'They outworked us': Pats lose 4-1 to Moose Jaw

It took half the season but it finally happened – the Pats lost in regulation time at home. 

The team has been either on top or hovering near the top of the league all season, because of stellar play but also in part because they have more losses in overtime than they do in regular time. 

But tonight the Pats just couldn’t get past their Highway 1 rivals and Moose Jaw toppled them 4-1. 

“They outworked us in our own end. They were cycling in on us, tiring us out, out-changing us even in our own home rink. It’s just unacceptable,” said Pats defenceman Connor Hobbs. 

Usually it’s the Pats that get on the board early but Saturday they were in unfamiliar territory early with the Warriors getting two quick goals in the first three minutes of the game.

Sam Steel would respond with only goal of the game around the 12 minute mark keeping Moose Jaw goaltender Zach Sawchenko from getting the shut out. 

In another rarity for the Pats, they ended the first being out shot by their opponent. 

In the second Brett Howden went on to add an insurance, with the Warriors fourth goal coming from an empty netter in the dying minutes of the game. 

Explaining the loss was pretty simple. The Warriors were hungrier for the win, according to Head Coach John Paddock. 

“They were the better team just about every shift … so full credit to them,” he said,

But he also admitted while a loss was disappointing, it will be a good reality check for his players and a reminder to pay attention to detail.

“Against good teams things happen quicker, you got to move quicker, you have to think quicker,” Paddock said. 

“We don’t have much room for let up. We have to learn from this … everyone has to have a good second half.” 

ODDS AND ENDS

• Stars: Zach Sawchenko and Jayden Halbgewachs of the Warriors and the Pats’ Tyler Brown.
• Saturday was the Pats first loss at home that didn’t happen in overtime. 
• Sam Steel scored his 31st goal of the season, it was also his sixth in three games. 
• Filip Ahl had an assist in his first game back from the World Juniors (he played for Sweden).