MEDICINE HAT, ALTA. – The Medicine Hat Tigers have drawn first blood to open the series, as the Regina Pats fell 6-2 on the road to open their first Western Hockey League playoff series since 2023. Regina was able to weather a relentless Tigers’ offensive through the first half of the game, even leading 2-1 early in the second period thanks to goals from Mathias Paul and Jace England. “There was lots of good stuff from our club,” Pats’ head coach Brad Herauf told reporters after the loss. “The score’s 6-2, but halfway through that game it’s a one-goal game. England had a breakaway – could have made it 4-3 – and they come down and score 30 seconds later, now it’s 5-2.” On the back of a hat trick from Jonas Woo, Medicine Hat took over the game in the second period, scoring four unanswered goals to jump out in front. “Two goals right at the net, right at the end of the powerplay,” Tigers’ assistant coach Joe Frazer said about Woo. “He was moving well tonight and creating lots for us.” In the third period, a stingy Tigers’ defense kept Regina from generating any offense to climb back in the game. “They’re a quick hit offensive team,” Herauf said. “They can really make you suffer on your mistakes, but I don’t think we had very many self-inflicted mistakes tonight.” “After the first 20 [minutes] we kind of settled down and got into it,” added Frazer. The Pats were not without their own chances, squandering five powerplay opportunities – including an early four-minute man advantage. “The way they’re built, they score easy and they create plays easy,” Herauf said. “So yeah, the power play and finishing on the offensive chances definitely was the difference tonight.” The Tigers went 1/4 on their chances with the extra man. Taylor Tabashniuk backstopped Regina with 19 saves on 25 shots. Regina countered putting just 18 shots towards Tabbies’ netminder Jordan Switzer, who made 16 saves. Game 2 is set for Saturday night. “We just weren’t finishing on scoring goals,” Herauf said as the team regroups for Game 2. “We were getting opportunities to score. And [Medicine Hat] didn’t generate as much as they have all year.” “I don’t think momentum really carries over game-to-game,” added Frazer. “[Saturday] is a fresh slate and we saw how hard Regina came out tonight. Right from puck drop we’ve got to make sure we’re ready.” Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Co-Op Place. All games are available for stream on Victory+.
