The Western Hockey League's Regina Pats have built crucial momentum heading into their most challenging stretch of the season, achieving a .500 winning percentage just before their annual extended road trip forced by the Canadian Western Agribition.
Building Momentum Before the Journey
After falling 4-3 in overtime to the Medicine Hat Tigers on Friday, the Pats demonstrated resilience by securing a 2-1 victory over the Moose Jaw Warriors on Saturday night. This crucial win at the Brandt Centre pushed their record to 9-9-2-1, marking the first time this season they've reached the .500 mark.
The timing couldn't be more significant as the team prepares for their annual November exodus. The Canadian Western Agribition, the massive agricultural trade show taking over Regina's REAL District from November 24-29, displaces the hockey team from their home arena for nearly two weeks.
The Agribition Exodus: A Defining Road Trip
Without access to their home ice at the Brandt Centre, the Pats embark on a demanding western swing that will test their improved roster. The schedule includes six games in just ten days against opponents in Spokane, Tri-City, Seattle, Everett, Portland, and Wenatchee.
The team won't return to home ice until December 5, when they finally host the Brandon Wheat Kings. This year's journey begins with significantly better spirits compared to last season's disastrous road trip that featured multiple blowout losses.
Team captain Ephram McNutt, a 20-year-old defender acquired from the Prince George Cougars eleven months ago, brings valuable perspective to the challenging schedule. "You're together a lot on the bus and it can be boring at times, but you can also get tight with your teammates," McNutt reflected. "You learn resilience because you've always got bus legs. You push through because the other team's at home and you're at the short end of the stick, so it gives you extra motivation."
A Transformed Team Mindset
The contrast between this year's squad and last season's struggling team is stark. Forward Caden Brown, who joined Regina from Everett just before last year's forgettable trip, emphasized the changed expectations.
"It's way different this year," Brown stated. "Last year I was new and didn't really know what to expect. This year I know we're expecting to go in there and win hockey games and keep improving ourselves."
Brown has emerged as an offensive leader during his final junior campaign, currently leading the Pats with 15 goals. He's supported by three teammates who have also reached double digits: Keets Fawcett (14 goals, including Saturday's game-winner), plus Zachary Lansard and Julien Maze with 10 goals each.
The team's offensive production has dramatically improved from last season, when they finished dead last in the 22-team WHL with only 170 total goals. This season, their 81 goals rank fourth-best in the Eastern Conference, signaling a remarkable turnaround for the up-and-coming franchise.
As the Pats board the bus for their extended journey, they carry not just their equipment but the confidence of a team that has found its footing and intends to make this Agribition road trip a defining moment in their season.
