1961-1962 and 1962-1963 - Season

For the second year the schedule did not include overtime games. The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) welcomed their newest team Weyburn Red Wings, during the summer months. On Wednesday, November 2, Regina Pats General Manager, Del Wilson, made a deal with Prince Albert Mintos for goaltender Ken Baum.

Regina Pats finished in second place that season with 73 points, and Estevan Bruins in first place with 80. Regina Pats Gary Peters won the (Charlie McCoolk Trophy) League Scoring Championship with 114 points and Norm Beaudin finished in third place with 88 points. Centre, Peters, and Right Wing Beaudin were selected on the League First All-Star Team.

1961-1962 - Regina Pats Roster - Goalies: Ken Baum, Orest Swyripa, Monty Snell Defense: Doug Piper, Bob Reiger, Norm Scmitz, Don "Moose" McGowan, Arvid Knutson Centre: Gary Peters, Gary Schall, Bob Lennos, Terry Shercliffe, Wilf Martin Right Wing: Norm Beaudin, Brian Harper, Doug Wass, Murray Owen, Pierre Dechaine Left Wing: Raymond Holmes, Alex Hood (Captain), Dick Wiest, Jack Ector Coach: Frank Mario Manager: Del Wilson Trainer: Sandy Archer

League Round Robin Play-off - Wednesday, February 28, the Regina Pats and Melville Millionaire battled to a 3-3 overtime tie. Some 700 fans, braved 30 below zero weather and stuck it out to the end in the unheated Melville Arena. Norm Beaudin, Gary Schall and Brian Harper triggered the Pat goals. John Stolar, Bill Flett and Gary Kreps replied for Melville. Regina goalie Ken Baum was a standout as he had to stop three clear greak-a-ways throughout the game.

Friday, March 2, Grank Mario's Regina Pats blanked Doug Dawson's Saskatoon Quakers 6-0 at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. Veteran Dick Wiest sparked the Pats with a two goal performance. Ken Baum came up with a great game as he kicked out 19 Saskatoon shots. Quaker net minder Phil Headley was brilliant in robbing Regina Pat snippers numerous times as had to face 41 shots.

Sunday afternoon, March 4, Regina Pats made it look easy at Flin Flon when they walloped the Bombers 7-2. Pats grabbed a 2-1 first period lead and were never behind as they upped the score to 6-2 after the second period. Gary Peters was the top scorer with two goals for Regina.

Wednesday, March 7, The Queen City Regina Pats came up with a superb team effort at Regina Exhibition Stadium to chalk up a 4-0 victory over Moose Jaw. Alex Hood, Norm Beaudin, Norm Schmitz and Gary Peters scored Regina Pat goals.

Friday, March 9, Captain Bobby Riou sparked his Moose Jaw Canucks to a convincing 7-2 decision over Regina Pats at the Civic Centre. Riou sparked Moose Jaw with three goals and three assists for a brilliant performance.

Monday, March 12, At the Regina Exhibition Stadium, veteran Brian Harper, sparked the Regina Pats attack to a 4-1 victory over Melville Millionaires. A two goal display by Harper helped Pats while Norm Beaudin and Alex Hood scored in the other Regina Pat goals. Defenseman Ralph Winfield scored Melville's goals, snapping Ken Baum's shut-out streak of 136 minutes and 42 seconds in the series on Regina ice.

Wednesday, March 14, Regina Pats moved in to first place in the round robin with a 5-3 win over Flin Flon at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. Regina went ahead 3-2 in a loosely played first period and 4-2 after the second period. Wilf Martin of the Regina Pats, and Flon Flon Bombers Tracy Pratt scored two goals appiece.

Friday, March 16, an overtime goal by Brian Harper pushed the League Champion Estevan Bruin club to the brink of elimination before the largest Regina Exhibition (4,110) turnout of the season as the Pats edge the Bruins 3-2. Norm Beaudin and Gary Peters shared the othe Pat goals in the wide-open cliff hanger.

Saturday, March 17, a two-goal performance by centre Jim Kozie paced Estevan to a 3-1 decision over Regina Pats at Estevan. Centre Pat Donnely scored the other Estevan goal. Pats lone goal came in the last minute of the third period by Brian Harper.

Monday, March 19, Regina Pats defeated Saskatoon Quakers 4-1 to finish in first place in the Round Robin giving them a home rink advantage over Moose Jaw Canucks in the league final. Pats scored all their goals in the opening period. Substitute goalie Joe Daley of Weyburn replace the injured Saskatoon netminder and had a busy night. He had 46 shots, 23 in the second period. Ken Baun had a real easy night as he had only nine shots in the Regina net.

League Final - Wednesday, March 21, many saw why Metro Prystai's Moose Jaw Canucks came through the Round Robin series in flying colours. At Regina Exhibition Stadium the fifth place finishers in regular season, out-hustled the defending champion Regina Pats to a 4-3 victory. Canucks had to bounce back and got the winning goal by Gary Davidge at the 19:59 mark of the final period. Moose Jaw's Bobby Riou and Gary Davidge, two minutes apart at 6:50 of the first period, gave Canucks a 2-0 lead before Regina Pats Don McGowan scored with less then five minutes left in the first period. Moose Jaw's Ben Gresco scored the only goals in the second period. In the third period the pats scored two goals with 32 seconds to tie the game before Davidge scored the winner.

Thurdsay, March 22, the Moose Jaw Canucks Rookie Reg Coles' pair of goals in the third period helped pace Moose Jaw to a 5-4 decision over Regina at the Stadium. it was the eighth victory in twelve play-off games for Moose Jaw. The veteran George Swarbrick also triggered two goals for the winners, while Norm Beaudin had a hat trick for the Regina Pats. Pat goalie Ken Baum was injured when he pulled a groin muscle in the second period trying to kick out a drive which resulted in Moose Jaws second goal.

