Greg Harder, Leader-Post
Published: Monday, October 06, 2008
REGINA -- Regina Pats head coach Dale Derkatch doesn't sound like he's sold on the integrity of the shootout format.

That said, he wasn't about to forfeit the two points his team picked up in Sunday's 2-1 victory over the visiting Red Deer Rebels. Rookie Jordan Weal scored the lone goal of the breakaway session to give Regina its third straight victory -- and the first in three tries via shootout.

"I guess that's part of sports, and luck, if you want to call it that," said Derkatch. "The whole game comes down to a skills competition. It's pretty interesting. But it was nice (to get the victory). I'm very happy for the team. It might not have been our best effort . . . but I'm happy we pulled it out anyway."

The Pats have gone to a shootout in three of their first seven games. At that pace, Derkatch & Co. will be getting a whole lot more at ease with the format -- assuming they keep winning.

Regina was beaten in each of its first two shootout games this season -- a 4-3 loss to the Brandon Wheat Kings and a 3-2 setback versus the Prince Albert Raiders.

The Pats' fortunes turned Sunday when Weal buried the game-winner and rookie netminder Damien Ketlo, in his first WHL start, turned aside all three shootout attempts. Veteran goalies Jeff Bosch and Linden Rowat were on the hook for the previous two losses.

"At the start of the season we had a couple (missed) chances in the shootouts but as the season goes on guys feel more comfortable," said captain Victor Bartley. "Dale always tells us, 'Shoot the puck hard, good things happen.' "

Regina had a 7-2 record in shootouts last season, thanks in large part to the proficiency of Rowat, Bosch and sniper Jordan Eberle. The Pats went 4-6 the previous season and 5-4 in 2005-06, the year the shootout was introduced.

Derkatch is the first to acknowledge the entertainment element of the format. However, from a purist's perspective, it's simply a little tough to swallow.

"It's fun for the fans," added Derkatch. "I think guys put in such an effort for 60 minutes and then overtime is another five minutes, then it ends in such a fashion. We won this time but it kind of doesn't really show the work that the guys put in and really get what they deserve for their efforts."

gharder@leaderpost.canwest.com

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