ROLLIE BOURASSA – K-9 PATS MASCOT - 30 YEARS

“It all started back in the year 1978,” stated Rollie Bourassa, Regina Pats Mascot. “The name of the mascot has changed several times.” Bourassa, a commercial artist at the time, was asked to design a mascot for the Pats that would also reflect Labatt (Breweries), their sponsor. The original K-9 (meaning dog, as in canine), was called "Big Blue." The colour reflected the team and Labatts, as well as pop culture at the time, with the movie Big Blue and the country western song "My Dog Blue" which dictated the choice of animal and the nickname.

"I did K-9 for a couple of games to see if it worked OK. Whatever I was doing they thought it was OK and they asked, 'Would you keep doing it until we find somebody?'. Thirty some years later, they're still trying to find someone!" said Bourassa. "But it was fun, and my wife (Bea) and I were hockey fans anyway, so we were going to games. She still comes to the games and sits in the stands.

After awhile Rollie soon realized he needed smaller feet for going up and down the stairs. But his design to see through the nose and the chin (to see his feet) have been major assets in the Brandt Centre while he runs, bounces, skates and slides down railings.

The Pats aren't the only team K-9's been a part of. At the start of the 1980's, the Canadian Olympic team needed a mascot while playing across Canada. K-9 changed jerseys and Bourassa hopped on flights to get around the country on weekends.

Over the years sponsorship changed and another brewery became a major sponsor of the WHL. Blue was out and for awhile it seemed as if K-9 would be put to sleep. But then Bourassa got a call asking if K-9 could be made a different colour. So K-9 became red, and showed up again at the start of the season. Despite the fact the change came about 20 years ago, Bourassa said he still hears calls from people as "Big Blue."

(Photo: Kevin Shaw (4 or 5 years old) and Big Blue - Kevin Shaw Collection)

K-9's antics have changed a bit over time. At one time rinks had organists to play music throughout the arena. "The organist would watch for me and, if he couldn't find me, he'd start playing, 'Oh where, oh where has my little dog gone?' "said Bourassa. "And when the referee made a bad call he would start playing 'Smoke gets in your eyes' and I'd be out there wiping my eyes. But pretty soon we were told we couldn't ridicule anyone and the music changed."

Bourassa's spirit and energy bounding through the arena, giving high fives and hugs, playing the drums, and raising the spirits of fans. At age 73, (2009) Bourassa said he still feels like a kid and K-9 is probably a large reason for that. When people ask when he's going to retire, Bourassa replies, "When I can't do it anymore."

Every game brings a different story. While Bourassa tries not to walk around without K-9's head on, a young girl once spotted him under the concourse cooling off with K-9's head tipped back. She began hyperventilating because "K-9 was eating a man!" until she was brought down to meet Bourassa and the situation was explained.

Another time Bourassa grabbed a player's stick for a puck-shooting contest he had to take part in. He went to shoot but couldn't turn the stick, and then noticed a piece of the stick had gone right through his finger, shooting through a nerve. The doctor took care of him, then sent K-9 to the doctor for a tetanus shot. (Photo: Bryan Schlosser - Regina Leader Post)

I can remember there was the time K-9 decided to go swimming. "We used to have the hot tub" said Bourassa. "And during the last game of the year, K-9 thought he'd be smart and went up the steps and jumped in. Little did I know that all the foam and material took on every bit of water it could. They couldn't get me out. When I did get out, I couldn't even walk. We hung it up, and three days later it was still dripping. It took almost a week to dry out."

But K-9, of course, is not limited to Regina Pats home games. K-9 is in the community throughout the year, at various events, parades, appearances, promotions and fund raisers, often with players from the Regina Pats. Some of Bourassa's favourite things to do are visiting the children's ward at the hospital at Christmas, or going to seniors' centres or to school safety patrols.

When Bourassa can't make it, Danny Massier, who has been doing mascots for years, steps in to help out. Rollie Bourassa still enjoys what he does and has fun with K-9 every time they're out.

Bourassa said, "K-9's a fixture, he's just part of the organization, who will continue as long as he's having fun. The best part of it all is just seeing people's faces, the big smiles, and all the little kids running around and wanting hugs."

1979-1980 - SEASON - NINE BUSINESS MEN BUY REGINA PATS

PINDER'S BUY MAIN PORTION of PATS FRANCHISE



The Pinder family from Saskatoon; Herb, Gerry, Dick, Herb Sr., and Ross had controlling interest of Pats franchise, Wil Klein, Ross Sneath, Gord Knowlton, and Bob Strumm also held shares of the owner- ship. The nine owners bought the Pats during the summer of 1979 until 1983 when Herb became the sole owner.


Bob Strumm former sportswriter, columnist for the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix and general-manager for Billing Bighorns for two years, was named general manager. He brought in coach Bryan Murray from the east to coach the Pats and led the club to the Memorial Cup final in the first year. It was the first time in League history that a last-place team in one season became the champions the following season. (Photo: Bryan Murray)

1979-1980 REGINA PATS ROSTER - Goalies: Bart Hunter, Darren Wilcox, Dave Ross, Darryl Kuntz Defense: Darren Veitch, Bud Langstrom, Barry Trotz, Jeff Marshall, Kelly Livingston, Allan May, Garth Butcher, John McMillan, Mike Rainville Centre: Doug “Wick” Wickenheiser (Captain), Ron Flockhart, Darren Galley, Jock Callander, Wade Dawson, Jim McGeough Right Wing: Mike Blaisdell, Bill Ansell, Brent Pascal, Glen Sorenson, Bob Babchuk, Ron Propp, Dave Michayluk Left Wing: Brian Varga, Darren Bobyck, Barry "Mad Dog" Ziegler, Kevin Burns, Darren Galley, Terry Baratta N/K: Rand Coach: Bryan Murray Coach and General Manager: Bob Strumm Trainer: Peter Kreutz Statistician: Jim Loria

In October, 1979 Mike Blaisdell decides to rejoin the Regina Pats after playing last season with the University of Wisconsin. After a couple years of operation it was announced, on Tuesday, April 10, 1979 the Edmonton Oil Kings were being sold by owners Bill Hunter, Vic Mah, Ed and George Assely, Ed Huges, Wayne Tennant to Pat Cooper of Portland, Oregon. They moved the team to Great Falls, Montana, were they were known as the Americans and they later moved to Spokane. The reason for the move was the poor support the team had received.

It was a Pats year for records: At Regina Saturday, November 11, before 3,001 fans Doug Wickenheiser scored a power play goal at 19 seconds of the first period. Pats went on to score a record seven consecutive power play goals in the first period and nine power play goals in the game as they downed the Medicine Hat Tigers 13-3. In the following game, for the second time Doug scored the opening goal at 41 seconds for a club record; fastest two consecutive opening game goals.

On Wednesday, January 2, at Regina, the Pats ended their 28 consecutive power play goal game streak. At Regina on February 1, Doug Wickenheiser, scored a power play goal to bring his total to twenty-seven, a new club record, as the Pats downed the Billings Bighorns 11-3, before 3,871 Pat onlookers. Wednesday, February 13, Darren Veitch had a goal to bring his season total as a defenseman to 21, another team record. The following Sunday, Darren once again set a new club record, this time for assists as he had two to bring his season total to 93. He went on to have 122 points for the season, another club record as a defenseman.

Rookie right winger Mike Blaisdell recorded his 57th. goal to set a club record and went on to score 71 goals during the League schedule. During the 1974-75 season Don Murdoch of Medicine Hat Tigers scored 82 goals, still a WHL record for a rookie. Wednesday, March 19, before 4,025 fans at the Agridome. Pats downed second place Calgary 15-9, a WHL record for most goals by both clubs; also most goals in one period, as both clubs scored fourteen goals in the second period. Pats outscored the Wranglers 8-6 in what must have been a goalies night mare. Rookie Mike Blaisdell scored 5 goals and had 3 assists for 8 points during the game. At the end of the regular schedule, Regina Pats had five players hit the 100 point plateau. It tied a WHL record, set by Medicine Hat Tigers in the 1971-72 season.

It was a year were the Regina Pat fans could see that their team would be playing in the Memorial Cup series right in their own back yard. What was about to happen at the end of the season is another chapter.

The Great Falls Americans withdrew from the League after only 28 scheduled games, the franchise was moved to Spokane. The Western Division had only four teams. It was the first time two teams finished with over one hundred points. Pats had three players make the WHL All-Star Team: Defenseman Darren Veitch and Centre Doug Wickenheiser on the first team, while Mike Blaisdell was selected to the second team.

WHL AWARD WINNERS – REGINA PATS: Most Valuable Player, Player of the Year, Top League Scorer - Doug Wickenheiser

REGINA PAT AWARDS - Top Rookie (Nick Pappas Memorial Trophy) Ron Flockhart; Most Sportsmanlike Player (The Hub Bishop Memorial Trophy) Darren Bobyck; Top Defenseman (Charles Johnston Memorial Trophy) Darren Veitch; Most Valuable Player (The Barkers Trophy) Doug Wickenheiser, Darren Veitch (Tied); Pats Top Scorer, Doug Wickenheiser; Most Popular Player, Brian Varga; Most Improved Player, Mike Blaisdell; Unsung Hero (Booster Club Award) Bart Hunter

QUARTER PLAY-OFFS - Tuesday, March 25, Lethbridge Broncos almost made an upset as they were down 8-4 going into the last period at the Agridome. Three goals in the final twenty minutes was not enough for coach Vic Stasiuk's Broncos as they were edged 8-7 by Regina. The opening period had both clubs scoring four goals before Pats came up with four straight goals after forty minutes of play. The third was all Lethbridge as Kim Boech scored all of Broncos goals. Mike Blaisdell was Regina's top scorer with 3 goals and 2 assists.

Wednesday, March 26, Regina walked all over Lethbridge 9-2 at the Agridome. It started in the second period with Pats coach Bryan Murray and Lethbridge coach Vic Stasiuk, trying to match line for line. Murray got the last line change and the battle of wits began to show. Gord Williams of the Broncos was trying to match against Pats' Doug Wickenheiser. Wick was being held and hooked, so he changed lines. Lethbridge led 1-0 after the first on Williams' goal. Pats went ahead 4-2 after the second. In the third, coach Murray turned the tables around and put the Sorenson-Callander-Ziegler line against Williams as Blaisdell and Wickenheiser scored two goals each.

Friday, March 28, Despite not playing up to their potential Regina Pats, were able to come through and defeat Lethbridge 7-4 at the Sportsplex. The game was dull, neither team played the type of game they were capable of. Regina’s Bud Langstrom's goal, a long wrist shot off Broncos defenceman Roger Wolfe in the first period, gave Regina a 1-0 going into the second. Regina had 3 goals followed by Lethbridge with 3 before Regina scored 3 straight in the final period. Pats' Brian Varga and Williams had two goals apiece.

Saturday, March 29, Regina defeated Vic Stasiuk's Lethbridge Broncos 4-3 and swept their quarter-final series four straight. Had it not been for former Pat netminder, Greg Dumba, and Doug Morrison, the Broncos could have been beaten quite handily. Dumba made his last junior game a great one by pulling off numerous exceptional saves. Morrison, one of the finest players in the WHL, scored Lethbridge's three goals. Darren Veitch led Regina's scoring with two goals. The game was played before the lowest attendance in the Bronco's six year franchise history.

EASTERN LEAGUE ROUND ROBIN SERIES

- Friday, April 4, Pats thrilled an overflow crowd (5,798) at the Regina Agridome defeating Brandon Wheat Kings 6-3. Regina's goalie Bart Hunter kept the Pats in the game, especially in the first-two periods. The netminder made 39 saves, many of which were hard shots. During the second period defenseman John McMillan made a save that stood out. Hunter had left his net racing half way to the blue line after a loose puck that had gotten away from him. Brandon's Don Gillen gained control of the puck but his shot was blocked by McMillan in the goal crease. Both clubs were tied 2-2 after the first and Pats took a 3-2 lead into the third period. Pats Wickenheiser had two goals for Regina.

Saturday, April 5, Medicine Hat Tigers scored seconds into sudden death overtime to give them a 7-6 victory at the Agridome. Brant Klessing scored the winning goal at 49 seconds of the extra period. Pats goalie Bart Hunter tried to play the puck off the boards. Klessing got behind Hunter and had the open net to score. Tigers top scorer was Brad Kempthorne with three goals. His third goal tied the game at 10:53 of the third, just 20 seconds after the Pats had taken the lead. Ron Flockhart was the Pats big gun scoring three goals. Medicine Hat's goalie Kelly Hrudy played a solid game facing 48 shots, 25 in the final period.

