The Regina Pat Canadians are headed back to familiar territory. With a decisive three‑game sweep of the Estevan Innovex Bears, the defending SMAAAHL champions secured their fourth consecutive trip to the league final—an achievement built on depth, discipline, and a level of playoff composure that has become their trademark. They now await the winner of the Blazers–Moose Jaw semifinal.
Series Overview
The Bears tested Regina and held leads in each game, but Regina’s depth and persistent attack eventually prevailed. The three wins showcased a balanced attack that saw contributions from every line. The Bears pushed, especially early in Games 1 and 2, but Regina’s ability to counterpunch—and then take over—proved decisive.
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Game 1: Regina Sets the Tone (5–2)
Regina wasted no time establishing control, scoring just 33 seconds into the opener. Mahlon Wiley and Malaki Martin put the Pat Canadians up 2–0 before Estevan responded late in the first on the power play.
From there, Regina’s structure took over.
– Grady Hodgins restored the two‑goal cushion early in the second.
– Martin added his second of the night late in the frame.
– Eli Heroux extended the lead in the third, capping a three‑point performance.
Ben Meyer was steady with 23 saves, and Regina’s forecheck and puck management wore down the Bears as the night progressed.
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Game 2: A Wild One, but Regina Pulls Away (7–4)
Estevan came out swinging in Game 2, building a 2–0 lead late in the first period. But the Pat Canadians responded with the kind of resilience that defines championship teams.
Key turning points:
– Ryker Doka scored with 17 seconds left in the first to cut the deficit.
– Regina dominated the second period, with Martin and Hodgins flipping the game to a 3–2 lead.
– The third period erupted into a goal‑trading track meet, but Regina’s depth overtook Estevan.
Notable performances:
– Grady Hodgins: 2 goals, 1 assist
– Malaki Martin: 2 goal, 3 assists
– Ethan Young: 2 assists
– Adam Muntain: 26 saves in the win
Two empty‑netters sealed it, but the story was Regina’s ability to take control after a shaky start.
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Game 3: Statement Win to Close the Series (7–2)
With a chance to sweep, Regina delivered their most complete performance of the series.
After Estevan opened the scoring, Regina rattled off six straight goals, including a dominant four‑goal second period that removed all doubt.
Standout moments:
– Eli Heroux tied the game late in the first, then added another in the second.
– Grady Hodgins continued his torrid pace with two more goals, bringing his series total to six.
– Ryker Doka and Cooper Bratton added key secondary scoring.
– Ben Meyer turned aside 24 shots for his second win of the series.
Regina’s power play struck once, their penalty kill went 2‑for‑2, and their transition game overwhelmed the Bears from start to finish.
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Series Standouts
Several Pat Canadians elevated their play throughout the sweep:
– Grady Hodgins – 5 goals in 3 games, consistently shifting momentum
– Malaki Martin – 4 goals, 4 assists, driving the offense every night
– Eli Heroux – 3 goals, 2 assists, timely scoring
– Ethan Young – 5 assists, steady two‑way presence
– Goaltending tandem (Meyer & Muntain) – Calm, reliable, and efficient
This was truly a full‑team effort.
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What Comes Next
With the sweep complete, Regina now turns its attention to the other semifinal between the Saskatoon Blazers and Moose Jaw Warriors. Regardless of the opponent, the Pat Canadians enter the SMAAAHL Final with momentum, experience, and the confidence of a defending champion.
The quest for back‑to‑back titles—and a fourth straight league final appearance—continues.
