Big 3rd period helps Regina Pats drop Wheat Kings

A packed house at the Brandt Centre saw the Regina Pats finish strong to upset the division leading Brandon Wheat Kings.

Cole Sanford scored twice in the third and Rykr Cole added some insurance as the Pats topped Brandon 5-2 Saturday night.

The Pats got on the board just 22 seconds into the game as Adam Brooks extended his point streak to six with the opening goal.

Both teams traded goals in the second period, setting up for the Pats to put away Brandon in the final period.

Sanford, who was picked up in a trade at the deadline, is paying off on the wing with Sam Steel. Steel got assists on both of Sanford’s goals as the duo has started to feel some chemistry in the last couple of games.

The win helps the Pats overcome a loss in Prince Albert on Friday night, when they fell 3-2.

The long weekend isn’t over for Regina as they will travel to Swift Current for a matinee on Monday. It’s a big game for the Broncos as the playoffs get closer. Swift Current trails both Regina and Edmonton by nine points for one of the two wild card spots.

THREE STARS

1. Cole Sanford – The over age Pat scored his 27th and 28th of the season in the third period, including the game winner and the insurance marker.
2. Tyler Brown – After stopping all 13 shots in relief during Friday’s loss, Brown turned away 30 of 32 shots against the high octane Brandon offense.
3. Adam Brooks – Brooks now has 13 points during his six game point streak, as he scored a goal and an assist in the win.

Attendance: 6,327