The Pat Canadians battled through an unusual start to their Saturday afternoon matchup in Saskatoon but were unable to find the scoresheet in a 4-0 loss to the Contacts at Merlis Belsher Place.
The day began with adversity before the puck even dropped. Travel issues delayed the Pat Canadians’ arrival in Saskatoon by approximately 75 minutes, forcing the team to adjust their pre-game routine. Despite the disruption, Regina came out with energy and started off the game well, with strong physical play.
The Contacts received the game’s first power play just over a minute into the contest but the Pat Canadians penalty kill stood tall. Saskatoon eventually opened the scoring at 6:32 of the first period when Jett Kennedy capitalized on a turnover in the Regina zone to make it 1-0.
Regina had several opportunities to respond, earning three first-period power plays and outshooting the Contacts 12-9 through the opening 20 minutes. However, the breakthrough never came. Late in the period, another turnover proved costly as Cullen Stephenson scored shorthanded with just 29 seconds remaining to give Saskatoon a 2-0 lead heading into the intermission.
The second period featured plenty of back-and-forth play but few quality scoring chances for either side. The Contacts held a slight 10-6 edge in shots during the frame, and the score remained unchanged heading into the third.
Looking to mount a comeback, the Pat Canadians started the final period with more physicality and pushback. Regina generated chances and matched Saskatoon with 13 shots in the period, but Contacts goaltending and timely defensive play kept the visitors off the scoreboard.
The Contacts extended their lead on the power play with just over five minutes remaining when Sam Brenner buried a rebound following a point shot from Dilin Coulter-Suttie. Saskatoon added another power-play marker late in regulation as Stephenson scored his second goal of the game to complete the 4-0 final.
Final shots on goal for the game were 32-31 in favour of the Contacts. The Pat Canadians went 0-for-4 on the power play, while the Contacts converted on two of their three opportunities.
Goaltender Adam Muntain was solid in the Regina crease, turning aside 28 of 32 shots.
The Pat Canadians will have little time to dwell on the result as they get an immediate chance at redemption.
Next Up
The Regina Pat Canadians return home on Wednesday night to host the Saskatoon Contacts in a rematch at the Co-operators Centre.
Wednesday, October 7
Regina Pat Canadians vs. Saskatoon Contacts
8:00 PM
Co-operators Centre