Wednesday, April 9, Regina lost their second straight game in the Round Robin Series at Brandon, losing 6-3. Both clubs held the same record, one win and two losses. Pats missed Brian Varga, especially on the power play as he was sidelined with a shoulder injury. It was Brandon's goalie Ron Popplestone who led the Kings to victory as he faced 46 shots. Brandon had scored 4 goals on Pats defenseman's miscues and all their 6 goals were scored by different players.

Friday, April 11, Pats' goalie Bart Hunter was the hero and the major reason for Regina's 3-1 win over Medicine Hat in Tiger town. The 20 year old faced 41 shots, many in which he was severely tested. Pats loss would have eliminated them from the series. The big difference in the game, besides Hunter, was their power play. Pats scored all their goals with a man advantage. It gave them 15 goals in 28 power play opportunities during the play-offs. Throughout the regular season they were number one in the League with a 33.6 percentage. Pats' Bill Ansell scored 2 goals, both in the second period while Wickenheiser scored in the third period.

Sunday, the last game of the Round Robin had Medicine Hat earning a berth in the eastern division final by defeating visiting Brandon Wheat Kings 7-5.

EASTERN ROUND ROBIN SERIES ...	GP	GW	GL	G.F	G.A	PTS
Medicine Hat Tigers	4	3	1	18	16	6
Regina Pats	4	2	2	18	17	4
Brandon Wheat Kings	4	1	3	16	19	2

EASTERN DIVISION FINAL - Monday, April 14, Tigers were flat as the Pats downed Medicine Hat 6-1 at the Regina Agridome, before 4,657 fans. Tigers' goalie Kelly Hrudey faced 48 shots. Pats had period leads of 2-0 and 3-0. It wasn't until the third period that Regina went on a scoring spree with 3 straight goals in the last 4 minutes. Out of those 3 goals, Darren Bobyck tallied twice in the span of eight seconds (16:32 and 16:40) one second off the WHL record held by Brandon's Bill Derlago in 1978 against Flin Flon.

Tuesday, April 15, a brawl marred the game in which the Pats outdid Medicine Hat Tigers 9-1 at the Agridome. Regina dominated the play but the 5,347 fans witnessed a free-for-all which got totally out of hand. It featured both bench's emptying and some brutal fights. Verbal exchanges between coach/manager Paddy Ginnell's Tigers and fans turned into players hurling sticks, gloves, and helmets into the crowd. At one point the Tigers even tried to get into the crowd. Police finally arrived, well after all this started. It all happened at 13:06 of the third period when Pats were leading 8-1 and delayed the game for 1 hour. The brawl resulted in 146 minutes to Medicine Hat and 92 minutes to Regina. Pats Mike Rainville and Darren Veitch both had 2 goals while Brian Varga had 4 assists.

Thursday, April 17, Medicine Hat tallied two quick goals in the final minutes to tie the contest then went on to down Regina 7-6 in overtime at Medicine Hat in front of 2,870 fans. Down 6-4 with less than three minutes left in regulation time, Tigers scored at at 16:14. Brad Kempthorne tied the game from the left side on a wrist shot at 19:21 to force the extra period. Tigers pressured Regina right from the starting whistle in sudden death overtime and had three good scoring chances. Steve Tsujuira finally batted the puck in from the side of the net at 3:21.

Friday, April 18, Pats came out winners as they downed Medicine Hat 5-2 in the gas city as 3,983 onlookers watched the game. Both teams were tied 1-1 after the first period and Regina led 4-2 going into the final period. The third period was scoreless until Mike Blaisdell scored into an empty net with 51 seconds remaining. It was Blaisdell's third goal of the night while Doug Wickenheiser assisted on Blaisdell's goals.

Saturday, April 19, Pats jumped over the boards when Darren Bobyck scored into an empty net with 46 seconds remaining to capture a 6-3 Regina victory. The Regina Agridome 5,141 fans saw Pats get the chance to meet Victoria in the League final. Regina's defenseman Darren Veitch took a shot 1:49 minutes into the third period that went in off a Medicine Hat player. His power play marker drew Pats even. Five minutes later Veitch scored his second to put Regina ahead to stay. Pats scored four straight goals in the final period.

WHL LEAGUE FINAL - Tuesday, April 22, Victoria 4,181 spectators saw the visiting Regina Pats earn a 6-4 victory over the Victoria Cougars at Memorial Arena. Victoria came out skating and held a 2-0 lead after the first. In the second period, Darren Veitch started the Pats scoring at 1:06 a slapshot from the point. Doug Wickenheiser then scored at 7:16 followed by Victoria with 2 goals in the span of 58 seconds to go ahead 4-2. Regina came right back with 2 quick goals: Mike Blaisdell on a break-a-way at 11:04, and Veitch with his second goal at the 12:47 mark. Both clubs were tied 4-4 going into the final period.

Wednesday, April 23, Victoria Cougars dumped Regina 7-2. Pats had a 2-1 lead going into the middle stanza then Victoria took over. Victoria went on to score five straight goals, three in less than three minutes at the sixteen minute mark of the third period. Palmer was Victoria's top scorer with 2 goals and 2 assists. "We missed a couple chances early in the second period, then fell apart. That tying goal deflated us." Pats coach Murray said, following the game.

Thursday, April 24, Darren Veitch powered the Pats to a crucial victory at Victoria as Regina edged the Cougars 4-3. It was Veitch's goal at the thirteen minute mark in the third that turned out to be the winner. He carried the puck from his own end zone and, when he reached Victoria's blueline, let a hard slapshot go. The puck rose up and went between goalie Grant Fuhr's pads into the net. Victoria had period leads of 2-0 and 2-1 after the second. In the third, Pats' Jock Callander tied the game at 2:45 only to see the home team take the lead once again at 9:29. Regina then came back with 2 goals, Bobyck at 11:44 and Veitch at 12:59.

Saturday, April 26, Pats emotion began to build as Regina defeated the Victoria Cougars 7-1 at the Agridome before a record crowd. Regina displayed a killer instinct as Wickenheiser and Ron Flockhart both scored two goals each. Pats had 3-0 and 5-0 period leads. Grant Fuhr started the game in goal for Victoria but had to be removed early in the third period. He had gloved a shot, the momentum of which sent his glove arm into a windmill motion leaving him with a dislocated shoulder.

Sunday, April 27, Regina fans saw Brent Pascal's all important overtime goal put the Regina Pats into the Memorial Cup. At the end of the game the big score board at the centre of the ice read “REGINA PATS 5 VICTORIA 4.” Pascal had been used sparingly by coach Bryan Murray. He had only scored two play-off goals to date and was only on the ice for three shifts during Saturday's encounter. It took 9:41 seconds of sudden death overtime before Pascal batted in Jock Callander's rebound to send his team mates and 5,950 fans into a celebration and the Memorial Cup Tournament. "That was the most important goal of my life." grinned Pascal in Pats' dressing room following the game. Victoria led 2-0 after the first period and Regina Pats 3-2 after the second period. Victoria peppered 48 shots at Pat goal tender Bart Hunter. (Photo: Regina Pats Captain - Doug Wickenheiser hosting the League Trophy - Marcia Wickenheiser - Collection)

Peterborough Petes beat Windsor Spitfires 6-3 Saturday (it was their 11th straight play-off win), while three days later Cornwall Royals defeated Sherbrooke Beavers 5-3 and won the series 4-2.

MEMORIAL CUP FINALIST - The first three games of the Memorial Tournament were played at the Brandon Keystone Centre in Manitoba, the remaining games were moved to Regina Agridome.

Sunday, May 4, Pats were defeated 5-4 in overtime before 4,055 fans as Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Junior Hockey League. Petes' Mark Reed's quick slapshot at 3:52 of sudden death was the winner. Regina Pats centre Doug Wickenheiser and Peterborough's Bill Gardner took the face off at the left circle of Regina's goalie Bart Hunter. Reed saw the loose puck, took one stride towards it, and shot the puck into the net for the victory. Peterborough took a 3-0 lead into the middle frame. In the second Pats scored two answered goals by Darren Bobyck and one minute later Mike Blaisdell scored on a break-a-way. Regina tied the score early in the third by Glen Sorenson's rebound shot passed goalie Rick LaFerriere. Petes took the lead three minutes later on Andre Hidi's goal. Pats pressed and at 18:36 Brian Varga tipped in Darren Veitch's slapshot from the point to tie the game and force it into overtime.

Monday, May 5, it was a disappointing night as 3,540 saw Regina lose its second game, this time 5-3 to Cornwall Royals of the Quebec Junior Major Hockey League. Three Pat players, Mike Rainville, John McMillan and Darren Galley had played for Cornwall the previous season. Cornwall were able to apply plenty of pressure. Pats big scorers were not producing. Cornwall directed 54 shots at Regina goaltender Bart Hunter. Darren Veitch scored two power play goals, both scored on shots from the mid blueline. Pats other goal was tallied by Brian Varga at 18:43 of the third. Cornwall's top scorer was Marc Crawford with two.

Wednesday, May 7, Pats lost 4-3 to Peterborough at the Regina Agridome as 6,008 fans saw the game. Pats held a 3-0 lead after the second, only to see the Petes come back and score four goals in the third period. It left the Pats and their record supporting fans stunned. In the second period Peterborough's coach Mike Keenan was getting under Pats' coach Bryan Murray's skin. Petes' assistant captain Bill Gardner repeatedly asked referee Glen Agar to examine Regina's Doug Wickenheiser's glove. With Agar not co-operating, Keenan called his troops to the bench. It resulted in a bench penalty. Then Agar examined the glove and gave Doug Wickenheiser a penalty for an illegal glove that had a hole in its palm. It upset the Pat players as it was not cut but caused by wear. This all occurred at the 15:56 mark of the third period.

Thursday, May 8, 5,884 spectators saw that Regina Pats were back in form as they got their offence on track and hammered Cornwall 11-2. Mike Blaisdell and linemate Ron Flockhart triggered six points apiece, tying the Memorial Cup record for most points in a game. Joe Contini and Rick Seiling of the Hamilton Fincups had six points apiece in a game against New Westminster Bruins on May 13, 1976. Blaisdell finished with three goals and three assists, while Flockhart tallied twice and assisted on four goals. Pats led 2-0 after the opening frame and increased their lead 7-1 going into the third period.

Friday, May 9, with only one minute and 20 seconds left in the game, many of the Agridome fans let loose their frustration. At one point it was obvious that Cornwall was going to win as Peterborough held back. Royals went on to take the game 5-4 and the Pat 5,823 fans displayed their feelings as some chanted "Petes go home." The fans were upset over Peterborough letting Cornwall win just so they would not have to play the Regina Pats in the final. The Petes finally layed down and died in the final period. Soft drinks, programs and even a bottle were hurled at the Peterborough players. After a delay of fifteen minutes, and the appearance of Regina's finest, the game continued with the fans booing. Petes entered the contest with three wins and a 14 game winning streak in the post-season.

Sunday, May 11, Robert Savard's goal at 1:28 of overtime gave Cornwall the Memorial Cup.



Front Row: Darren Wilcox, Peter Kreutz (Trainer), Darren Veitch, Bryan Murray (Coach), Doug Wickenheiser, Bob Strumm (General Manager), Ron Flockhart, Jim Loria (Office Manager), Bart Hunter Second Row: Roy Vandal (Marketing Manager), Jock Callander, Kevin Burns, Mike Blaisdell, Wade Dawson, Jeff Marshall, Brent Pascal, Barry Ziegler, Darren Galley, Bud Langstrom Third Row: Barry Trotz, Bill Ansell, Mike Rainville, Glen Sorenson, John McMillan, Darren Bobyck, Brian Varga (Photo: Darren Bobyck - Collection)

1978-1979 - SEASON

Regina Pats hire Gregg Pilling as their new coach. Gregg played semi-pro from 1964-65 t0 1971-72. Coached Roanoke Valley Rebels from 1972-73 to 1973-74. Then was Coach and General Manager of Philadelphia Firebirds (NAHL) from 1974-75 to 1976-77. Finally Coached Fort Wayne Komets during the 1977-78 season.

Regina Pats' Del Wilson becomes Executive Assistant (Vice President) of the WHL. On Wednesday, April 19, 1978, Calgary Realtor, Jim Morley, purchased the Calgary Wranglers from majority owner Gerry Brisson. ............................. (Photo: Gregg Pilling)

In 1978, the League changed its name to the Western Hockey League to show that they were no longer just Canadian. Teams from across the USA border; Portland, Seattle and Billings were now part of the League as well.

