period, but Regina’s goaltending held strong. Adam Muntain turned aside 29 of 30 shots, including key stops on the penalty kill and a breakaway chance, helping Regina maintain control.
“My D-men were unreal in front of me,” Muntain said. “(I was) just staying calm in the net and making sure I keep my emotions in check. That’s all I can do.”
Hodgins, meanwhile, praised his goaltender.
“Adam was unbelievable tonight,” he said. “We’ve got two number-one goalies, and we’re super fortunate.”
Schultz added his second goal of the game in the second period, continuing a trend of stepping up in big moments.
“He rises to the top in big games, and that’s what big players do,” Hodgins said. “He’s a big-time player.”
Mahlon Wiley extended the lead to 4-1 in the third period off a tough bounce for Moose Jaw before Liam Pue sealed the win with an empty-net goal.
While the final score showed a gap, Moose Jaw head coach Trevor Weisgerber said the game was closer than it looked.
“A mistake can cost you at this point, and that’s what they did tonight,” Weisgerber said. “It’s just tough. I feel for our guys.”
Weisgerber also had high praise for Schultz.
“He’s special. He plays the game the right way,” he said. “Kids like that win.”
For Regina, the focus now shifts to the national stage, with a chance to repeat as champions.
“We won Telus last year, and it was the best feeling,” Muntain said. “Now that we have the chance again, we’re going to make the best of it.”
Schultz said the team knows to expect tough competition heading into the championship.
“We’ve just got to bring our best,” he said.
For Hodgins, it was a balance between celebrating the win and preparing for what’s next.
“We’re going to enjoy this one today,” he said. “Then we’ll get back to work.”
The Telus Cup runs from April 20-26 in Peterborough, Ont.
