Pats captain Adam Brooks leads the way past the Raiders 7-6 in OT

The wins aren’t always pretty, but good teams will find a way to squeak them out anyway. 

At least, that’s what Pats captain Adam Brooks said Saturday night after the Pats clawed back from a 4-0 deficit in the first period to beat the Prince Albert Raiders 7-6 in overtime. 

“After last game I think guys were feeling pretty down and just be able to come back in that game kind of like Tri City did against us last night and get that win in overtime early, it’s a great feeling,” Brooks said. 

It had to feel especially good for Brooks himself, who scored the goal to tie the game with just eight seconds left in the third period, then went on to score the game winner in three on three overtime. Though Brooks is not one to brag. 

“It’s not about one person doing a thing, it’s about the team and I think the team came together and that’s why we won.” 

And the team had to come together, the Raiders scored early and often on Regina Pats netminder Kurtis Chapman, who allowed four goals on 13 shots before being replaced in the second period by Max Paddock. 

Brooks was quick to point out that the team did not do Chapman any favours, though, putting him in a 5 on 3 situation early in the game, but Paddock was able to give the team a spark when he came in for the second period. 

“You’re usually hoping for that response,” said Pats head coach John Paddock. “I think he got a little bit of action right of the bat, made a skate save and a couple other saves so that gives the crowd a boost … And so I think those kind of things they worked in our favour.” 

The head coach confirmed that Paddock’s performance earned him his third start of the season, in place of an injured Tyler Brown, on Sunday when the team travels to Prince Albert.

The second period also kick started the Pats offensive. Bryan Lockner scored just 17 seconds into the second period. Jeff de Wit followed about four minutes later with his first goal in a Pats uniform. Dawson Leedahl scored the Pats third goal of the night and Paddock shut the door on the Raiders, putting the Pats down 4-3 going into the third period. 

The third period started with a Raiders goal, padding their lead to two goals, but the Pats kept digging and Nick Henry got on the board with help from Brooks and Sam Steel. 

The Raiders Spencer Moe would respond with one more before Jake Leschyshyn brought the Pats back within one. 

And then the captain did what captains do: take the game into their hands and leave no doubt. Brooks scored the equalizer sending the teams into three on three overtime. Then with just 18 seconds off the clock in OT – he did it again. 

“Obviously we have offensive ability and the best players steps up. They can do lost of damage and Brooksy did that, Sam had three or four helpers. It wasn’t a masterpiece game, but those kind of guys they usually, eventually make plays,” Paddock said. 

“It was a wildly entertaining game.” 

ODDS AND ENDS

• Missing from Saturday’s lineup were both Connor Hobbs and Filip Ahl. Paddock confirmed neither player was injured, but that he wanted to send a message about penalties stemming from Friday night’s game. Paddock also said they’ll be more to come Sunday. One or possibly two players may also be scratched for the rematch, but Ahl and Hobbs will be back on the ice.
• Jeff de Wit notched his first goal as a Pat. 
• Adam Brooks and Sam Steel each had three point nights and lead the WHL with 73 on the year.