Flin Flon Bombers' franchise moved to Edmonton under Bill Hunter and restaurant owner Vic Mah. The new club became known as the new Edmonton Oil Kings.

1978-1979 REGINA PATS ROSTER - Goalies: Jeff Lastiwka, Gam Burnett, Greg Dumba, Ken McNabb, Barry Wilcox, Al Wiebe Defense: Darren Veitch, Dave Monson, Trevor Bowering, Allan May, Chris Kilcher, Kelly Livingston, Bruce McLean, Darren Hagen, Mitch Jones, James Pearson, Lance Davis, Gregg Lynott, Brian Inkster, Tim Wicijowski, Ted Vail, Centre: Doug Wickenheiser, Jari Helle, Jock Callander, Kevin Burns, Wade Dawson, Dean Solheim, John Eger, Doyle Wankel, Wayne Merkel, James Pearson Right Wing: Dirk Graham (Captain), Darren Bobyck, Brent Pascal, Ron Propp, Paul Kindrachuk, Larry Jones, James Pearson, Dale Goegan, George Trainor Left Wing: Brian Varga, Ron Parent, Bill Ansell, Barry Ziegler, Jim Leavins, Garth Baratta, Larry Jones, Kimmo Lahtinen, Sandy Beadle, Don Henry, Ron Seidlik Coach: Greg Pilling Assistant Coach: Gerry Zrymiak Manager: Del Wilson Trainer: Norm Fong

Friday, December 8, Doug Wickenheiser scored 4 goals and had 3 assists for a seven point outing as Regina downed visiting Saskatoon 12-6. All his four goals came in the first period. The following Wednesday, December 13, the Brandon Wheat Kings suffered their first loss in 49 League games, going back to last season. Tuesday, April 10, 1979, Edmonton Oil Kings' owners Bill Hunter, Vic Mah, Ed and George Assely, Ed Hughes, Wayne Tennant sold their franchise to a Portland, Oregon, group and the franchise moved to Great Falls, Montana. Reason for the move was the poor support the team had received that year.

There were no overtime games during the regular schedule. Regina Pats finished in fourth and last place in the East Division Standings. Regina Pats' Right Winger Dirk Graham is selected on the WHL Second All-Star Team.

For the second consecutive year in a row Regina Pats did not make the play-offs. Brandon Wheat Kings became the Western League champions in six games over the Portland Winter Hawks. It was Peterborough Petes (OHA) and Trois-Rivieres Draveurs (QMJHL) from the east. The Memorial Cup tournament was staged in the three Quebec cities of Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivieres and Verdun. The Championship game had Peterborough winning in overtime 2-1 against Brandon Wheat Kings.


Front Row: Ken McNabb, Darren Veitch, Greg Pilling (Coach & General Manager), Dirk Graham, Jerry Zrymiak (Assistant Coach), Trevor Bowering, Jeff Lastiwka Middle Row: Al Wielgoz (Assistant Trainer), Jim Pearson, Barry Ziegler, Kevin Burns, Greg Lynott, Doug Wickenheiser, Brian Inkster, Lance Davis, George Trainor, Ron Parent, Norm Fong (Trainer) Back Row: Brian Varga, Dean Solheim, Doyle Wankel, Dave Monson, Darren Bobyck (Photo: Marcia Wickenheiser - Collection)

1977-1978 - SEASON

The Western Canada Hockey League (WCHL) changed its name to the Western Hockey League (WHL) it was announced Tuesday, September 5, 1978, by present Ed Chynowrth. It was decided to eliminate “Canada” from the name as three of the 12 teams were based in the United States.

During the off season, several of the team franchises were moved. Calgary Centennials hired general manager Bob Strumm, former Saskatoon Star-Phoenix sports writer. Owner Dick Koentges moved the franchise to Billings, Montana. He hired Dave King as the coach, renamed the club the Bighorns and played in the brand new 8,600 seat Yellowstone Metra Arena. Gerry Brisson transferred Winnipeg monarchs to Calgary, where they were renamed the Wranglers. The majority owner Ephrain Strinke was not satisfied with the local arena and moved the Kamloops franchise to Seattle and renamed the team the Breakers.

1977-1978 REGINA PATS ROSTER - Goalies: Pat Ansell, Greg Dumba Defense: Darren Veitch, Kevin Krook, Trevor Bowering, Gord Wappel, Chris Kilcher, Myles Tangedal, Jim Turner, Gilles Choquet, Dave Downton, Tim Wicijowski, Doug Korman Centre: Gerald Minor (Captain), Doug Wickenheiser, Clark Bacala, Larry Ell, Mike Blaisdell, Rod Yaworski, John Eger, Wayne Wagner, Doyle Wankel Right Wing: Dirk Graham, Erle Switzer, Gary Slezak, Scott Kolewaski, Brent Pascal, Mike Blaisdell, James Pearson, Kevin Clackson Left Wing: Gerry Galloway, Ron Parent, Larry Ell, Bill Ansell, Paul Hogan, Scott Miller N/L: Mike Cooper, Cliff McKay Coach: Lorne Davis Trainer: Norm Fong Statisticians: Bill Huckulak, Ron "Scoreboard" Johnston

On Thursday, September 29, at Billings, Regina Pats stopped their winless streak on the road at 37 games by downing Billings Bighorns 6-3. Pats played their premier hockey game in the new Agridome on Sunday, October 2, against the Saskatoon Blades before 4,200 observers. At the Agridome on Wednesday, November 9, Gerald Minor tied a WHL record as he scored his third consecutive hat trick before 2,606 cheering fans.

The Moscow Selects played the WHL all-stars at the Agridome on Friday, December 9, The Selects edged the all-stars 6-5.

Before the Pats played the Saskatoon Blades on Sunday, February 12, one minute silence was observed in honour of ex-Leader Post sports writer Ron Campbell who died on Saturday. Ron started covering the Pats games back in the 1958-59 season and finished twelve years later in the 1969 season.

Regina Pats finished in third place in the Eastern Division with 63 points. Gerald Minor of the Regina Pats finished 7th in the scoring race with 54 goals 75 assists for 129 points. Regina Pats Awards: Doug Wickenheiser, Most Sportsmanlike Player (Hub Bishop Memorial Trophy); Gerry Galloway, Rookie of the Year (Nick Pappas Memorial Trophy); Darren Veitch, Top Defenseman (Charles Johnston Memorial Trophy); Gerald Minor, Most Valuable Player (Barkers Trophy) and also Pats Top Scorer Award; Dirk Graham and Larry Ell, Tied, Unsung Hero (Booster Club Award)

ROUND ROBIN SEMI-FINAL - Sunday, March 26, Regina Pats shut down the Brandon Wheat Kings top line winning a 3-2 overtime victory, in front of 2,451, at Keystone Centre. Mike Blaisdell, was brought up from Pat Blues. It was his goal at 10:49 of the first sudden-death overtime period that gave the Pats the victory. It was only his sixth game with the Pats. The teams fought through a scoreless first period. Brandon had a 1-0 lead going into the third and upped it to 2-0 before Doug Wickenheiser scored and Paul Hogan scored the tying goal at 10:28. Pats' line of Larry Ell, Paul Hogan and Erie Switzer had the assignment of checking the Brandon scoring kings of Laurie Boschman, Bill Derlago and Ray Allison. Brandon had lost only two home games all season and had been undefeated in 20 consecutive games prior to the game.

Friday, March 31, Wheat Kings scored four goals in a span of three minutes and 46 seconds in the third period to edge the Pats 9-8 in a high scoring affair at the Regina Agridome, before 5,300 spectators. The turning point came prior to the Wheat Kings' four goal outburst, both teams were tied 5-5. Brandon had been disallowed a goal. "The players got peeved." said coach Dunc McCallum. It pumped the club and they came alive. That made the score 9-5 by the 8:11 mark, then Pats came back with 3 of their own goals. Centre Bill Derlago came out of his slump as he scored three goals and had two assists for Brandon. Regina's line of Gerry Galloway, Gerald Minor and Dirk Graham accounted for six of Pat goals.

Sunday, April 2, For the second game in a row the Pats, quit in the third period as Flin Flon downed Regina 8-5 at the Agridome. Both teams were tied 3-3 after the first period. Regina trailed 6-5 going into the final stanza. For the Bombers, they had eight players involved in the scoring. For the Pats, Doug Wickenheiser had two goals and Paul Hogan scored two goals and had one assist.

Tuesday, April 4, Regina missed numerous chances at Brandon and it cost them a 5-1 defeat. Frustration was all over the Pat players' faces. Regina hit the Kings goal post six times, three in the opening frame. Bill Derlago scored two goals, both in the first period as Brandon took a 2-0 lead into the second period and lead 3-1 after the second. Kevin Krook scored Pats only goal at the 15:40 mark. Brandon's Brad Kempthorne also had 2 goals.

Wednesday, April 5, Regina had a 1-3 record and their chances looked dim going into the Flin Flon centre. They had not won a game in two years in the mining city. Pats went on to defeat the Bombers 6-2. It was Regina's goalie Greg Dumba who kept Regina in the game. He had 36 shots peppered at him and was tested severely on almost every Flin Flon shot. They were tied 1-1 and 4-1 after the second. Gerald Minor's shorthanded goal 32 second into the third period took all the steam out of Flin Flon. Pats scored 5 straight goals before Flin Flon scored at 15:56 of the third period.

Thursday, April 6, Bombers downed Pats 9-3 at Flin Flon. Regina having a man advantage in the middle stanza for five minutes backfired. Jordy Douglas and Ray Markham scored shorthanded goals and the period ended 5-1 for the home club. "That killed us." said coach Lorne Davis after the game. Flin Flon's Ray Markham and Regina Pats' Paul Hogan had two goals each. The Bombers lead 3-1 after the first period.

Saturday, April 8, Regina Pats downed Brandon Wheat Kings 7-5 at the Regina Agridome. Gerald Minor had the job of shadowing Bill Derlago throughout the game and it paid off as Minor scored three times and had another three assists while all Derlago could muster was one assist. Brandon took a 3-2 first lead only to have Regina Pats come back and take a 4-3 lead into the final period. Erle Switzer scored an empty net goal with 8 seconds left in the game.

Monday, April 10, it was do or die for Pats, they had to win by six goals or more to eliminate Brandon and they did just that. The final buzzer showed the scoreboard as Regina 10 Flin Flon 4. The Bombers did not play their usual game; they did not play rough, only scoring when needed. Pats led 4-0 after the opening frame. The (4,650) Agridome fans could smell the trend that was coming already. After the second period, Regina had the edge 7-4. The Bombers then reverted to the first period style, allowing Pats to outscore them 3-0. The big gun for Regina was Dirk Graham with four goals. Brandon could only blame themselves as they lost 9-2 at home against the Bombers.

ROUND ROBIN PLAY-OFFS	W	L	F	A	PTS	PLUS/MINUS
Flin Flon Bombers	4	4	46	43	8	Plus	3
Regina Pats	4	4	43	44	8	Minus	1
Brandon Wheat Kings	4	4	40	42	8	Minus	2

EASTERN DIVISION LEAGUE FINAL - Tuesday, April 11Flin Flon was a different team, downing the visiting Regina Pats 7-3. The clubs were tied 1-1 after the first period. It was the middle frame, that made the big difference as the Bombers out scored Regina 4-0 and out shot them 33-10. Pats had a complete breakdown. Early in the third, Regina scored 2 break-a-away goals; the first, Larry Ell in the opening minutes when Pats were short a man and Ron Parent scored the other. Bombers top scorer was Ray Markham with 2 goals and assisting on another.

Wednesday, April 12, Regina Pats lost in a high scoring 11-9 affair at Flin Flon. Bombers led 4-1 after the first. With the help of four goals in less than four minutes in the first half of the middle frame, both clubs came out tied 6-6. With the home club leading 10-9, Pats coach-manager Lorne Davis pulled goalie Pat Ansell for an extra attacker only to have it backfire as the Bombers Glen Hiales scored into an empty net with 34 seconds remaining. Regina's Paul Hogan had a 6 point outing scoring 3 goals and 3 assists while Dirk Graham had 3 goals and 2 assists. Greg Tebbutt also tallied 3 times and had 3 assists for the Bombers.

