MEDICINE HAT, ALTA. – Regina Pats’ goaltender Marek Schlenker was the difference in a 4-2 Game 2 win over the Medicine Hat Saturday night. Shlenker, who lived in Medicine Hat as a kid, backstopped Regina with 21 saves on 23 shots against – including a third period barrage from the Tigers’ offense. “Our team played outstanding today,” the netminder told reporters after the win. “I think our game really fits a playoff style game. [A] record amount of block shots from our team today. And they were letting me see the puck but when they weren’t, they’re blocking it. Made my job really easy.” The 19-year-old goalie says he had a large contingent of friends and family in attendance Saturday, making the win extra special. “I really appreciate people coming out and watching,” said Schlenker. “It means a lot to all of us, not just me. So it’s awesome.” The win evens up the first round best-of-7 series between the Pats and Tigers at one game a piece, as Regina earned a split on the road in Medicine Hat. “It’s what we come here to do,” Pats’ head coach Brad Herauf said. “We had a little bit more finish than we had last night on some of our momentum opportunities, and we just stuck with it.” Regina’s Zachary Lansard and Medicine Hat’s Ethan Neutens traded goals in the first period as the teams went into the second tied at a goal a piece, just as they were in Game 1. Ephram McNutt’s first of the playoffs put the Pats out in front six minutes into the second period. Regina would add some much-needed insurance thanks to Ruslan Karimov in the third to take a two-goal lead. However, Markus Ruck scored less than a minute later to draw the Tigers back within one. From there, the Pats’ defence, backstopped by goalie Marek Schlenker, staved off an onslaught of Tigers’ opportunities. The victory capped with a Jace Egland empty netter with 50 seconds remaining. “Marek was huge,” said Herauf. “We didn’t start him Game 1 and he didn’t blink an eye. I told him to shove it up my *** today and that’s exactly what he did.” “It just feels really good,” Schlenker added. “[Tabasniuk] deserved to play [Friday] cause he had a good end to the season. Not the first time we’ve had adversity and I told my coach I’ll be ready to go if I got the chance.” The win is Regina’s first against the Tigers in 2025-26, after going winless in four games during the regular season and losing Game 1 Friday. The loss is also Medicine Hat’s first since March 7. “The push was good,” Tigers’ head coach Willie Desjardins said. “We got the one and pulled the goaltender but took a penalty late which was tough.” Desjardins is looking for more out of his team, which won 50 games in the regular season. “[Regina] is hungrier than us right now,” he said bluntly. “They won more battles than [us] I thought tonight. We have to find a way.” Now tied 1-1, the series turns back to the Brandt Centre for Games 3 and 4. “It’s going to be good to get home for us,” Herauf said. “I’m not too sure [momentum] really carries over. Willie’s a great coach, they’ve been through all of this experience. They understand that it’s the next game mentality. So that’s what I expect of them.” Game 3 is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31 at 7 p.m. at the Brandt Centre.