Monday, March 26, two goals by Regina Pats Norm Beaudin in the space of thirty seconds was all the spark Regina needed to down Moose Jaw in a impressive 4-1 victory. A standing room crowd (3,393) jammed the Civic Centre Arena. Beaudin's two goals near the seventeen minute mark of the first period, came seconds after Regina Pats held a determined power play by the Moose Jaw Canucks. Giving his best effort of the season, Centre Wilf Martin triggered Regina Pat's third goal just 28 seconds after Beaudin's second goal. Then there were two goals in just less than two minutes at the end of the first period. Six feet out, Moose Jaw's Bill McLelland scored at 16:28 and Regina Pats Gary Peter's wrapped up the scoring less than one minute later.
Wednesday, March 28, Moose Jaw were too much for Regina Pats. It was another capacity attendance of partisan fans at the Civic Centre. The crowd saw their Canucks roar to a sounding 8-3 victory. Rookie Reg Coles, hero of the second game, paced the trigger happy Canucks with three goals. Centre Ben Creco also scored a pair off goals for Moose Jaw. It was Moose Jaw 3-1 after the first period and 5-1 after the second period. The third period started with a goalie's nightmare. Five goals in the span of just over seven minutes, as each team exchanged goals. Starting at the 2:07 mark as Moose Jaw's Bill McLelland scored, followed by Pat's Gary Piper at 6:42. The last three goals were scored in 1 minute and 30 seconds.

Friday, March 30, with a standing room crowd only (5,608) at the Regina Exhibition Stadium, Regina walked all over Moose Jaw 11-3. Gary Schall and Alex Hood sparked Pats' attack with a five point performance. Each scored two goals and had three assists. Norm Beaudin also triggered two goals as the Pats enjoyed their biggest goal production of the season. It was an all out effort from all of Pats three forward lines. Two quick Regina goals by Beaudin and Hood had the Pats leading 2-0 by the three minute mark of the opening period.

Saturday, March 31, The Fifth Place Finishers in the regular schedule, the Cinderella Team blanked the defending League Champion Regina Pats 2-0. It was played before a boisterous (3,504) crowd who crammed into every area of the Civic Centre Arena. Veteran George Swarbrick was the hero. After two periods of scoreless hockey, with end-to-end action, Swarbrick scored the winning goal at the two minute mark of the final period. He took a loose puck in front of the Regina Pat net and pulled the puck passed a diving Ken Baum. The goal was all they need. Canucks could smell victory in the air and the League Championship.

The second goal was by Wayne Wiste, just passed the mid-point as he received a pass from Bill McLelland and cut in front of the net. The goal sent the Moose Jaw crowd into a wild frenzy which reached a peak at the final buzzer as hundreds stormed onto the ice.

Moose Jaw lost to Edmonton Oil Kings, and Edmonton went onto defeat Brandon Wheat King in the Abbott Cup. Edmonton then lost the Memorial Cup in fives games against the Hamilton Red Wings.



Front Row: Arviel Knutson, Norm Beaudin, Frank Mario (Coach), Beattie Ramsay (President), Del Wilson (Manager), Gary Peters (Captain), Alex Hood Middle Row: Pierre Dechaine, Jack Esctor, Doug Piper, Norm Schmitz, Dick Wiest, Brian Harper, Don McGowan, Terry Shercliffe Back Row: Murray Owen, Wilf Martin, Gary Schall, Ray Holmes, Ken Baum, Orest Swyripa, Ernie Hicke (Stick Boy) (Photo: Dick Wiest - Collection)

1962-1963 - Season - for the third straight year the league did not play any overtime game during the regular schedule. The League had one less team, Prince Albert having moved to Dauphin during the last season. Dauphin in the1962-1963 season played in the Manitoba League.
On Friday, December 14, Regina Pats General Manager, Del Wilson announed the signing of Martin Schaefer of the New Westminster Royals of the BC Junior Hockey League.

That season the Regina Pats finished in fifth place with 52 points, while Estevan finished first with 68 points followed by Melville Millionaires right behind with 67 points. Regina Pats Granger Evans finished third in the scoring race with 79 points, and right behind him was Gary Peters and Gary Schall with 73 and 71 points. Regina Pats Centre Gary Peters tied with Terry Hargreaves on the First All-Star Team, while Left Winger Granger Evans was selected to the Second All-Star Team.

1962-63 Regina Pats Roster - Goalies: Len Kleisinger, Peter Sterning, Monty Snell, Orest Swyripa Defenseman: Doug Piper, Norm Schmitz, Mike Fischer, Arvid Knutson, Stan Fuller Centre: Gary Peters (Captain), Gary Schall, Fran Huck, Doug Dayman Right Wing: Brian Harper, Ray Holmes, Andy Black, Doug Wass, John Cooke, Martin Schaefer Left Wing: Fred "Granger" Evans, Murray Owens, Ken Walters, Jack Ector, Tom Kellough Coach: Dunc Fisher Manager: Del Wilson Trainer: Sandy Archer

Quarter-Semi-Final - Saturday, March 2, a solid two-way team effort lead Estevan bruins to a 5-1 victory over Regina Pats at the Estevan rink. Veteran John Manchester, who joined Estevan that season from Flin Flon Bombers, and Lyle Bradley each scored twice for the Bruins. Captain Skip Krake scored the other Bruins goal and figured in on four other goals. Veteran Brian Harper triggered Regina Pats lone goal. Estevan lead 1-0 after the first period and 3-1 after the second period. Coach Dunc Fisher had words of praise for rookie centre Fran Huck as he played one of his finest road games of the season.

Friday, March 8, Estevan Bruins behind the brilliant puck-blocking of goalie Jack Norris, came out with a 2-1 squeaker over Regina Pats at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. Pats went ahead 1-0 near the mid-way point of the opening period on Fran Huck's goal. In the second period, Estevan's Lyle Bradley got the puck in his own end zone, skated down the left boards and fed a pass to John Manchester who scored at the 15:01 mark. In the third period Skip Krake skated deep into Regina's end and passed across to Ron Boehm who was uncovered in front of the net and scored at 6:13 for the clincher. Jack Norris, who joined Estevan half way through the 1958-59 season, was brilliant making two spectacular saves in the final minutes of the opening period. He also robbed Fran Huck twice in the final six minutes of the game.