Friday, April 14, Flin Flon's Ray Markham's big goal at 9:42 of overtime gave the Bombers a 4-3 lift over the Pats in front of 4,397at the Regina Agridome. Bombers' Mel Biluk shot the puck into the Pats zone, with defenseman Doug Korman draped all over him but he was able to shovel the puck over to Markham. Dirk Graham was all over Markham but the Flin Flon centre was a ble to change the direction of the puck passed net minder Pat Ansell. Bombers' Jordy Douglas' third goals tied the game at 8:38 of the third period to force overtime.

Saturday, April 15, Bombers; Guy Bohmer took but one shift and received two minor penalties, two majors, plus a game misconduct and it hurt his team. At the Agridome the Pats went on to defeat Flin Flon 9-6. The fracas started in the midway point of the third period with Regina's Dirk Graham and Bohmer. Players left the players bench and the final result was eight game misconducts. Dirk Graham scored three goals for Pats, the big one being at 0:27 of the third. It started Regina with three straight goals to put the game out of reach.

Sunday, April 16, Regina Pats season came to an end as Flin Flon downed the Pats 5-3 at the Agridome before 4,970 fans, to win the Eastern Division Final. Regina had a 2-1 lead going into the second period only to have the Bombers outscore Regina 3-1 in the middle frame. In the dying minutes, the Pats pulled goalie Pat Ansell for an extra attacker only to have Bombers' Jody Douglas score into the empty net with 10 seconds remaining.

Flin Flon Bombers went on and lost out to New Westminster Bruins in the League final round robin with the Billings Bighorns. The Memorial Cup Tournament was played at both Sault Ste. Marie Memorial Gardens and Sudbury Community Arena that year. It was Peterborough Petes (OHA) and Trois-Rivieres Draveurs (QMJHL) the other two teams.



Stick Boy: Al Wielgoz Front Row: Pat Ansell, Gerry Galloway, Erle Switzer, Lorne Davis (Coach & General Manager), Gerry Minor, Dirk Graham, Greg Dumba Second Row: Norm Fong (Head Trainer), Darren Veitch, Kevin Clackson, Kevin Krook, Doug Wickenheiser, Gord Wappel, Jim Pearson, Randy Pollock (Assistant Trainer) Back Row: Ron Parent, Clark Bacala, Trevor Bowering, Doug Korman, Paul Hogan, Larry Ell (Photo: Marcia Wickenheiser – Collection)

1976-1977 - SEASON

The League announced in June that the Edmonton Oil Kings' franchise was to be moved to Portland, Oregon. The crowd support had dropped to an average of 1,500 fans per game in the previous season. The team became known as the Portland Winter Hawks and would be playing in the 10,400 seat Memorial Coliseum. Hoping to breathe new life in his Winnipeg club Gerry Brisson renamed his team the Monarchs, a famous name back in the 30's and 40's when Monarchs had won three Memorial Cups.

1976-1977 REGINA PATS ROSTER - Goalies: Pat Ansell, Jack Anderson, Ken Bales, Brad Bergh, Dan Rogers, Greg Dumba, Doug Koffler, Gary Frank, Kerry Nisbet Defense: Gord Wappel (Captain), Trevor Bowering, Mike McCann, Kevin Krook, Jim Blades, Dave Downton, Mike Kindrachuk, Greg Tebbutt, Darren Veitch, Dean Tidball, Romeo Proseta, Bill Kyle Jr., Kim McNabb Centre: Greg Ing, Gerald Minor, Clark Bacala, Larry Ell, Glenn Rolfe, Rod Yaworski, Brian Festerling, Randy Carson, Ron Trafford, Earl Ingarfield Jr. Wayne Wagner, Doyle Wankel Right Wing: Dirk Graham, Ronald Parent, Allan Hendrickson, Mike Flegel, Rick Odegard Left Wing: Greg Ing, Ron Parent, Gerry Galloway, Hugh Ellis, Keith Downton, Scott Wray, Cliff Kitely, Lorne Schmidt NK: Bill Matthews, Dwayne Tuberfield Coach: Bob Turner; Lorne Davis (January 10) Manager: Del Wilson Trainer: Bryan Raymond

At Portland on Tuesday, November 30,, the Winter Hawks peppered 77 shots at the Pats two goalies. In the first period Pat Ansell had 14 shots while Dan Rogers had a total of 63 shots over the next two periods. The same clubs were the victims of the Pats ending their 36 game winless streak, Wednesday, January 26, before 1,480 fans as the Pats edged the surprised Winter Hawks 3-2 at the Regina Exhibition Stadium.


On January 10, 1977, Lorne Davis took over the duties as coach of the Pats. He played right-winger for the Pats (1947-1951). Lorne started playing three seasons with the Victoria Cougars of the Pacific Coast League but finished playing for the Montreal Royals of the Quebec Major Hockey League. In 1951-52 he started with Vancouver Canucks (PCHL) and, once again, he headed east to play with Buffalo Bisons of the (AHL) for the next two seasons. He played two seasons with the Montreal Canadiens (NHL) 1952-53 and 1953-54. The following year he played 8 games with Chicago Black Hawks before being traded to Detroit Red Wings the same year. In 1954-55 Lorne played one season with Edmonton Flyers in the (WHL). The next year he played 15 games with Boston Bruins (NHL), then played in the (AHL) for several years before once again playing 10 games with Boston Bruins in 1959-60 and Providence Reds (AHL). He finished his hockey career with the Winnipeg Warriors (WHL) in 1960-61 before playing with the Regina Capitals (SSHL) for four seasons. In 1964-65 he played one season with Muskegon Zephyrs and the Canada Team in 1965-66.

It was a tough year for the Regina Pats, having a 36 game winless streak plus a 36 road games winless streak which went into the following season. All Pats 8 wins were at home. After twenty years playing in the Exhibition Stadium, the Pats played their last game against the Saskatoon Blades on Wednesday, March 16, as they downed the visitors 8-6. There were no overtime games during the League schedule.

Three Brandon Wheat Kings finish at top of the League scoring race. Bill Derlago was the League scorer with 178 points, followed by Ray Allison with 137, and Brian Propp with 135 points.

Regina Pats were not in the play-offs that year, New Westminster Bruins once again were the Western Junior Hockey League Champions. It was Ottawa 67's (OHA) and Sherbrooke Beavers (QMJHL). That year the Tournament was changed to a double round robin. The 1977 Tournament was the first ever to be held in B.C. at the Vancouver's Pacific Coliseum. Ottawa and the New Westminster Bruins advanced to the final with 3-1 records. Bruins took a 5-2 lead into the third period and almost lost it at the end. Ottawa tied the game only to see New Westminster Bruins score in the dying moments.



At Front: (Stick Boy)

Front Row: Greg Tebbutt, Pat Ansell, __________ (Business Manager), Lorne Davis (Coach-Manager), Gary Frank, Kevin Krook Second Row: Brian Raymond (Trainer), Dean Tidball, Ron Parent, Mike McCann, Gord Wappel, Dirk Graham, Trevor Bowering, Mike Kindrachuk, Gerry Galloway, Dr. Gavin Oake Back Row: Gerry Minor, Greg Ing, Clark Bacala, Glen Rolfe, Larry Ell, Mike Flegel (Photo: Glenn Rolfe – Collection)

1975-1976 - SEASON

1975-1976 REGINA PATS ROSTER - Goalies: Bob Mahnic, Brad Bergh, Bob Leslie, Jack Anderson, Brent Darke, Kerry Dark, Kerry Nisbet, Gerry Simpson Defense: Gord Wappel, Dean Tidball, Gerrald Joly, Dollard Joly, Pat Mallough, Myles Tangedal, Mike Wirachowsky, Keith Hertz, Mike McCann, Greg Tebbutt Centre: Drew Callander (Captain), Rob Tudor, Gerry Minor, Brian Festerling, Keith Hertz, Glen Rolfe, Bruce Rolin, Larry Ell Right Wing: Drew Callander, Rob Tudor, Al Dumba, Greg Fieger, Brian Festerling, Ken Burdon, Dirk Graham, Dick Van Der Velden Left Wing: Greg Ing, Jon Hammond, Ron Trafford, Keith Downton, Keith Hertz, Doug Keil, Mike Flegel Forward: Rhys Renouf Coach: Bob Turner Manager: Del Wilson Trainer: Norm Fong

The Leader Post headline: “September 17, Regina Pats have 14 goalies in their training camp. It was a sign for what lay ahead for Regina Pats for the next two seasons. There were no overtime games during the League schedule.” The Pats finished fifth in the Eastern Division with 52 points.

LEAGUE SEMI-PLAY-OFFS - First and only time the League decided on inter-division play-offs. Victoria Cougars, who finished fifth in the League, played the League's tenth place Regina Pats.

Sunday, March 28, Victoria skated to a 3-1 victory over the Regina Pats at Victoria Memorial Arena. Coach Pat Ginnell's team were stirred up and scored two-third period power play goals for the victory. Jim Gustafson for the Cougars scored two goals. Gustafson gave Cougars a 1-0 lead at 10:52 of the first period. Pats were shorthanded and Drew Callander tied the game five minutes into the second period. Victoria scored two power play goals by Al Jill and Gustafson with his second in the third period.

Tuesday, March 30, Victoria netminder Murray Bannerman spoiled Pats chances as he helped his Cougars take a 5-2 win over Regina at the Memorial Arena before 3,090 fans. Greg Ing was stopped three times by Bannerman in the first two periods. His first chance came close to the end of the opening period on a power play opportunity. He and Rob Tudor took turns whacking at rebounds but the closest they came was a goal post. In the second period, Bannerman foiled Ing taking the puck out of the air. In the third, he stopped Ing on a clear break-away. Victoria had period leads of 1-0 and 4-0. Regina's Rod Tudor and Keith Hertz scored for the Pats in the third period.

Wednesday, March 31, Victoria's Dennis Fenske's second goal at 15:57 of the third period, helped the Cougars to a 4-4 tie over Regina Wednesday at Regina Stadium. Regina lead 1-0 after the first period and took a 3-1 lead into the third period. Pats' Drew Callander scored a goal and had three assists. He had one goal in the second period disallowed when he was on goalie Bannerman's doorstep. He batted a high flipped puck behind the goalie, only to have the referee say his stick was too high, thereby disallowing his goal.

Friday, April 2, Regina jumped into a 3-0 lead after the opening period only to see Victoria storm back with 5 straight goals to edge the Pats 5-4 at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. Pats forgot they have to play sixty full minutes of hockey and, for the second time, blew a victory opportunity. Mike Will was Victoria's top scorer with 2 goals, the first 2 in the second period.

Saturday, April 3, Regina Pats forced a return trip to Victoria as they earned a 6-4 victory at Exhibition Stadium. With Cougars taking an early 2-0 lead in the first period, Pats tied the score before the end of the period and went on to score three more goals in the second period. Al Hammond was Regina's top attacker with a hat trick, his final goal going into an empty net, while Rod Tudor had 2 goals.

Sunday, April 4, Victoria Cougars eliminated Regina Pats handily 9-3 at the Memorial Arena. Mike Will, Victoria's centre, was the hero in the first two periods. He was a one man show scoring the first four goals and adding two assists before being ejected with one minute remaining in the middle stanza. Cougars took a 2-0 first period lead and upped the score to 7-1 going into the third period. It was a rough affair with a total of 170 minutes in penalties.

The Victoria Cougars lost to the New Westminster Bruins who went on to beat Brandon and Saskatoon for the League Championship. The other teams in the Memorial Cup Tournament that year were Hamilton Fincups (OHA) and Quebec Remparts (QMJHL). Hamilton won over the Bruins 5-2 in the final game to win the Memorial Cup.

Front Row: Kerry Nisbet, Rob Tudor, Bob Turner (Coach), Mike Wirachowsky, Del Wilson (Manager), Jon Hammond, Jack Anderson Second Row: _________ (Business Manager), Brian Festerling, Gord Wappel, Al Dumba, Drew Callander, Dollard Joly, Keith Hertz, Myles Tangedal, Norm Fong (Trainer) Third Row: Dirk Graham, Gerry Minor, Larry Ell, Gerrard Joly, Ron Trafford, Greg Fieger, Greg Ing, Dean Tidball (Photo: Al Dumba – Collection)

1974-1975 - SEASON - PATS ALMOST MOVE TO SPOKANE, WASHINGTON

On Wednesday, March 27, 1974, the Regina Leader Post headlines read: “The Spokane Pats?” Reports came from the Saskatchewan Legislature Tuesday afternoon that one of Regina’s CL questioned the government on what it might do to help keep the Pats from moving to Spokane. At the same time it was confirmed by Regina Pats' President and General Manager, Del Wilson, that he had only phoned the operator of the Spokane Coliseum in terms of negotiations. “We do not want to leave Regina but, unless there is a firm commitment on a new building forthcoming, we have no other choice but to look elsewhere.” stated Wilson.

