Pats win in overtime, victors in three straight

The West Coast continues to yield positive results for the Regina Pats.

The WHL team captured its third straight win on its western road trip, defeating the Kelowna Rockets 6-5 in overtime at Prospera Place on Tuesday night.

Regina forward Tanner Howe, who was named the league’s player of the week for his effort in the first two games of the B.C. road trip, scored first for the Pats in the opening frame.

The Rockets responded in the first period with a power-play goal from centre Max Graham.

Kelowna forward Andrew Cristall also added a power-play goal early in the second period.

But the Pats answered back quickly with a goal from forward Tye Spencer. Regina forward Borya Valis scored next for the Pats.

Kelowna answered with goals from defenceman Caden Price and forward Carson Golder.

Winger Alexander Suzladev scored on the power play in the third period. Pats defenceman Tanner Brown also scored late to give the Pats the edge.

But Cristall scored his second of the game with just 52 seconds left to force the extra frame.

Just over three minutes into overtime, Suzladev scored on the power play to end the game. Pats forward Connor Bedard, who now has 54 points in 25 games, had an assist on the game-winning goal — his only point of the contest.

The Pats (12-11-1-1) will try to continue their recent run of good fortunes against the Kamloops Blazers (11-5-3-1) on Wednesday.