Hundreds of fans celebrated the Regina Pats Hockey Club home opener with a tailgate party inside the Brandt Centre on Sunday. Prior to the game against the Swift Current Broncos, people treated themselves to a complimentary barbecue, family activities and live entertainment featuring local artist Jess Moskaluke. The event marked the start of the 2026-27 WHL season. “It’s such a blast to be here, I’m excited to support the Pats,” said Autumn Johnson. “I love the atmosphere. I love all the people it brings to the ring to support the Pats.” Grade 6 student Thomas participated in the sports cage activity. He said the day’s activities were fun and should happen before every home game. “I can’t seem to score this, but I still give it my best anyways,” Thomas said, smiling. “For like the little kids that don’t always get to come and stuff, they should come and do these [activities]. It’s really fun.” With both team mascots at the centre people took advantage of the opportunity to get pictures with both. Oliver Irvine, who was at the game with his sister and parents, said his family has season tickets. He said he was excited for the games ahead. “We’re going to be a better team this year with new players, new coach, and then we also have a new mascot,” Oliver said. “I think it will be a good season and then we’ll go farther in the playoffs.” Win over Swift Current The Pats certainly lived up to Irvine’s expectations for their first game. Regina trounced the Swift Current Broncos 6-2. Parker Trottier scored two goals and added an assist, delivering a three-point performance for the Pats. Liam Pue, Matt Paranych and Zachary Lansard all recorded a goal and an assist. In the third period, Dayce Derkatch won a puck battle deep in the Swift Current zone and passed to Zach Moore who scored on the shorthand goal. Swift Current’s two goals came from Sawyer Dingman (assisted by Kayd Ruedig and Ty Meunier) and Stepan Farushev (assisted by Luke Huska). With files from Daniel Reech