That night - City Council proposed a new 6,000 seat arena after receiving a letter from Gordon Staseson, President of the Regina Exhibition Association, asking for Council’s preliminary support of the proposal for construction of an “Agra-Dome” building.

As a result of the Pats winning the Memorial Cup in 1973-74, nine top players were drafted or graduated. Nine players returned for the 1974-75 season, leaving behind an inexperienced team. Three of the six Pat owners wanted out of ownership of the Pats Hockey Club. Del Wilson stayed as part owner and General Manager, along with Don K. McPherson and Bill Patton. In an attempt to keep the team in Regina, three new owners were recruited. The new owners were Gordon Wicijowski, Dr. Babchuk and Wilf Degelman.

On Thursday, June 27, 1974, the Regina Leader Post reported, “Del Wilson indicated he plans to keep the team in Regina. Earlier this year he alluded to the possibility of relocating to Spokane, Washington, if a new arena was not built in Regina.”

1974-75 REGINA PATS ROSTER - Goalies: Ed Staniowski, Bob Mahnic, Tim Padleski Defense: Mike Harazny, Dean Tidball, Mike Wirachowsky, Gerrard Joly, Dollard Joly, Gord Wappel Centre: Dave Faulkner, Rob Tudor, Les Grauer, Gerry Minor, Drew Callander, Ken Burdon, Glen Rolfe Right Wing: Rob Tudor, Ross Mahoney, Ron Trafford, Greg Ing, Dick Van Der Velden, Jon Hammond Left Wing: Jon Hammond, Al Dumba, Doug Keil, Jim Minor, Mike Flegel, Kevin Nagel, Bob Poley Coach: Bob Turner General Manager: Del Wilson Assistant Manager: John Weber Trainer: Norm Fong

In the off season, Swift Current Broncos owner Bill Burton moved the franchise to Lethbridge, Alberta, and the new 5,500 seat Sportsplex. The new Lethbridge coach was ex-Pats Earl Ingarfield Sr. who coached Regina Pats in the 1969 season. On Tuesday, October 15, Kamloops Chiefs outshot Regina Pats 44-27 only to lose the game 7-2. Goalie Ed Staniowski and Centre Jim Minor were selected to represent Canada in the World Junior Hockey Tournament, December 26 to January 5.

Regina Pats finished third in the Eastern Division with 63 points. Regina Pats' Dave Faulkner finished in fourth place in the League scoring race playing in 70 games, 56 goals, 66 assists for 122 points and had 59 minutes in penalties. Goalie Eddie Staniowski was selected to the WCHL All-Star Team and won the Canadian Hockey League Player of the Year Award.

Regina Pat Awards: Eddie Staniowski, Most Valuable Player (Tom Willis Trophy); Dave Faulkner, Team Top Scorer (Tom Willis Award (Wrist Watch); Al Dumba, Rookie of the Year (Nick Pappas Memorial Trophy); Les Grauer, Most Sportsmanlike Player (Hub Bishop Memorial Trophy; Mike Harazny, Top Defenseman (Charles Johnston Memorial Trophy)

Mike Harazny, Eddie Staniowski, Les Grauer, Dave Faulkner, Al Dumba (Photo: Ron C. Johnston Collection)

EASTERN DIVISION SEMI-FINAL - Sunday, March 30, it was Lethbridge's Greg Woods' goal at 4:43 of the first overtime period that gave Broncos a 5-4 victory over Pats at the Lethbridge Sportsplex. Woods unloaded a slap shot from the left side and hit the post on the short side, slipping under Eddie Staniowski's outstretched leg. Seconds earlier Robbie Laird hit the goal post at the other end of the rink on a break-a-way. Tudor had wished he could have replaced it with his first goal. He had scored on a break-a-way only 30 seconds into the game.

Tuesday, April 1, Regina Pats downed the Broncos 5-3 at Lethbridge, before 5,015 fans. Pats' netminder Ed Staniowski came up great, he was spectacular throughout. In the first two periods Eddie faced a tidal wave of 33 Bronco shots, 20 in the opening stanza. Although being outshot 33-10Regina came out of the hectic two frames leading 2-1. Jim Minor was Pats scoring leader with two goals, his first on a power play in the opening period. His second on a drive from the left side in the third.

Monday - NEWS FLASH - Regina Leader Post Headline: “burgesses swept a $ 2.4 million bylaw to help build a new hockey arena later named the Agridome”.

Wednesday, April 2, Regina Pats struggled to tie the match and then went on to down Lethbridge 4-3 in overtime at the old Regina Cow Palace. The hero was Jim Minor who helped Regina rise from defeat by scoring two goals, the first tied the game with 35 seconds left in regulation time. The Broncos had received a Penalty at 19:14. Coach Bob Turner pulled Ed Staniowski in favour of an extra attacker, giving the Pats a two-man advantage. In overtime, Minor grabbed a loose puck in front of the net at 9:16 into the extra period.

Friday, April 4, Regina upped and dumped Lethbridge 7-2 at the Exhibition Stadium in front of the largest crowd (4,457) in four years. Pat defenceman Mike Harazny was outstanding as he had the duty of shadowing Broncos' Brian Trottier. Harazny had been playing 45 minutes a game in the play-offs. In the overtime game Wednesday, Mike played all but 30 seconds in the overtime session. Every time Trottier was on the ice, so was Harazny. Going in the second period, Regina's Rod Tudor and Dave Faulkner led the charge brigade with two goals each,. Drew Callander also tallied a pair both in the third period. ......................... (Photo: Regina Leader Post - Ad)

Monday, April 7, Earl Ingarfield's Broncos came back from the brink of elimination beating the Pats 4-2 at the Lethbridge Sportsplex. Lethbridge had a 3-0 lead after the eight minute mark of the opening period. Two came on the man advantage, the three goals came within the space of a minute and 13 seconds. Terry Bucyk of the Broncos scored two goals, both during the three-goal rally. The same Bucyk side- lined defenceman Gord Wappel earlier in the period when he hammered Wappel into the boards on an icing play. Gord suffered a broken knee in three places as a result of the charge.

Wednesday, April 9, Regina Pats came up with the biggest game of the season as they downed the second place Lethbridge Broncos 5-2 taking the series at the Exhibition Stadium. Three times the Pats connected while having man advantage and that was the difference in the game. Rookie Al Dumba was the Pats top gun, scoring two goals. Broncos' Brian Trottier was Lethbridge's top scorer with a pair.

EASTERN DIVISION FINAL - Friday, April 11, the Pats dropped a 4-2 decision against the Saskatoon Blades at the Saskatoon Arena. Regina goalie Ed Staniowski kept the Pats within reach of the victory. He was brilliant in the first period when the Blades blistered drive after drive at him. Coach Bob Turner pulled netminder Staniowski in favour of an extra attacker only to have Blade's Fred Williams score into the empty net.

Sunday, April 12, Regina Pats got stung 5-2 at the Exhibition Stadium. It just wasn't Regina's night. Pats finished the night with five of seven minor penalties dished out by referee Murray Harding of Winnipeg. During one stretch in the second period, Pats were short-handed for six minutes and 30 seconds.

Tuesday, April 15, Regina fell behind 3-0 by the midpoint of the first period and fought back at Saskatoon Arena to edge the Blades 5-4. Regina scored four goals in the final eight minutes of the third period, that left the spectators gasping in disbelief. It all started when Jim Minor connected on a power play goal 12 minutes into the final period. The goal fired up the visitors. Jon Hammond, playing one of his best games of the season, started a three goal splurge over a two minute and 23 second span. His second was into an empty net.

Wednesday, April 16, Saskatoon's Danny Arndt triggered two goals as the Blades downed the Pats 4-3 at the Regina Stadium. With the clubs tied 3-3 late in the third period, overtime looked possible but Arndt scored his second and winning goal at 17:40 on a clear breakaway as he grabbed a bouncing puck at centre ice. The other Saskatoon scorer was Bernie Federko with two tallies. His were sandwiched between Arndt's. Saskatoon took a 1-0 lead after the first period. It was all Regina early in the second scoring 3 straight goals by the 6:21 mark to take a 3-1 lead going into the final period.

Friday, April 18, Saskatoon Blades captured the Eastern League Final as they blanked Regina 4-0 at the Saskatoon Arena. Pats had six power play opportunities and could not score on Blades' netminder Randy Ireland. Regina had two top defenceman out, due to injuries (Gerrard Joly and Gordon Wappel), while Mike Wirachowsky played with a mask to protect a broken nose.

Saskatoon Blades lost to New Westminster Bruins in seven games. The Bruins picked up Regina Pats' goaltender Eddie Staniowski for the Memorial Cup Tournament played at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. Toronto Marlboros (OHA) and Sherbrooke Beavers (QMJHL) were the other teams in the Tournament. In the final it was Toronto downing the Bruins 7-3 to clinch the Memorial Cup Championship.

Front Row: Ed Staniowski, Dr. Duke, Mike Harazny, Bob Turner (Coach), Dave Faulkner, Del Wilson (Manager), Jim Minor, John Weber (Assistant Manager), Brian Albert Second Row: Al Dumba, Gord Wappel, Jon Hammond, Rob Tudor, Bob Poley, Ron Trafford, Ken Burdon, Mike Wirachowsky, Drew Callander, Norm Fong (Trainer) Back Row: Dollard Joly, Doug Keil, Gerry Minor, Les Grauer, Glenn Rolfe, Dean Tidball (Photo: Glenn Rolfe – Collection)

1973-1974 - MEMORIAL CUP WINNERS

During the summer Dennis Sobchuk signed a 10 year contract valued at $1.7 million with Cincinnati Stingers of the World Hockey Association. The Vancouver Nats were bought by a group of businessmen headed by Ephraim Steinke, Exnie Rempel and Andy Berna. The group moved the franchise to Kamloops where the team was renamed the Chiefs. Meanwhile owner Ben Hatskin sold the Winnipeg Junior Jets to coach Gerry Brisson and renamed the team, Clubs. There were no overtime games that season during the League schedule. (Photo: Dennis Sobchuk - HHOF # 000054-0224 O-Pee-Chee - Collection)

1973-74 REGINA PATS ROSTER - Goalies: "Steady" Eddie Staniowski, Bob Leslie, Randy Johnson Defense: Greg Joly, Kim MacDougall, Mike Harazny, Dave Thomas, Mike Wirachowsky Centre: Dennis Sobchuk, Glen Burdon, Jim Minor, Rod Tudor, Al Dumba Right Wing: Mike Wanchuk, Rick Uhrich, Dave Faulkner, Drew Callander, Al Dumba, Rod Tudor Left Wing: Clark Gillies, Robbie "Roughhouse" Laird, Jon Hammond, "Billy the Kid" Bell, Russ Mahoney, Les Grauer Coach: Bob Turner General Manager: Del Wilson Assistant Manager: John Weber Trainer: Norm Fong Assistant Trainer: Wayne Zurkowski Statistican: Ron "Scoreboard" Johnston

REGINA PATS GO OVERSEAS - AHEARNE CUP
Tuesday, December 18, at 8:30 a.m., Pats boarded an Air Canada jet at the Regina Airport. After stops in Winnipeg and Toronto, the group boarded a Scandinavian Air Systems 747 in Montreal for the trans-Atlantic crossing. After a long flight, the group arrived a day later at 10:35 a.m. in Copenhagan, Sweden.
Two days later, Pats got their first ever taste of international hockey, playing exhibition games prior to the tournament. Most of the teams in the tournament were professional. The only points the Pats were able to get was against the London Lions, were they fought to a 5-5 tie. The London Lions were made up of mostly players from Canada. The HC Spartak Moscow team won the tournament for the second straight time. (Photo: Brian Watts and Brian McCutcheson of the London Lions, on each side of Regina Pats goalie Ed Staniowski - London Lions Collection)

Taking in the trip were director Harold Jones, Canadian Amateur Hockey Association representative, Leader Post sports writer Mal Isaac, and a number of parents of members of the Pats along with a few avid Pat fans.

The Regina Pats picked up many tips on the Scandinavian tour one being to shoot more. The Europeans use the slap shot when they got the opportunity, but passing plays are produced to set up scoring attempts with their famous wrist shots. The main reason behind manger Del Wilson accepting the invitation to compete in the Ahearne Cup, (Named after British ice hockey promoter – J.F. “Bunny” Ahearne), tournament in the first place was to give the Pats an opportunity to learn.

