Pats Gameday Preview

Head-to-Head
The Pats and Wheat Kings have already faced each other twice in the infancy of the 2012-13 season albeit in exhibition action.  The Pats took the first pre-season meeting at the Cooperators Centre by a 3-1 score, and the Wheat Kings struck right back with a 5-3 victory the next night in Brandon.  Tonight’s game will be broadcast on 620 CKRM starting at
6:05 p.m. (MST) with the Press Box Sports Bar Pre-Game Show.

Lead Up: Pats Split Pre-Season
As already mentioned, the Pats split their pre-season opening weekend with the Wheat Kings, but still had a weekend set with the Blades to take care of.  In an intense contest at the Brandt Centre, the Blades got a late third period goal to snag a 2-1 win last Friday.  The teams travelled up Highway 11 for a second date at the Credit Union Centre where the Pats shocked the Blades scoring three goals on three shots in the final minutes of the third period to steal a 4-3 win.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
Players haven’t given the Pats coaching staff any easy decisions.  One of the toughest was the goaltending tandem that would take the team into the new season.  Teagan Sacher (’94) emerged during the pre-season with a brilliant performance to supplant incumbent back-up goaltender Adam Beukeboom (’94) who was reassigned Wednesday afternoon.  Once again, Matt Hewitt (’92) looks to carry the load in net.

New Faces
The Pats defence went through an evolution over the Pre-Season with multiple additions being made.  Two new players have yet to see game action with the Pats in 6’5” Kade Pilton (’94) and defensive standout Tye Hand (’95).  Pilton adds a much needed big shot to the Pats defence while Hand will fill a shutdown roll after being named to the AJHL South Division’s All Rookie Team last season while only recording one assist.

Quick Hits
- Teagan Sacher dominated the pre-season in net, only allowing one goal in 91 minutes. (0.66 GAA, 0.980 Sv%)
- First year forward Patrick D’Amico led the Pats in pre-season scoring with four points (1G, 3A) in four games
- Morgan Klimchuk and Kyle Burroughs were both ranked in Central Scouting’s preliminary list.  Klimchuk in the “A” Group and Burroughs in the “C” Group.

Important Dates
Habitat for Humanity Home Opener presented by Mosaic – Saturday, 7 p.m. – Brandt Centre

Upcoming Schedule
vs. Brandon – Saturday, 7 p.m. – Brandt Centre
@ Swift Current – Wednesday Sept. 26^th, 7 p.m. – Credit Union IPlex
@ Kootenay Ice – Friday Sept. 28^th, 7 p.m. -  Cranbrook Recreation Complex
@ Medicine Hat – Saturday Sept. 29^th, 7:30 p.m. – The Arena