Wednesday, March 10, With only 13 seconds remaining in regulation time, a goal by defenseman Joe Watson gave Estevan a come from behind 4-4 tie with the Regina Pats at Estevan. The goal came when the Bruins pulled goalie Jack Norris in favour of an extra attacker, Pats were shorthanded at the time. Speedy Lyle Bradley triggered three Estevan goals, two in the first period as the Bruins took a 2-0 lead. Regina tied the game 2-2 after the second period on Brian Harper and Gary Shall's goals. in the third period, Fran Huck gave the Pats the lead at 3:26 on a scramble in front of the net. Bruins Lyle Bradley once again tied the game only to have Norm Schmitz give the Pats the lead at 13:13.

Friday, March 12, at the Regina Exhibition Stadium, an undentified specatator was the cause of forcing suspension at the 13:47 mark of the third period. The teams were dead-locked 2-2 when the game was halted due to Estevan's coach Scotty Munro being struck on the temple by a two inch construction steel nut and had to be taken to the hospital. Seconds later a bottle landed in the Estevan players box. League Commissioner Frank Boucher was in attendance at the time and ordered the teams to their dressing rooms and later suspended the game.

Estevan's Stan Gilbertson scored at 4:20 and Regina's Fran Huck and Murray Owen's (two goals) one minute and 17 seconds apart at the end of the first period, gave Regina Pats a 2-1 lead. Lyle Bradley scored on a low screen shot at 1:26 in the second period. The third period was scoreless.

Saturday, March 16, Estevan whipped the Regina Pats 5-2 at Estevan. Veteran John Manchester paced Estevan's attack with three goals. Tom Kellough and Gary Peters scored for the Pats, Lyle Bradley scored for Estevan on a three-way play at 6:57 of the first period. Manchester then scored his first goal at the one minute mark of the second period followed by Regina's Gary Peters on a 30 footer at the 13:18 mark. Bruins' Paul Morris made the score 3-1 with 32 seconds left in the period. In the third period three goals in the last minute of regulation had Manchester scoring empty net goals at 19:04 and 19:56. Regina Pats Tom Kellough scored in between at 19:23.

Monday, March 18, Coach Dunc Fisher's Regina Pats came back and edged the Estevan Bruins 4-3 at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. Estevan was heading into the third period with a 3-1 lead. Regina Pats' Gary Schall's second goal, early in the third period injected the Pats spark. Goals by Fran Huck and Murray Owen within the span of four minutes at the mid-way point changed the outcome.

Coach Fisher, needing a second victory to keep the Regina Pats play-off hopes alive. He had to send his boys right back out on to the ice after only a fifteen minute break. Bother teams continued the Friday 2-2 tie suspension game from the 13:47 minute mark of the third period. Needing a victory, coach Dunc Fisher pulled goalie Len Kleisinger in the last minute of play in favor of an extra attack. Estevan's Skip Krake battled the puck out of his own end, streaked after it, and only had to guide the puck into the open net for the series victory, giving Skip a four goal performance.

In the Memorial Cup race, once again Edmonton Oil Kings downed Brandon Wheat Kings in the Western Canada Final (Abbott Cup). After three consecutive tries, they finally won the Canadian Championship over Niagara Falls Flyers. It was Edmonton's first Memorial Cup in seven trips to the final. The series went six games and was played right in their own back yar, at the Edmonton's Arena Gardens.

REGINA PATS BOOK DUE - NOVEMBER of 2009

Chris Jaster, Leader-Post -Published: Thursday, September 18, 2008

Ron (Scoreboard) Johnston's passion for statistics, history and the Regina Pats has brought him back to the junior hockey team for which he once worked.

Johnston, who was the team's first statistician from 1965-1974 and again worked in that capacity for the 1977-1978 season, (with Lorne Davis) spent countless years digging up facts about the Regina Pats to complement the stats packages he created when he worked for the team. The fruit of his labour was a five-inch binder of information on the Pats from the team's inception in 1917 to the end of the 2007-08 season.

Johnston wanted to take his project one step further and publish all his information in a book. So Johnston approached Dan Marce with the idea but was told the book needed more of a storyline than what he had. So they recruited Leader-Post sports writer Darrell Davis to help make the book more attractive to readers.

"They asked me if I'd like to write the story ... from his statistical stuff and I said, 'Sure, that would be great' because of my tie-in with the Pats and my dad -- who used to coach and play on the team," said Davis, who also officiated in the Western Hockey League and had written about the Pats during his tenure at the Leader-Post. "To be able to be involved with a project like this was really quite fascinating and (I was) honoured too."

Davis tracked down and contacted over 40 current and former members of the organization to talk about their experiences to make to Johnston's research "more readable.''

"The jist of the book is Ron's statistics," said Davis, "but if you want people to buy the book you have to have some good stories to tell. I took the good stories out of Ron's research and talked to some players and people who were involved with the team and hopefully made it a little more interesting than pure numbers."

The book chronicles the history of the team with chapters designated to the creation of the organization and the origin of the team's name, the 1974 Memorial Cup championship season, Bob Strumm and Dale Derkatch when they restored the lustre of the franchise, and Brent Parker and the Parker family's ownership of the team.

The book, to be published next year, also highlights some bizarre stats about the organization. For example, the organization ran into financial trouble and disappeared for 11 years; Johnny Gottselig played for the Pats as the first Russian-born player ever to play junior hockey in Canada; former Pat Rod Norrish holds the record for fastest three goals scored by one person, as he netted three goals within 20 seconds of each other; and there are 21 former Pats with their names engraved on the Stanley Cup.

But for Davis and Johnston, the highlight of compiling the book was when they talked to Murray Armstrong, a former player who also coached the team to four Memorial Cup appearances.
"I knew about him and my dad said he was the best coach he ever played for," said Davis. "A lot of guys have said that who played for the Pats. Murray Armstrong treated them like men. He taught them how to grow up. Remember, he's dealing with kids that are 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 years old. So he taught them what it was like to be responsible, how to be part of the team, how to act like a mature grown-up and how to play hard for the sake of the hockey team."

"These men learned some great things from Murray Armstrong and I got to talk to the man because I'm the guy that's writing the history book and it was just wonderful to converse with him. He still remembers pretty well everything that's happened with the Pats and it was great talking to him about the Memorial Cup appearances."