SWEDEN TOUR - EXHIBITION GAMES

Month	Date	Day	Visiting Team	vs.	Home Team	SCORE
December	21	Friday	Regina Pats Jr.(Canada)	vs.	Malmo Sweden	3-3
December	23	Sunday	Regina Pats Jr.(Canada)	vs.	Leksand Minor All-Stars	8-2

SWEDEN (AHEARNE CUP TOURNAMENT)

Month	Date	Day	Visiting Team	vs.	Home Team	SCORE
December	26	Wednesday	Sweden (Leksand)Sr.	vs.	Regina Pats Jr. (Canada)	5-0
December	27	Thursday	Regina Pats Jr.(Canada)	vs.	Moscow Dynamos (Pro.)	5-10
December	28	Friday	Finland Helsinki	vs.	Regina Pats Jr.(Canada)	9-2
December	30	Sunday	Stockholm AIK	vs.	Regina Pats Jr.(Canada)	8-1
January	01	Tuesday	Regina Pats Jr.(Canada)	vs.	London Lions (Pro.)	5-5
January	02	Wednesday	Sweden Sodertalje	vs.	Regina Pats Jr.(Canada)	5-3
January	03	Thursday	Regina Pats Jr.(Canada)	vs.	Sweden Djurgaarden	2-15

*********************************************************************************

On Wednesday, February 6, Leader Post Headlines Read – “Regina Pats tie League record with 16 goals”. The newest League entry, Kamloops Chiefs, paid their first visit to Regina. Coach Joe Tennant and his tribe watched Pats run up one of the most lopsided scores in the WCJHL history. Tim Priestly, Kamloops goaltender, faced a 67 shot bombardment as the Pats won 16-1.

Friday, March 15, against Edmonton Oil Kings, Dennis Sobchuk reached the 400 point mark and became the first player in WCHL history to reach that mark in just three seasons. For only the second time in Pats' history, a member's sweater number had been retired at the end of the season; Dennis Sobchuk's # 14 and the other was Billy Hicke's # 17 back in 1957.


At the end of the season the League had the tightest finish in goaltender history. There were but .0530 points separating Garth Malarchuk of Calgary Centennials who finished with a goal against average of 3.0557, while Pats Ed Staniowski was 3.0587. For the second straight season Regina Pats' Dennis Sobchuk finished second in the League scoring race with 68 goals, 78 assists for 146 points. In the WCHL All-Star Team, Greg Joly tied Ron Greschner of New Westminster Bruins for best defenseman, while Dennis Sobchuk and Ron Chipperfield of Brandon Wheat Kings tied for best centre. Regina Pats' Clark Gillies was selected at left wing. (Photo: Clark Gillies - Patrick Petit - Regina Leader Post file)

Regina Pat Awards: Dennis Sobchuk, Team Top Scorer, (Tom Wills Award - Wrist Watch); Mike Wanchuk, Most Sportsmanlike Player, (Hub Bishop Memorial Trophy; Rob Tudor, Rookie of the Year, (Nick Pappas Memorial Trophy; Greg Joly, Top Defenseman, (Charles Johnston Memorial Trophy; Eddie Staniowski, Most Valuable Player, (Tom Wills Trophy)

EASTERN SEMI-PLAY-OFFS - Monday, April 1, Regina's "Billy the Kid" Bell scored four times to help Regina defeat Saskatoon Blades 6-3 at the Exhibition Stadium. Fore-checking and power plays took a large part in the outcome of the game. Both teams were ranked one-two in the League power plays and each team scored three times with a man advantage. It was all Blades in the first, leading 2-0 going into the middle frame. Saskatoon's Pat Price with 2 power play goals, both in the first period. In the second it was Pats Thomas on a low drive from the right point through a maze of legs for Regina's first goal at 1:29 then Bell with two. Pats took a 4-3 lead going into the final period.

Tuesday, April 2, Ed Staniowski was outstanding. He turned in a perfect game as the Regina Pats shut out the Blades 4-0 at the Saskatoon Arena. Pats were ahead 3-0 after the first period on two goals by Clark Gillies and Rob Tudor. Tudor scored his second goal in the second period. In addition to a pretty stout defence in front of him, Eddie Staniowski had help from the goal posts. After the game, Eddie stated, "No. 1 star should have been the goal post." Blades hit seven goal posts. Ed made three big saves in the second period on clear break-a-ways from the blue line.

Thursday, April 4, Jack McLeod's Blades bounced the Pats 3-2 at Regina Stadium. The difference in the game was Saskatoon did fore-checking while Regina did not fore-check or hit. The opening frame was scoreless and took only 25 minutes to complete. John McIvor scored twice for Saskatoon, both in the middle stanza when the Hub City took a 2-1 lead. McIvor scored only 14 seconds into the period as he was parked in front of the net. Regina's Rob Laird directed Dennis Sobchuk's pass and scored at 5:41 followed by McIvor's second goal five minutes later on a 15 footer knee-high drive in the third period. Williams gave Blades a 3-1 lead on a screen shot at 12:38 and Dennis Sobchuk scored at 18:50.

Friday, April 5, Saskatoon downed Pats 5-2 at the Saskatoon Arena. Regina Pats came out hitting but reversed their style in the middle period and ran into trouble. After taking a 1-0 lead early in the second on Billy Bell's 5th goal of the series, Blades struck for two goals in the span of one minutes and 11 seconds. Two minutes into the third period Dennis Sobchuk tied the game on a power play goal. Saskatoon then put it away with three goals, two were on break-a-way goals.

Sunday, April 7, an outstanding performance by defenceman Kim MacDougall, helped the Regina Pats to a 4-2 victory over the Blades at the Stadium. It was heavy body checking, plus the relentless skating of the Pats, that gave them the win in the contest. Rick Uhrich's power play goal at 8:34 of the opening period got the Pats on track. Rob Tudor goal at 13:05 made it 2-0 at the end of the first period. Clark Gillies and Glen Burdon upped the score to 4-0 before Danny Arndt of Saskatoon scored two goals; his first with less than two minutes left in the second and his second goal in the third period at 16:22.

Tuesday, April 9, before a sell out crowd, (4,150) at Saskatoon Arena, Pats downed the Blades 5-2. Saskatoon came out in high gear. Goalie Eddie Staniowski faced a continual barrage in the first 10 minutes. "Steady" Eddie finally yielded a goal at the ten minute mark. It was the 12th shot Staniowski faced during those hectic ten minutes. Kim MacDougall, even with a broken right hand finger, put Regina back on even terms two minutes later on a deflected shot from the point. The Regina Pats never looked back.

EASTERN FINALS - Friday, April 12, the largest crowd (4,372) of the season at the Regina Exhibition Stadium saw their Pats get thumped 7-3 by coach Stan Dunns' Swift Current Broncos. Regina got beat by 16 year old goalie Bill Oleschuk who faced 40 shots. The other had to be Don Larway, a pick up from the Winnipeg Clubs in the mid-season. Larway scored Broncos first three goals. Broncos went on to score four goals in the last period to put it out of reach. With the Broncos ahead 3-2 after the second period, Rob Laird of the Pats scored at 1:30 to tie the game before the Broncos scored 4 goals between the 2 minute mark and the midway point.

Sunday, April 14, at the Regina Stadium, Glen Burdon dashed down the ice hacking off two desperate checks and then whipped in the goal that started the unbelievable six goal come back against a shell-shocked goalie Bill Oleschuk. Pats produced a 7-5 victory over the stunned Swift Current Broncos at the Stadium. Broncos had enjoyed a goal just after 1:51 had elapsed in the final period. Regina Pats Rick Uhrich scored a pair of goals. The big scorer for the Broncos was Don Larway with his second straight hat trick.

Tuesday, April 16, at the Swift Current Civic Centre. Pats downed the Broncos 4-1 in a defensive display. Both teams faught through a scoreless first period before Regina's Rich Uhrich put in Dennis Sobchuck's rebound at 6:32 of the second. Brian Trottier tied the game for the Broncos on a backhander power play goal midway through the period. Less then 3 minutes later Doug McDougall shot from the point, it deflected off a Broncos defenseman to put Regina up 2-1 going into the final period. In the final period Robbie "Roughhouse" Laird put the lid on things as he scored a pair of tallies.

Thursday, April 18, Swift Current struck early and often then hung on to edge the Pats 6-5 at the Civic Centre. In the dying seconds of the middle period, Broncos Brian Trottier's goal gave Swift Current the winning goal as the third period was scoreless. Trottier scored three goals, his third coming with only 25 seconds left in the second period. Robbie Laird led the Pat attack with two goals, his second tied the game at 5-5. Pats outshot Swift Current 53-38 in the losing cause.

Friday, April 19, after almost 47 minutes of play, the Broncos decided to leave their bench led by Dave “Tiger” Williams. Using their hockey sticks as weapons, he led them into the stands to settle a few matters with some spectators. Approximately 30 minutes later, both teams were escorted to their dressing rooms by Regina's police. When the game resumed, the Bronco's bench was surrounded by a ring of city police and there was no further scoring. Regina went on to down Swift Current 6-2 at the Stadium.

Saturday, April 20, at Swift Current Civic Centre, Pats took victory over the Broncos 4-1 to advance to the League finals. Pats' goalie Eddie Staniowski blocked 30 shots, eleven coming in the final period when Broncos blitzed the Pat net minder. Regina's big attacker was defenseman Greg Joly with two goals coming in the middle frame. With the Pats taking a 2-1 lead into the second period, Greg Joly took things into his own hands as he rushed the length of the ice, tucked the puck between Oleschuk's legs, and leaving three Broncos trailing at his heels. It was the first of two goals for Joly, both being in the final period. Following the game Pats coach Bob Turner said, " When Joly and Sobchuk are going, the whole team goes." Somehow Bob forgot to mention his goalie, Eddie Staniowski but Swift Current coach Stan Dunn stated, " The guy who beat us was Eddie Staniowski. He was unreal."

LEAGUE FINAL - Tuesday, April 23, at the Regina Exhibition Stadium big Clark Gillies' goal at 3:40 of the third period turned out to be the winner as Pats squeaked by Calgary Centennials 2-1. Staniowski was the hero as time and time again he came through when needed. It with painful experience for him in the third period because he had pulled his back muscles in the second. It was Regina 1-0 after the first period as Dennis Sobchuk deflected a power play goal off Mike Wanchuk's point shot. Three minutes later Calgary's Don Ashby tied the game from a Dennis McLean centre pass. There was no scoring until Clark Gillies scored the winner, a quick blast from a sharp angle to the right of goalie Garth Malarchuk.

Wednesday, April 24, Coach Bob Turner put the Line of Glen Burdon, Rick Uhrich and Robbie Laird, (better known as the BUL Line) to shadow Calgary's top scoring line and kept them off the score sheet. The Line was at their best as they scored the two biggest Regina goals in the third period as Pats went on to a 4-2 victory over coach Scotty Munro's Centennials. Dennis Sobchuk opened the scoring at 3:04 of the first period. Calgary scored both their goals in the second to take a 2-1 lead before Regina erupted for three goals in the third period.

Friday, April 26, April Regina Pats took a 6-5 overtime victory, before 7,391 fans, over the Centennials at the Calgary Corral. It was Glen Burdon's goal at 4:57 that gave the Pats the win. Regina's Dennis Sobchuk scored three times, the first 2 goals of the first period and the first goal of the third period. The stubborn Calgary club deserved better fate. They never gave up. Regina had a 3-0 first period margin and were ahead 4-2 after 40 minutes of play. Early in the third period, Pats took a 5-2 lead, only to see the Centennials storm back with 3 unanswered goals in the last 4 minutes to force the overtime. Glen Burdon ended the spectacle with an ice length rush that ended the game when he put the puck behind Centennial's goalie Kel Erickson.

Saturday, April 27, Regina Pats won the Father Athol Murray Trophy, WCJHL Champions, and a trip to the Memorial Cup to be held in Calgary. They did it with a 5-2 victory over the Calgary Centennials before an overflow crowd (7,074) at the Calgary Corral. The seating capacity of the Corral is 6,495. It was defenseman Greg Joly's two goals, the first two of the game, that gave Pats the big lift to the League title. With a 2-0 early second period lead, the Centennials scored two goals within one minute and 21 seconds to tie the game. Regina hurt Calgary's chances when they replied with 2 of their own in 1 minute and 11 seconds, less than 1 minute after Calgary had tied the game. Those two Pat goals took all the steam out of the Calgary Centennials. "Didn't they work in the third period?" asked Pats coach Bob Turner. "Our goaltending and defence was simply outstanding.” (Photo: Ed Chynoweth, WCHA President, presents the Father Athol Murray Trophy to the Four Regina Pat Captains - Cp Wirephoto)



MEMORIAL CUP BOUND - Regina added goaltender strength for the Memorial Cup. They picked Larry Hendrick of Edmonton Oil Kings League all-star goalie, and Garth Malarchuk of Calgary. All tournament games were played at the Calgary Corral. Regina had the hospitality of Calgary's Scotty Munro. "He gave the use of their bus and told the Pats that he would do anything to help." said Regina Pats manager Del Wilson.

