BY Jonathan Huntington
The Estevan Innovex Bears went blow-for-blow with the Regina Pat Canadians for nearly 50 minutes on Friday night – but in the end, the nation’s top-ranked U18AAA team had too much strength.
On a night when the Bears scored four goals – including a 2-0 lead and a 4-3 lead with 15 minutes left in the third period – AND kept Regina star Maddox Schultz off the score sheet, it still wasn’t enough as they lost 7-4 on home ice.
The line of Brady Vipond, Malaki Martin and Grady Hodgins combined for five goals and showcased the depth within Regina’s roster.
The victory gives the Pat Cs a critical 2-0 lead in the best-of-five semi-final series and a chance to advance to the SMAAAHL final Saturday night with a win on home ice.
“I thought that line played well,” said Pat Cs head coach Ryad Hodgins immediately after the game. “Our depth has been strong all year and it didn’t surprise me tonight.”
Boston Schmidt and Dylan Brass gave Estevan a 2-0 lead in the first period before Reigna answered with three straight to carry a 3-2 advantage into the third period. The Bears countered with a pair of tallies in the first 5:30 of the final frame to grab a 4-3 lead – but Hodgins and Vipond each scored midway through the period before the visitors added two empty-netters to finish the scoring.
Regina poured 51 shots on Evan Hutcheon, including 20 in just the second period.
Estevan will need to win Saturday night to force a Game 4. If Regina wins on home-ice in Game 3, it will mean the winner of the Moose Jaw and Saskatoon Blazers semi-final will also advance to the Telus Cup Western Regional tournament as Regina is already guaranteed a spot as host.
(Photo credit: Wanda Harron Photography)