Johnston spent over two months compiling full statistics on every player (approximately 1,400) who ever donned a Regina Pats uniform up to the end of the 2007-08 season. These will appear near the end of the book along with award winners and pictures of Pats teams throughout the last 91 years.

"Everybody who's played for the Pats will be mentioned because they'll be in the scoring stats, but not everybody will have a story about them, which is a little unfortunate,'' Davis said. "Maybe we should write another 100 books or something.''

THE START of the 1960's

At the start of 1960-1961 the League schedule became balanced, with each team playing one more game and Flin Flon Bombers playing six more games. There were no overtime games during League Play. The last game League scheduled game at Moose Jaw Civic Centre drew the largest attendance to-date in Moose Jaw 3,767 fans.

On Saturday, October 15, the Regina Pats helped open the new $350.000 Flin Flon Arena. Regina Pats Art Koberinski shut out the Bombers 4-0. Monday, November 28, Regina Pats goaltender Jim Letcher was taken by Estevan Bruins in a League player draft. ....... (Photo: Flin Flon Whitney Forum) .......

Regina Pats finished in first place with 81 points, while Estevan Bruins finished one point behind. Pats' Art Koberinski was the League top goal tender with a 2.72 goals average and Gary Peters finished in 6th place in the scoring race with 82 points, followed by Norm Beaudin with 80 points. Koberinski and Left Winger Gary Butler were selected on the League's First All-Star Team. Right Winger Norm Beaudin was selected on the Second All-Star Team.

1960-1961 - Regina Pats Roster - Goalies: Art Koberinski, Jim Letcher, Len Kleisinger Defense: Doug Piper, Bob Reiger, Arvid Knutson, Norm Schmitz, Norman Bohl Centre: Gord "Red" Stevens, Gary Peters, Gary Schall, Bob Schmidt, Wilf Martin Right Wing: Norm Beaudin, Dick Wiest, Pierre Dechaine, Grant Warwick Left Wing: George "Nipper" Knipelberg (Captain), Gary Butler, Alex Hood, Brian Harper, Marty Reid N/K: Bob Schmidt Coach: Frank Mario Trainer: Sandy Archer Manager: Del Wilson

League Semi-Final - Tuesday, February 28, Captain George Knipelberg's two goals sparked Regina Pats to a 4-0 win over Moose Jaw Canucks at the Regina Stadium. A pair of second period goals by Knipelberg gave the Pats a big lift. His second goal was well-earned. The veteran played his own rebound off the back boards in great fashion. There was no scoring in the first period. Knipelberg scored both his goals at the start of the second period, at 3:43 and 14:21. Pats' Gary Butler made it 3-0 at the 16:16 mark on a rising 30 foot shot. In the last period Alex Hood scored at 3:25 behind the net on a pass from Brian Harper.

Wednesday, March 1, Coach Metro Prystai's Moose Jaw Canucks took a narrow 3-2 victory over Regina Pats at Moose Jaw. With three minutes left in the game, Gene Lambert's third period goal turned out to be the winner; it was hotly disputed by the Pats. After the game, in the Pats dressing room, Regina goalie Art Koberinski said, "The goal wasn't in." The goal judge had not seen the puck, it was the referee who had signalled a goal. Both clubs were tied 1-1 after the first period, there was no scoring in the second. George Swarbrick and Al Willis also scored for Moose Jaw while Gary Butler and Dick Weist scored for Regina Pats.

Friday, March 3, at the Regina Stadium, Regina Pats downed the Moose Jaw Canucks 6-3. The fans witnessed stalling tactics, brawling on and off the ice, plus "chippey" hockey. Even some of the spectators got into the fracas. Pats led 2-1 after the first period on Regina's goals by Dick Wiest at 7:01 and Bob Schmidt at 10:14. Wayne Wiste of Moose Jaw scored at 16:42. The Pats upped the scored to 5-1 on three unanswered goals by Gary Peters at 5:43, Brian Harper 55 seconds later, and Norm Schmitz in the brawling second period at the midway mark. The trouble didn't develop until Regina was ahead 4-1. In the third period Moose Jaw's John Palmer and Gary Kitpatrick scored both on screen drives from the right point, a low drive to the wide side. Pats' Norm Beaudin scored with only 12 seconds left in the game.

Monday, March 6, at the Moose Jaws' Civic Centre Arena, the Canucks got a well-deserved 4-2 win over the Regina Pats. Gene Lambert, Bobby Riou, Ron Livingstone and rookie Duane Beedle shared Canucks scoring. Regina scorers were Gary Peters and Pierre Dechaine. Lambert opened the scoring at 7:08 of the first period when he tipped in Guy Murphy's corner pass. In the second period Regina's Dechaine tied the game on a loose puck in front of the net at 9:19. In the third period Pats' Peters gave Regina a 2-1 lead on a backhander just inside the blue line. Moose Jaw then struck for three straight goals.

Wednesday, March 8, a five-point performance by Regina's Gary Peters played a major role in the 6-3 decision over Moose Jaw at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. They saw Peter's trigger three goals and two assists on Norm Beaudin's goals. Beaudin matched Peters output assisting on Peters goals. Regina led 2-1 after the first period and upped the count to 4-1 in the second period before Moose Jaw struck with two quick goals 58 seconds apart. Pats lead 5-3 after the middle frame.

The game was delayed 20 minutes at the 12 minute mark of the first period when Canucks' net minder, Joe Leach, was hit in the eye with the blade of a stick and taken to hospital with a serious hemorrhage to the injured eye. Moose Jaw's juvenile goalie Bill Halbrender took over the net minder duties. (Photo: Moose Jaw Canucks' goaltender Bill Halbrender boots out a drive by Pat's Gary Butler (18), reaching for the rebound is Regina Pats' Norm Beaudin (11) - Gary Butler Collection)

Saturday, March 11, Regina Pats downed the Moose Jaw Canucks in a nerve racking 3-2 thriller before a record setting crowd (3,767) at Moose Jaw Civic Centre Arena. Some 400 Pats supporters started the 'Go Pats Go" chant and the entire Pat bench came to life. The fans took a great part in the game. Norm Beaudin collected what turned out to be the winner at the 13:56 mark in the final period unassisted as he scored on his own rebound. Moose Jaw's coach Pystai got permission from the SJHL to use Saskatoon goalie Gary Waugh to take over for the injured Joe Leach in the Moose Jaw net.