Regina Pats arrived Wednesday at Calgary Airport. Centennial trainer James "Bearcat" Murray welcomed them with his club's bus. Scotty Munro also graciously donated his trainer to help the Pats throughout the tournament.

Monday, May 6, Regina Pats were perfect in their first Memorial Cup game as they blanked Paul Emmil's St. Catherine Black Hawks 4-0. The Hawks thought Dennis Sobchuk was the player they had to stop. They forgot Pats defenseman Greg Joly as he scored two goals. It was one of his finest games as a junior and he controlled the game from start to finish. The other hero for Regina Pats was their netminder Ed Staniowski, who was there to stop the Hawks. Early in the third period, Staniowski stopped three brilliant point-blank shots, when the Hawks were applying power play pressure. On the same sequence Eddie had Hawk's Rick Adduono ring a shot off the goal post.

On Monday, Dave Faulkner was hit over the eye by a puck, requiring 13 stitches to close. Later in the game the same Faulkner dislocated his right elbow.

Wednesday, May 8, Quebec Remparts came out skating and the Remparts downed the Pats 5-3. Regina was out done in every department in this contest. It was a reverse to Monday's game. They were out- skated and outfought. Regina even lost in the injury department. Robbie Laird, who was outstanding. The only good thing for Regina was that all three goals scored came while they had the man advantage. It wasn't the same Pats Wednesday. For Quebec it was a must game, who now have to play St. Catherine Friday night. The winner would play Regina Pats on Sunday.

Friday, May 10, it was all Quebec Remparts as they ripped into St. Catherines Black Hawks and trounced them 11-3. Remparts had period leads off 1-0 and 5-2 and scored six goals in the final period. Seventeen year old Real Cloutier had 3 goals and 1 assist, while Jacques Locas and Dan Beaulieu scored 2 each. It was Quebec's 4th time in the last 5 years that they represented the Quebec League in the Memorial Cup Tournament.

Sunday, May 12, It was a sweet victory for the Regina Pats as they won their first Canadian Junior (Memorial Cup) Championship in 44 years, winning 7-4 in front of 7,382 fans plus TV watchers. The Pats trailed 3-0 near the seventeen minute mark of the opening frame before Big Clark Gillies' goal started the Regina come back.

Trailing 3-1 going into the middle period Pats coach Bob Turner walked into the dressing room, Dennis Sobchuk got up and said, "You do not have to say a word, Were going to win this game." Turner turned around and walked out. They went on and outshot Marc Picard's Remparts 22-4 in the second period and scored four straight goals. In the third period, Quebec's Jacque Locas scored at the fifteen minute mark to close the score to 5-4 for the Pats. Three minutes later, Regina's Glen Burdon outhustled everyone to the puck. Glen roared in on Rempart's goalie Robert Sauve, scoring the all important clinching goal. Dennis "The Cincinnati Kid" Sobchuk who had signed a million dollar contract with the World Hockey Association Club scored his third goal of the game, into the open net with 33 seconds remaining.

Coach, Bob Turner who won five Stanley Cups with Montreal Canadiens said, "This one meant more than anything else and that Swede trip brought them together as a team." In his last year centre Dennis Sobchuk said “I think the turning point came when we started hitting them in the second period.” Goalie “Steady” Eddie Staniowski said “We knew it was our biggest game of the year and no one was going to win it for us.”

Month	Date	Day	Visitor	vs.	Home	Score
May	05	Sunday	St. Catherines (OHL)	vs.	Quebec Remparts(QMJHL)	4-1
May	06	Monday	St. Catherines (OHL)	vs.	Regina Pats (WCJHL)	0-4
May	08	Wednesday	Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)	vs.	Regina Pats (WCJHL)	5-3

SEMI-FINAL GAME

Month	Date	Day	Visitor	vs.	Home	Score
May	10	Friday	Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)	vs.	St. Catherines (OHL)	11-3

MEMORIAL CUP FINAL

Month	Date	Day	Visitor	vs.	Home	Score
May	12	Sunday	Regina Pats(WCJHL)	vs.	Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)	7-4

MEMORIAL CUP ALL-STAR TEAM - Goalie: Robert Sauve, Quebec Remparts Defense: Greg Joly, Regina Pats, Richard Perron, Quebec Remparts Centre: Glen Burdon, Regina Pats Right Wing: Rick Uhrich, Regina Pats Left Wing: Real Coultier, Quebec Remparts
Most Valuable Player: Defenseman: Greg Joly, Regina Pats

Approximately 200 fans waited it out at the Regina Airport almost a full three hours passed their original arrival time. After the arrival, Pats were led to escorted cars and through Regina's open streets to the City Hall. "You have made hockey history for the City." Mayor Henry Baker said at the City Hall. Premier of Saskatchewan Allan Blakeney on behalf of the province presented the players with a plaque. "I want to thank you for a great year in the WCHL." said Mr. Blakeney. "That calibre of hockey that is played in that League is a great source of enjoyment throughout Western Canada."



(Photo:Eddie Staniowsi and Dennis Sobchuk were all signing Monday - Regina Leader Post – Roy Antal)

The Memorial Cup brought to an end the career of nine Regina Pats, one being little Mike Wanchuk. He spent three months in bed suffering from mononucleosis. Wanchuk still felt some closeness with his teammates despite missing half a season.




TOP LEFT – CLOCK WISE: Kim MacDougall, Bill Bell, Rick Uhrich, Dave Faulkner, Bob Leslie, Glen Burdon, Rob Tudor, Ed Staniowski, David Thomas, Mike Wirachowsky, (Below: Champion Regina Pats - Mike Wanchuk, Dennis Sobchuk, Drew Callander, Greg Joly, Jim Minor, Clark Gillies, Rob Laird, Michael Harazny



Sitting: Randy McCormick, Ken Gibson (Stick Boys) Front Row: Eddie Staniowski, Bob Turner (Coach), Greg Joly, John Weber (Assistant Manager), Dr. Jim Chatwin (Physician), Rick Uhrich, Del Wilson (General Manager), Bob Leslie Second Row: Wayne Zurowski (Assistant Trainer), Clark Gillies, Bill Bell, Dave Faulkner, Mike Wanchuk, Jim Minor, Rob Laird, Dennis Sobchuk, Norm Fong (Trainer) Back Row: Glen Burdon, Drew Callander, Mike Wirachowsky, Mike Harazny, Rob Tudor, Kim MacDougall, Jon Hammond, Dave Thomas (Photo: Dennis Sobchuk - Collection)

1972-1973 - SEASON

Regina coach Bob Turner was back at the helm after a year's absence. On Friday, January 19, at Regina, fans saw the 18 year old centre Dennis Sobchuk destroy Rudy Pilous Brandon’s crew. Sobby scored six goals and had four assists for 10 points. Regina Pats went on to defeat the Wheat Kings 11-3. Dennis also scored his 100th goal since joining the WCHL the previous season. “Some nights they go in easy, other nights they don’t go in at all. Tonight, well, it was one of those real good nights,” remarked a jubilant Sobchuk amid congratulations following the game. “And I should have had a couple more, especially in the third period.” added Sobchuk. It was his best night as a junior and coach Robert Turner attributed the success to a talk he had with his BIG THREE just a couple of days ago. "I told them to shoot more." Bob stated.

There were no overtime games during the League schedule that season. Regina Pats finished third in the Eastern Division with 70 points. Eddie Staniowski won the Regina Pats Most Valuable Player (Tom Wills Trophy); Dennis Sobchuk, Team Top Scorer (Tom Wills Award - Wrist Watch); Rick Uhrich, Most Sportsmanlike (Hub Bishop Memorial Trophy); Mike Harazny, Rookie of the Year (Nick Pappas Memorial Trophy); Greg Joly, Top Defenseman (Charles Johnston Memorial Trophy). Dennis Sobchuk finished second in the scoring race with 67 goals and 80 assists for 147 points and won the Most Valuable Player Award. Regina Pats defenseman Greg Joly, was selected to the League all-star team.

1972-1973 REGINA PATS ROSTER - Goalies: Eddie Staniowski, Ernie Mercier, Bob Leslie, Cal Duplessis Defense: Greg Joly, Doug Marit (Captain), Mike Harazny, Kim MacDougall, Sid Prysunka, Fleuri Perron, Stu McLellan, Dave Thomas Centre: Dennis Sobchuk, Glen Burdon, Rod Loynachan, Glen Ing, Rod Tudor, Jon Hammond, Les Grauer Right Wing: Mike Wanchuk, Rick Uhrich, Jim Minor, Drew Callander, Billy "The Kid" Bell, Rod Tudor Left Wing: Clark Gillies, Brad Anderson, Billy Bell, Robbie "Kid Dynamite" Laird N/K: Rick Bohlman Coach: Bob Turner Manager: Del Wilson Trainer: Charlie Walsh Statistician: Ron "Scoreboard" Johnston

It was the third straight year Regina Pats and Flin Flon Bombers met in the WCJHL quarter-finals.

Semi-Final Play-Offs - Sunday, March 25, Flin Flon Bombers tripped the Regina Pats 3-1 at Flin Flon's Whitney Forum. Pats came out hitting, particularly the two biggest members of the club Doug Marit and Clark Gillies, with the later only taking just seven seconds to let the Bombers know he was there. Six minutes later Marit sent a Bomber crashing to the ice in front of the Pat goal. After a scoreless first period, Regina quit hitting. In the second period it hurt them as Flin Flon scored two goals by Neil Melnyk and Blaine Stoughton. In the third period Rob Watt made it 3-0 before Pats' Dennis Sobchuk put Regina on the score sheet at 12:34.

Tuesday, March 27, Flin Flon's captain Blaine Stoughton's three goal performance led Bombers to a 5-3 victory at Whitney Forum. It was Stoughton's second goal at 11:42 of the middle period that proved to be the winner. Goals by Mike Wanchuk and Jim Minor 17 seconds apart put Pats back in the game at the midway point. The two almost tied the game only to have Stoughton steal the puck and race down the ice on a breakaway, then score on goalie Ed Staniowski one minute later.

Due to World Curling taking over at the Regina Exhibition Stadium, Regina was forced to play their home games at Moose Jaw Civic Centre.

Friday, March 30, Flin Flon's Wayne Bianchin's two goals helped his club to a 5-1 triumph over Regina at Moose Jaw Civic Centre. Pats came out hitting in the first 20 minutes as they out-hit the Bombers 22-5 but were only able to salvage a 1-1 tie. Bianchin opened the scoring 53 seconds into the game and Pats' Dennis Sobchuk scored at the six minute mark. Regina let up in the middle period and it was costly as the Bombers pumped in three goals. Bianchin scored his second goal at 5:44 of the second period and Flin Flon then scored three goals in the last two minutes for a 4-1 lead.

Sunday, April 1, down 3-0 Flin Flon scored three quick goals in the span of one minute and 10 seconds near the fifteen minute mark of the second period. Bombers went on to down Regina 4-3 and take the series four straight on Blaine Stoughton's winning goal with just 18 seconds left in regulation time. Stoughton broke in alone three times on Pats goaltender Eddie Staniowski and was robbed all 3 times. The fourth was the big one as he finally beat Eddie. It was Stoughton's third winning goal in the series. "Those guys just never quit," stated dejected Pats Doug Marit following the game in the dressing room.

Ex-Pat's coach Jack Shupe's Medicine Hat Tigers represented the Western Junior Hockey League, the other two were Toronto Marlboros (OHA) and Quebec Reparts (QMJHL). The Memorial Cup tournament was held at the Montreal Forum. The Marlboros downed Quebec in the final 9-1.

THE HUNT IS OVER - CURTIS RETURNS TO THE REGINA PATS as 2009-2010 COACH - HE'S BACK !

