Regina Pats begin playoff push for WHL title

After dominating the Western Hockey League (WHL) during the regular season, the Regina Pats are inching closer to WHL supremacy.

The playoffs get underway Friday night as the Pats try to win the Ed Chynoweth Cup for just the third time in team history.

The Pats dominated the regular season finishing with 112 points and at the top of the entire league.

Regina Pats players and coaches received individual honours as well, with Sam Steel being named the eastern conference player of the year, Connor Hobbs named the eastern conference defensive player of the year and John Paddock named the eastern conference coach of the year.

Despite all the awards and accolades, Captain Adam Brooks admitted work is just beginning.

“We’re all pretty happy with the way the regular season went but the real season starts now with playoff time,” Brooks said.

980 CJME’s Arielle Zerr said this team has a special feeling to it, especially after a historic season.

“You can tell that they are on to something, they want to win and they know how special this team is.”

The fans are sharing in the excitement of the players as well.

Caleb Wood has been a fan for over 20 years and said this was one of the most talented teams he’s ever seen.

“7 players with however many points they got, over 30 goals each, it’s ridiculous.”

The Pats will take on the Calgary Hitmen in the first round of the playoffs. Regina won three of their four meetings during the regular season.

Puck drop is at 7 p.m. Friday night at the Brandt Centre.

— With files from Arielle Zerr