League Final - Monday. March 13, Regina Pats Norm Beaudin's second goal of the game in overtime gave Pats a narrow 6-5 victory over the Estevan Bruins at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. A goal by Beaudin at 5:27 of a 10 minute overtime ruined the sparkling comeback by the battling Estevan Bruins. Outplayed and trailing 3-1 after the first period, the Bruins fought back on Owen Rogers' goal at 17:43 of the third period to force the extra period of overtime. Regina took a 3-1 lead after the first period and 4-3 after the second period. Estevan's rookie right-winger Ron Willy's three gaols (two back-to-back) helped the Bruins fight back.

Wednesday, March 15, Regina came up with their finest two-way performance to down Estevan 4-1 before a (3,000) sell out capacity Estevan crowd. Gary Peters sparked the Pats attack with three points. The hard working pivot scored twice and set up the winning goal. Estevan's Owen Rogers opened the scoring near the mid-point of the first period on George Boychuck's rebound. Four minutes later Pat's Gary Peters scored as he knocked down Butler's pass. In the second period Pats' Norm Beaudin scored at the 8 minute mark to give Pats a 2-1 lead. Then Alex Hood scored at the three minute mark and Peters scored with his second goal at 13:15 closing out the scoring. After the game New York Rangers Al Ritchie said, "Peters and Beaudin are two of the finest two-way players I have watched in junior hockey for a long time."

Friday, March 17, Regina Pats big line of Gary Peters, left-winger Gary Butler, and right-winger Norm Beaudin, gobbled up every scoring chance in helping Regina Pats to a 6-4 victory before a Stadium (5,344) standing-room only crowd. The trio figured in five of the six Pat goals. Butler showed the way with a hat trick. Peters had a goal and three assists while Beaudin scored one goal and two assists. Estevan Bruins centre Jim Kozie paced Bruins with three goals. The teams were tied 1-1 after the first period, and 3-3 after the second. The turning point came when Butler scored two goals within 33 seconds at 7:47 of the third period.

Saturday, March 18, Regina Pats skated to a thrilling 2-1 victory over the hometown Estevan Bruins which left a partisan (3,100) standing room only crowd shaking their heads in disbelief. It was Regina goalie Art Koberkinski's puck-blocking display (one of the finest of his junior career)that helped Pats capture the League title. The first period was scoreless. Estevan's John Rogers opened the scoring at 16:32 of the second period. Pats' Schmitz scored three minutes later as he went through two defenders and caught the left corner of the net. Norm Beaudin scored the winner early in the third period at the five minute mark while Estevan were shorthanded on a 10 footer. Regina's coach Frank Mario announced three members from Estevan as pick-ups under the CAHA regulations. Centres John Roger, Jim Kozie and defenseman Dave Padzerski, plus back-up goalie Gary Doggett of Flin Flon.

Meanwhile Edmonton Oil Kings swept the Trail Smoke Eaters four games straight, outscoring the B.C. reps 32-7.

Western Canada Semi-Final - Monday, March 27, Buster Brayshaw's Edmonton Oil Kings trounced Regina Pats 8-1 before 5,800 fans at the Edmonton Gardens. Showing top class in every department, the Kings caught a clumsy bunch of Pats and ran roughshod over them. Former Prince Albert Minto ace, Dennis Kasslan, scored three goals for the Kings and Phil Dutton two goals and an assist. Gary Peters scored the Regina Pats lone goal which stopped net minder Paul Sexsmith's shutout streak at 226 minutes and 53 seconds. Peter scored the opening goal in the third period as he flipped the puck over Sexsmith's leg from close in. Edmonton had period leads of 2-0 and 5-0.

Wednesday, March 29, Edmonton had little trouble in winning their second game handily as they downed the Regina Pats 5-1 at the Gardens. It was the Kings 10th straight play-off victory. Five separate players scored for Edmonton. The Regina Pats were down 3-1 after the first period. Kings continued to hold the edge until the mid-way point of the second period when they struck for two quick goals in thirty seconds. The third period was scoreless.

Saturday, April 1, Regina Pats edged Edmonton 4-3 in overtime at the Regina Exhibition Stadium and snapped the Oil King's undefeated play-off streak at 10 games. Pats' rookie centre Wilf Martin's goal at 1:52 of the second overtime period became the most important of his hockey career. Both clubs tallied twice in the opening period. Edmonton scored the lone goal in the middle period while Pats forced the overtime getting the only goal in the third period by Alex Hood with thirty-three seconds left in regulation. The first extra period, a straight ten minute period, was scoreless and staged the sudden-death second overtime period. With Oil Kings' Jim Eagle off for hooking, Martin snared a clearing pass at Edmonton's blue line, went behind the net, skated out in front of the net, and scored.

Monday, April 3, Regina Pats Norm Beaudin helped spark the Pats to a 7-4 victory over the smooth-passing Edmonton squad. Beaudin had been held scoreless in the first three games. He cut loose for a pair of goals along with Edmonton's Don Chiz who led the Kings' attack with two goals. The turning point came at the eighteen minute mark of the middle period when Gary Peter stole the puck from an Edmonton attacker at centre ice. He then went around the defenseman and was home-free on goalie Sexsmith. That gave Pats a 4-2 lead going into the final period.

Wednesday, April 5, Edmonton's five goal outburst in the first half of the second period helped the Oil Kings. They walked all over the Regina Pats 10-1 before 6,000 fans at the Edmonton Gardens Arena. Both clubs came out and played a cautious opening period with the Oil Kings holding on to a 1-0 lead. The middle period was the downfall of the Pats. They were behind 7-0 heading in to the final period. Regina was down 8-0 before Pats' Brian Harper scored at 11:15.

Dennis Kassian spearheaded the Kings barrage with three goals. Regina netminder Art Koberinski had a busy night handling 58 shots and was not to be faulted except on one. The large ice-surface of Edmonton Gardens undoubtedly gave Regina Pats plently of trouble during the three games of the series.

