Regina Pat Canadians Launch Telus Cup Campaign with Decisive 13-1 Victory Over Thunder Bay Kings
The Regina Pat Canadians made a thunderous statement in their opening game of the Telus Cup western regional male under-18 hockey playoff, dismantling the Thunder Bay Kings with a resounding 13-1 victory on Thursday evening. The dominant performance unfolded inside Regina's Co-Operators Centre, setting the stage for an intense rematch against provincial rivals the Moose Jaw Warriors on Friday.
Bench Stars Schultz and Pue as Team Showcases Depth
In a strategic move that highlighted the team's overwhelming control of the game, star forwards Maddox Schultz and Liam Pue spent the entire third period on the bench, opening gates for teammates during line changes. Regina head coach Ryan Hodgins expressed surprise at the lopsided score but emphasized the opportunity it provided for broader player participation.
"I didn't expect that," Hodgins admitted regarding the 13-1 outcome. "It meant we got some playing time for lots of players, but we have to make sure we're not picking up bad habits. Schultz and Pue are great hockey players who know what's going on. Between us and the Regina Pats, they've been playing lots of hockey so it's good to get them some rest."
Martin's Four-Goal Performance Leads Offensive Onslaught
The offensive explosion was spearheaded by forward Malaki Martin, who netted an impressive four goals in the contest. Martin acknowledged that while the score suggested an easy victory, the Thunder Bay squad displayed resilience throughout the game.
"I wouldn't say it was easy because they had some fight in them, but we have had some tough games lately," Martin commented, referencing Regina's hard-fought, five-game victory against the Moose Jaw Warriors in the Saskatchewan U18 Male AAA Hockey League championship series. "We've got Moose Jaw again Friday. It's fun to play against them. The games are tough and exciting. Of course we might meet them in the final, but we've got to get there first."
First Period Dominance Sets the Tone
The Pat Canadians established their supremacy early, outshooting Thunder Bay 28-3 and outscoring the visitors 7-0 in the opening period alone. Schultz contributed two goals during this initial onslaught, while Pue added one to the tally.
Additional scoring came from Grady Hodgins with two goals, and singles from Nathan Gardiner, Jett Donison, Xavier Doane, and Brodie Bowen. Thunder Bay's lone response came from Mikita Dolmat midway through the second period, but it proved insufficient against Regina's relentless attack.
Reigning Champions Face Packed Schedule
As the reigning Telus Cup champions, the Pat Canadians enter this tournament with significant pedigree. Schultz, the outstanding player in last year's regional and national events, was the No. 1 draft choice of the WHL's Regina Pats, while Pue was selected third overall by the same organization.
Both 2010-born prospects have been dividing their time between the Pat Canadians and the WHL's Regina Pats, having already played a league-maximum 34 games during the WHL regular season and participating in postseason action. Despite the Pats trailing 3-1 in their best-of-seven opening-round series against the reigning WHL-champion Medicine Hat Tigers, Schultz and Pue remain obligated to their U18 team during the regionals.
With round-robin games scheduled for Friday and Saturday, followed by an expected appearance in Sunday's final, the two star players could potentially face six games in six days—a demanding schedule that tests both their endurance and commitment.
Four-Team Tournament Determines National Championship Berth
The Telus Cup western regional playoff features four teams competing inside Regina's Co-Operators Centre, with the winner earning a coveted berth into the Canadian under-18 male AAA hockey championship scheduled for April 20-26 in Peterborough, Ontario. Thursday's contest marked the first game for both squads in this crucial tournament.
As the Pat Canadians prepare for their Friday showdown against the Moose Jaw Warriors, they carry not only the momentum of their decisive opening victory but also the weight of expectation as defending champions seeking to return to the national stage.