Friday, April 7, a couple of breaks at the Regina Exhibition Stadium helped Edmonton down the Pats 3-1 to take the series. All the scoring was done in the third period. Larry Lund scored a pair of goals for Edmonton (the winner and insurance marker at 19:45 of the third period). The breaks went against the Pats. In the second period, captain George Knipelberg beat goalie Sexsmith only to hit the goal post. In the third period the referee missed an all important off-side on the winning goal. "That winning goal was off-side by at least eight feet." said Pats' coach Frank Mario.

Edmonton Oil Kings downed Winnipeg Rangers in the Western Canada final. In the Memorial Cup they lost to Coach Father Bauer's Toronto St. Michael Majors in six games played at the old Edmonton Garden Arena.



Front Row: Gary Peters, Dave Piper, Arvid Knutson, Art Koberinski, Bob Reiger, Norm Schmitz, Wilf Martin Middle Row: Frank Mario (Coach), Marty Reid, Gary Schall, Red Stevens, George Knipelberg, Alex Hood, Norm Beaudin, Reg Kibbler (Trainer) Back Row: Bud Ramsay (President), Pierre Dechaine, Bob Schmidt, Brian Harper, Gary Butler, Dick Wiest (Photo: Gary Butler Collection)

REGINA PATS - 1958-1959

and 1959-1960 - SEASONS

.......... (Photo: Moose Jaw "Crushed Can" Civic Centre) ..........

Moose Jaw Canucks became the newest entry in the League. The Canucks had a short stay in Moose Jaw due to their new rink, the Civic Centre (The Crushed Can), not being completley finished. Thursday, January 1, the club moved to Weyburn for the remainder of the season.

Regina Pats sold goalie Vaugh Hensrud, to Estevan Bruins on Wednesday, December 10. The very next day, Hensrud played in goal and his club trounced the Pats 9-1.

Flin Fon finished first in the League Standings finishing with 71 points, with Estevan second with 62 points and Regina Pats in third place with 58. Pats netminder Ken Walters finished as the Leagues top goalie as he edged out Bob Wardle of the Flin Flon Bombers. The same Walters was selected on the First All-Star Team, along with defenseman Terry Harper. Regina Pats Centre Gord Wilkie was selected on the Second All-Star team and was Regina Pats top scorer with 77 points, finishing 6th in the League Scoring.

1958-1959 Regina Pats Roster - Goalies: Ken Walters, Vaughn Hensrud Defense: Terry Harper (Captain), Don Rogers, Larry McNabb, Jim Dawes, Wayne Kartusch Centre: Gord Wilkie, Larry Fischer, Jim "Red" Stevens, Jon Art Right Wing: Scott Watson, John Ivanitz, Larry Morrison, Brian Harper, Vern Wilderman Left Wing: Gary Butler, Ron Bahr, Mickey McDowell, Alex Hood, Wayne Kartusch Coach: Frank Mario Trainer: Reg "Wyatt" Kibbler Manager: Del Wilson

Players Pictures - Taken from the program: supplied by: Dale "Scorecard" Richter

Frank Mario (Coach), # 1. Ken Walters, # 1. Vaughn Hensrud

# 2. Jim Dawes, # 4. Terry Harper, # 5. Larry McNabb

# 6. Don Rodgers, # 7. Jon Art, # 8. Wayne Kartusch

# 9. Larry Fischer, # 10. Vernon Wildeman, # 11. John Ivanitz

# 12. Larry Morrison, # 14. Scott Watson (No Photo), # 15. Gord Wilkie, # 16. Ron Bahr

# 18. Gary Butler, # 19. Richard Stevens, # 20. Alex Hood (No Photo), # 21. Mickey McDowell (No Photo)

League Quarter Final - Wednesday, February 25, Regina Pats defeated 6th place Prince Albert Mintos 6-3 at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. Pats scored three goals in less than eight minutes giving Regina a 3-0 lead after the first period. Both teams tallied one goal each in the middle period. Gary Butler who was in a scoring sclump, broke loose and paced the Pat attack with a pair of goals.

Saturday, February 28, "Nice going gang" Pats coach Frank Mario shouted in the club dressing room. Regina had just downed the Mintos 3-1, at Prince Albert, before (1,373) fans. Regina's big line of Gord Wilkie, Gary Butler and Scott Watson accounted for all Regina Pat goals. Butler potted what proved to be the winner early in the second period. Scott Watson bagged the insurance goal a couple minutes later. Pats goalie Ken Walters turned in a sensational game, especially in the third period, stopping three break-a-ways.

Monday, March 2, a thriller ended in a 1-1 overtime tie, before only (1,549) fans at Regina. Both Bary Bauman who replace Fred Cuff in the Prince Albert net, and Regina Ken Walters turned in sparkling performances as they turned aside 37 and 33 shots respectively; both goals were on screened shots. Roy Patrick triggered the Minto goal late in the opening period at 17:47 on a screen drive 20 feet out. Regina Pats defenseman Larry McNabb slammed home the Pat counter in the middle stanza near the two minute mark. He received a corner pass from Scott Watson and caught the lower left corner of the net.

Wednesday, March 4, Prince Albert edge Regina Pats 4-2 at the Mintos Arena. Rookie Gus Kowolsky, who joined the Minto club for the play-offs, scored the first and only goal of the opening period at 7:19. Ken Saunders, Bill Wilkes and defensman Jack Wilson, scored the other Minto goals. Gord Wilkie and Don Rogers share Regina goals. Prince Albert had a 3-1 lead after the second period. Rodgers scored a 40 footer low screen shot for the Pats at 2:39 to bring them within one goal, only to have the Mintos scored with two seconds left on an empty net goal by Jack Wilson.

Saturday, March 7, before (2,578) fans at the Regina Exhibition Stadium, Pats rattled home three unanswered first period goals and went on to down Prince Albert 4-1. Rookie Pat centre Larry Fischer had his finest game of the series as he picked up a pair of assists and scored the first goal mid-way through the opening period. Other Regina Pats goals in the first period were by Jon Art 14:47 and Terry Harper at 18:56 on a screen shot. Minto's Dave Balon scored the only second period goal at 16:48 when he went through the entire Pat team. In the third period Regina Pats Larry Morrison batted home the final goal with two minutes left in the game.

League Semi-Final - Monday, March 9, with 48 seconds remaining in overtime, Ernie Dyda's goal gave the Estevan Bruins a thrilling 5-4 win over the Regina Pats in Estevan. With Pat's goalie pulled for an extra attacker, Gary Butler scored with 26 seconds remaining in regulation time to force the overtime. Estevan's Jim Beckman scored at 15:21 of the first period on a screened shot just inside the blue line. In the second period he scored his second goal at 4:00. Regina Pats Gord Wilkie then scored three minutes later on a rebound 10 feet out. In the third period Regina Pats out scored Estevan 3-2.

Wednesday, March 11, Estevan's Krake and Meissner combined to administer a staggering one-two punch as Estevan edged the Regina Pats 2-1. Gary Butler slammed home the only Pat tally in the third period at 3:50 on a rebound hard shot by Gord Wilkie. Estevan Bruins netminder Vaugh Hensrud, who started the season with Regina, was outstanding, Clach Howie Hilford said: "He played his best game of the season. In his other games here he has had a bad case of nerves, but not tonight. He has made the difference in this club."

Friday, March 13, before a capacity (3,000) crowd, Regina Pats turned in a sparkling fore-checking game to stall the Bruins 1-0 at Estevan Auditorium. They saw the only goal scored by Scott Watson at the first minute mark in the second period. Gord Wilkie got a rebound and passed to Watson who slammed the puck passed sprawling Hensrud. Pat coach Frank Mario was pleased with the performance of all his players, little netminder Ken Walters drew congratulations from all sides.

Saturday, March 14, right winger Dick Meissner rammed in four goals, three unassisted, to lead Estevan to a convincing 6-2 victory over the Regina Pats at the Regina Exhibition Stadium and take the best of five series. Both teams battled through a scoreless close-checking first period. Estevan led 3-0 early in the third period on Meissner's goals in a wide open period. The Bruins out scored Pats 3-1 in the final six minutes of the period.

Flin Flon Bombers won the League championship and lost out to Winnipeg Braves in the Abbott Cup Western Final in six games.

1959-1960 Regina Pats Roster - Goalies: Art Koberinski, Jim Letcher Defense: Terry Harper (Captain), Wayne Kartusch, Larry McNabb, Ray Morton, Ken Roode, Jon Arnot Centre: Gord Wilkie, Red Stevens, George Knipelberg, Gary Peters Right Wing: Scott Watson, Norman Beaudin, Brian Harper Left Wing: Gary Butler, Alex Hood, Larry Fischer N/K: Bob Schmidt

On Saturday, January 23, at the Regina Exhibition Stadium before (5,521) cheering fans, they saw the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) All-Stars play Moscow Selects. The first Junior's goal was not scored until the third period by an all Regina Pats line; at the 6:03 mark, left winger Gary Butler scored, assisted by centre Gord Wilkie and right winger Scott Watson. Moscow Selects went onto down the All-Stars 4-2. Other Pats to be selected to the All-Star team were defenceman Terry Harper and coach Frank Mario.

Monday, February 1, Regina Pats goaltender Art Koberinski recorded a new team franchise record as Regina shut out Moose Jaw Canucks 13-0. At the end of the season he also recorded a new League record, playing in 44 games, he had a goals against average of 2.20. He also was chosen on the First All-Star team along with Defenseman Terry Harper and Left Winger Gary Butler. Gord Wilkie once again finished 6th in the scoring race.

Semi-Final Play-off - Saturday, February 27, Coach Legs Fraser's (third place League finishers) Prince Albert Mintos took a thrilling 3-2 victory over Regina Pats in overtime on a Regina Pat's costly penalty at the Regina Stadium. Regina's Wayne Kartusch drew an elbowing penalty at the 25 second mark and six seconds later, rookie Jim Neilson scored on a rising partial screened 45 foot slap shot, which was the winner. Centre Chick Balon scored the other two goals for the Mintos. Balon scored his first in the second period at 6:39 for a 1-0 lead. In the third period, Regina Pats Gary Butler tied the game at 7:07. Balon then scored his second goal five minutes later only to have Regina pats Larry Fischer tie the game with less then three minutes left in regulation time to force the overtime.

Monday, February 29, Prince Albert goalie Gary Bauman spearheaded the Mintos club to a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory, their second overtime againist the Regina Pats in Regina own back yard. Bauman's sensational puck blocking display turned aside 32 Pat drives with the majority of them at point blank range. While Bauman got his share of praise, Danny Kassian triggered the big one mid-way through the overtime. Neilson, hero of Saturday's game, fired a slap shot from the right side and the puck struck Kassians's stick in front of the net passed startled Art Koberinski. Both teams were tied 2-2 after the first period. Prince Albert took a 3-2 lead after the second period, and Regina Pats Larry Fischer tied the game at 14:04 in the third period to force the overtime.

Wednesday, March 2, Frank Mario's Regina Pats upset the local Prince Albert Mintos by a 6-2 decision, scoring the last 5 unanswered goals in the third period. Regina's top marksman was Terry Harper with two goals. Pats had trouble getting untracked in the first two games but looked like a different team on Wednesday. The got a sound effort from everyone. There was no scoring until the second period when Pats Terry Harper and Hubert Greyeyes scored. In the third period Minto's Roy Patrick gave Prince Albert the lead 2-1 only 12 seconds into the period before Pats then went wild.

Friday, March 4, "That was the greatest team efford of the season!" roared Pat coach Frank Mario following their spine-tingling 2-1 victory over the local Prince Albert Mintos before the largest crowd (1,905) in the series. Gary Butler and Alex Hood scored for the Regina Pats while Bill Wilkes netted the Mintos goal. Once again it was sparkling goaltending by both teams that stole the show. Pats Gary Butler at 11:28 of the first period scored when he streaked down the left side, cut in alone, and let a knee high drive go. In the second period Pats Alex Hood made it 2-0 at 10:30 on a rising backhand. Mintos Bill Wilkes then scored at 15:14 with Prince Albert having a two man advantage.

Saturday, March 5, Regina Pats scored a well earned 4-2 win at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. Veteran Gary Butler paced the Pats with a pair of goals, while linemate Norm Beaudin and Captain Terry Harper added one apiece. Bill Wilkes and Gord Turlik replied for the Mintos. It was tied 1-1 after the first period on Mintos Wilke's goal at 9:24 on a Gord Turlik's rebound and Regina Pats Butler's first goal at 11:01 into the open side of the net. Harper scored for Regina in the second period at the ten minute mark on a low secreen shot 50 feet out to give the Pats a 2-1 lead going into the third period. Regina's Beaudin and Butler made it 4-1 before Turlik scored on a waist high backhand at the 14:45 mark.

Monday, March 7, facing elimination, Prince Albert errupted for three goals in less than three minutes in the first half of the first period at the Minto Arena, as the edged Regina Pats 3-2. Mintos led 3-0 after the first period and Pats counted both their goals in the hectic second period. Both teams missed several great scoring opportunites in the final scoreless period. Gord Turlik, Adam Keller and Jim Neilson scored for Prince Albert. Brian Harper and Scott Watson scored for Regina pats.

Wednesday, March 9, Regina Pats came up with their finest forechecking display of the season before a large crowd (4,112) at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. Pats down the Mintos 9-3 in the seventh and deciding series game. Regina roared into a 3-1 first period lead and 6-3 at the end of the second period. Gary Butler of Regina Pats had five points, as he triggered home three goals and had two assists for the fired up Pats, while linemate Norm Beaudin and rookie George Knipelberger checked in with a pair of goals. Prince Albert Mintos' top scorer Danny Kassian scored two goals in the second period 13 seconds apart at the 2:55 mark.

League Final - Friday, March 11, Regina Pats and Flin Flon Bombers battled to a 3-3 overtime draw in a penalty free game before a Flin Flon hometown capacity crowd. The teams started cautiously, with the first period ending in a scoreless tie. Pats went ahead near the mid-point of the second period, when Scott Watson directed a low shot from the point by Terry Harper. The goal looked big until Bombers rookie Maurice Oftebro's slapshot 25 feet out at the 13:22 mark tied the game and forced a straight ten minute extra session. In the wild scoring outbreak in overtime, Flin Flon's Jim Baird scored at 1:19 only to see the Pats come back 20 seconds later. Gus Gillies then scored at 3:29 on a low shot to tie the game.

Sunday afternoon, March 13, Flin Flon edged Regina 2-1 before another standing room only (1,957) Bombers crowd. The teams battled to a scoreless tie after the first period. The Bombers took a 1-0 lead on defenseman Len Sedgwichs goal in the second period and Flin Flon's high scoring Jim Baird scored early in the third period. Regina Pat's right wing Scott Watson scored Regina's only goal with two minutes remaining in the game as he came out from the corner in front of the net and sent a slider to the west side of the net.

Monday, March 14, Flin Flon Bombers took a narrow 3-2 overtime decison over the Pats at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. A waist high looping shot from centre ice by veteran George Chigol after only 14 seconds into overtime, was the big blow for the Regina Pats. Flin Flon the League winners, had taken a 2-0 lead early in the third period only to see the Regina Pats rally for two quick goals in the late stages to force the overtime. Norm Beaudin recieved a pass from Gary Butler and scored at 14:20 then Larry Fischer took a short pass from Gary Peters at 16:11 to tie the game and force the overtime.

Wednesday, March 16, "A great morale victory" was the way coach Frank Mario described Regina's rousing 6-0 victory over Flin Flin before (4,029) at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. Rookie centre Gary Peters, who missed the first two games of the series due to the flu, scored two goals and an assist for the Pats. Pats opened with a 4-0 first period lead and rounded out the scoring in the second period. Norm Beaudin, Alex Hood, Larry Fischer and Peters scored for the Pats in the first period. Scott Watson and Peter with his second goal scored in the second period.

Over the week-end, the Stadium officials were getting ready for the Horse Show that Monday which meant Regina Pats had to play their home game at Moose Jaw Civic Centre.

Friday, March 18, Flin Flon nipped the Regina Pats 2-1 before a standing room only crowd. All the scoring was confined to the second period. Pats Gary Peters opened the scoring at 12:37 on a low backhand drive 30 feet out. Bombers then struck for two quick goals near the end of the period. Jim Baird grabbed a loose puck at the edge of the goal crease and scored at 16:50, then Maurice Oftebro scored the winner on a 4 foot slider in front of the net only 48 second left in the game.

Sunday afternoon, March 20, a fluke goal by Dick Vincent mid-way through the third period gave Flin Flon the League Championship. A jam-packed (2,030) crowd at the Bomber's rink saw their team edge Regina Pats 3-2. It was the largest turnout since 1957 as they witnessed the Bombers win their second straight League championship. Bombers' Jim Baird scored the first two goals; 12:32 in the first period to give the home team a 1-0 lead after the first and 16:11 into the second period on a point-blank shot. Regina Pats Gary Butler got Regina on the scoring board with only 23 second remaining in the second period. Pats Norm Beaudin tied the game at 2-2 only 10 seconds into the third period. Then Vincent scored the winner at 10:20 when he went around his own net, down the left boards, and sent a soft shot towards the net which went in off Pats defenseman Wayne Kartusch's skate.

Flin Flon Bombers lost to Edmonton Oil Kings in the Western Semi-Final. The Oil Kings then went on to lose against such greats as Bobby Orr, Ron "Chico" Maki, Pat Stapleton and the St. Catherines Tee Pees in six games.

Front Row: Jon Arnot, Scott Watson, Richard "Red" Stevens, Jim Letcher, Ray Morton, Art Koberniski, Norman Beaudin, Gary Peters, Mary Read Back Row: Frank Mario (Coach), Larry Morrison, Ken Roode, George Knipelberg, Larry Fischer, Brian Harper, Gord Wilkie, Terry Harper (Captain), Gary Butler, Tarry McNab, Wayne Kartusch, Alex Hood, Rob Kibbler (Trainer), Del Wilson, Manager

Photo: Gary Butler Collection