General Manager Brent Parker - the count down - (Photo: Rod Pedersen)



WELCOME BACK - CURTIS - (Photo: Regina Pats Web Site)


Regina Pats called a press conference Monday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. to introduce Curtis Hunt as the head coach of the WHL club. It will be Hunt's second stint as head coach of the hockey team. Under Hunt's coaching, the Pats registered a pair of 40-win seasons; (40 wins in 2005-06 season and 44 wins in 2007-08 season) where Hunt led the Pats to their first East Division title in a decade. Curtis also had a 36 win season in the 2006-07 season. (Photo: Regina Pats Club - Collection)

2004-2008 - CURTIS HUNT REGINA PATS RECORD:

Year	- Team Coached -	GP	GW	GL	GT	OT
2004-2005	- Regina Pats Head Coach -	72	12	50	4	6
2005-2006	- Regina Pats Head Coach -	72	40	27	1	4
2006-07	- Regina Pats Head Coach -	63*	33	23	2	5
2007-2008	- Regina Pats Head Coach -	63*	40	20	1	2
Total	- Regina Pats Head Coach -	270	125	120	8	17
Total WHL	- Moose Jaw and Regina -	414	202	164	23	25

* Record adjusted for Hunt’s two years with World Juniors. 2006-07 and 2007-08 - GP: 63 only while the first two years - GP: 72

Curis Hunt coached the Regina Pats for four seasons before leaving the club last summer, July 11, 2008 to become an assistant coach with the NHL's Ottawa Senators. Hunt's stay in Ottawa was brief, when the Senators fired head coach Craig Hartsburg and re-assigned Hunt to the team's AHL affiliate in Binghamton. With two years left on his contract, the Senators asked Hunt to return next season as their AHL bench boss, an offer which declined. He guided the Senators to a record of 16-14-2-1 and narrowly missed the playoffs. Hunt ranks fourth all-time in Pats history for games coached. Bob Turner 700 games 1965-69, 1970-71, 1972-76; Murray Armstrong 493 games 1948-56; and Frank Mario 412 games 1956-62. This includes League games and Play-off games. ... (Photo: Don Healy - Regina Leader Post New Paper)

This is dedicated to Maranda! What a sweet child.

This is dedicated to Maranda! Tonight is her night, with the steak night fundraiser at the Press Box Sports Bar from 4:00pm to 9:00pm at 909 Albert Street North. Tickets are $20. each. Come on Regina, lets get together and turn up tonight.

Please take a minute to read the new few paragraphs and get to know Maranda a little better. This is from her family: "We knew Maranda had health problems, but it would also be fair to say that we did not fully understand the extent of her illness. It's one thing to be told a child has microcephaly and a reduced life expectancy, but a completely different thing to LIVE it.

Maranda has been through all kind of tests, most notably her neurological exams, which include CAT scans, MRI's of her brain and regular EEG's (electroencephalographs) to measure her brain waves.We now know that she is having many different kinds of seizure activity in all parts of her brain. What we thought were sleep problems turned out to be seizures and what we thought was night time gastric reflux, was actually vomiting associated with the seizures. Each time a new seizure symptom presents itself we call our neurologist directly and, every morning if she isn't up at the crack of dawn, we creep into her room to make sure she is still breathing.

Some mornings our hearts stop until we see that she is awake. She is on a number of medications to reduce inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity and seizure activity. This means remembering a list of medications and administering them about every four hours. Maranda is a vulnerable child. She has no sense of danger, and no understanding of yesterday, today, or tomorrow. She has many developmental delays most notably delayed fine motor skills, and intellectual challenges.

So far, she has been diagnosed with microcephaly, ADHD, OCD, vision problems, and seizure disorder, which are all symptoms of a syndrome that has yet to be named. She does have an amazing 'savant' memory. Like the character in the movie "Rain Man," she can remember names of people, places, football players and other lists with amazing clarity. She is charming to converse with and entertaining to watch. Maranda is an incredible child who has come so much further than anyone thought she would, and we are so proud of her."

1971-1972 - SEASON

Bernie McLean's Estevan Bruins moved their franchise to New Westminster during the off season, where the team played in the old 4,900 seat Queen's Park Arena. There were also two other new entries from the west coast which joined that year, Victoria Cougars and the Vancouver Nets. The Western Canada Hockey League now had twelve teams, six in each division. Each team was now playing sixty-eight scheduled games, up two games from the previous season. On Thursday, April 13, 1972, in the Regina Leader Post: "Lethbridge WCHL franchise sought a new arena seating between 5,000-6,000 people. It is being built and will be in operation the fall of 1973."

That year, a new trophy for the Best Defenseman was given by Ron C. Johnston in loving memory of his father (a defenseman who played in the 1921-1922 Inter-city League, with Moose Jaw). Regina Pats had a new coach that year, Earl Ingarfield had just retired from playing in the NHL. Earl had been used by the Pats for the Memorial Cup series back in 1955 while playing for the Lethbridge Native Sons. He played in two games for the Regina Pats getting an assist. The rookie coach became the League coach of the year, to-date this is only time it has ever happened to a Pats coach. The next year he became western scout for the New York Islanders. Halfway through the Islanders' season, the coach was let go and Earl had the chance to coach the club to the end of the season, after which he returned to scouting for the Islanders.
Pats grabbed first place on December 14, and were in second place for a brief moment before going on to win the League Pennant.

That same year (1971-72) Regina Pats top line was the famous rookie line made up of centre Dennis “Sobie” Sobchuk who played for Estevan Bruins of the SAJHL in 1970-71 and was traded to the Pats; Dennis' younger brother Eugene, who played for the Pats for one year the previous season; as well as right winger (Mike Wanchuk) and left winger (Clark Gillies). The three finished as the top three scorers for the Pats that season.

THE FAMOUS ROOKIE LINE


..... Clark GILLIES ..... Dennis SOBCHUK ...... Mike WANCHUK .....

Rookie Line	GP	G	A	PTS	WG	OT	PPG	T	SHG	BWG
Dennis Sobchuk	68	56	67	123	6	1	20	0	3	4
Mike Wanchuk	64	44	38	82	10	1	25	1	0	1
Clark Gillies	68	41	38	79	5	0	12	0	0	0
Rookie's Totals	68	131	153	284	21	2	57	1	3	5

WG: winning goals, OT: overtime goals, PPG: power play goals, T: tying goals SHG: short handed goals, BWG break away goals.

1971-1972 Regina Pats Roster - Goalies: Bernie Germain, Eddie “Steadie” Staniowski Defense: Dwight Bialowas (Captain), Greg Joly, Doug Marit, John Dobie, Nellie Greene, Sid Pryunka, Kim MacDougall, Mike Harzny, Jim Kelly Centre: Dennis “Sobie” Sobchuk, Glen Burdon, Glen Toner, Brad Anderson Right Wing: Mike Wanchuk, Al Barrett, Rich Uhrich, Jim Minor Left Wing: Clark Gillies, Scott "Smitty" Smith, Ken Marit, Bill Bell, Rob Laird, Harvey Schmidt Jr. Coach: Earl Ingarfield Owner/Manager: Del Wilson Assistant Manager: John Weber Trainer: Charlie Walch Statistican: Ron "Scoreboard" Johnston

East Division Semi-Play-Offs - they were forced to open series in Flin Flon instead of Regina due to the Annual Regina Horse Show at the Exhibition Stadium. A Norcanair DC-3 two hour trip replaced the 10 hour Moose Mountain bus trip.

Sunday, March 16, Dave Shardlow scored a power play goal at 17:25 of the first period and Regina's Mike Wanchuck tied the game 1-1 at 16:23 of the middle period. Regina Pats took a 2-1 lead on Rich Urhrich goal near the eight minute mark of the third period and then stood around as Flin Flon stormed back with two goals in the final two minutes of the game for a 3-2 decision at the Whitney Forum. Rookie Al Hillier scored the tying goal at 18:28. The winning goal had Blaine Stoughton grab the puck at centre ice from defenceman Dwight Bialowas. He shifted around John Dobie and then was home free as he scored at 19:02.

Tuesday, April 4, the 10 day lay-off helped Glen Burdon, who had been side lined with a broken jaw, and Doug Marit, with a broken wrist, return to the Pat line-up. The spectacular performance of netminder Roger Swanson helped the Flin Flon Bombers to a 5-3 win over the Pats at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. Swanson kicked out almost all 46 shots directed his way. Bombers lead 2-0 after the first period. Dennis Sobchuk scored while Bombers were 2 men short 16 seconds into the second. Flin Flon upped the score to 5-1 with 4 minutes left in the game. Then the Pats scored two in the last minutes of the game.

Friday, April 7, Regina coach Earl Ingarfield's Pats won 8-6 in a loosely played game over Flin Flon at the Stadium. Pats took a 4-2 lead at the midway point in the second period only to see the Bombers close the margin. Regina snapped 5-5and 6-6 ties in the third period before Al Barrett and Dennis Sobchuk scored 18 seconds apart late in the period. Barrett scored the winner and turned in his first three goals performance of the season. Wayne Bianchin also scored three goals for the Bombers. Regina rifled 17 shots each period on Swanson and 4 of the 8 goals Pats scored never left the ice.

Sunday, April 9, Pats battled to a 1-1 tie at Flin Flon Witney Forum. Pat goaltender Bernie Germain was brilliant as he kicked out nearly everything the Bombers threw at him. The third period was one of the best played in the series as both clubs went all out to get the go ahead goal. It was Pats' Glen Toner scoring from a face-off just left of Bombers net. Rich Uhrich won the face-off sent the puck back to Dwight Bialowas who let a low drive go and Toner scored on the rebound. Bombers Al Hillier scored in the second on Flin Flon's 21 shot with 21 seconds left in the period.

Tuesday, April 11, Regina Pats turned in their best offensive showing at the Regina Stadium as they walked all over Flin Flon 9-1 in a penalty filled encounter. The wild scoring by Pats lost some of its glitter when, with only 15 seconds left in the game, a wild brawl ensued with both benches charging onto the ice. It took nearly 30 minutes to bring a halt to the near riot. When it was all over, referee Joe Cassidy and penalty-timekeeper Harold Jones required a second score sheet to get it all sorted out.

The final tally was - 444 minutes in penalties, Flin Flon had 235 minutes and Regina 209 minutes. It had to be a record of some sort. Nineteen of 26 majors, 20 misconduct and eight game misconducts came from the game-ending occurence. Regina rookie right-winger Mike Wanchuck led the powerful Pats offence with three goals and linemate centre Dennis Sobchuk had a pair of goals.

Due to a reduced ceiling (below 500 feet) at Flin Flon's airport, Regina's chartered flight Norcanair DC-3 was cancelled Friday afternoon, it never left Regina. The game had to be rescheduled for the next day.

Saturday, April 15, a goal by Al Bennett at the 14 minute mark of the third period capped a come-from-behind effort by the Pats for a 2-2 draw. Bombers had taken a 2-0 lead after the opening period on goals 4 minutes apart, Blaine Stoughton at 14:38 and Gary Howatt at 18:13. Mike Wanchuk started the comeback at the 14 second mark in the middle stanza. Dwight Bialowas' drive from the right point deflected off Wanchuck's leg. In the third period Al Barrett stole the puck from along the boards near centre, skated into the Bombers' zone and rifled a 30 foot shot through Roger Swanson's pads to tie the game.

Sunday, April 16, standing room only witnessed the Regina Pats thrash the Flin Flon Bombers 8-2 at the Exhibition Stadium. Regina wasted little time as they struck for three goals in the space of one minute and 50 seconds in the early part of the opening period. It was Mike Wanchuck at 5:55, Doug Marit 6:54 and Glen Toner at 7:45. Regina added four more in the middle frame for a 7-0 lead then toyed with the Bombers the last 20 minutes of the game.

EASTERN DIVISION FINAL - Tuesday, April 18, the Regina Pats trounced Brandon Wheat Kings 8-1 at the Exhibition Stadium. Both teams came out of the opening period tied 1-1. Regina scored four unanswered goals in the middle frame. Pats poured a total of 30 shots at the Brandon netminder Dave McLelland in the final period as he let in 3 goals. Mike Wanchuk and Scott Smith led Pats with two goals apiece.

Wednesday, April 19, Regina Pats 17-year-old superstar Denis Sobchuck, a native of Lang, Saskatchewan, was the big difference in the face-off circles. He helped Pats to a 6-4 decision over the Wheat Kings at Regina Stadium. Sobie was getting the faster draw over Brandon Wheat Kings' Ron Chipperfield. Sobchuk figured in five of the six Pat goals. He scored a goal and had four assists. Two of the assists came in the last three minutes of the game. Sobchuk won a pair of face offs that led to the winning and insurance markers.

All Brandon Wheat Kings home games were played at the larger ice surface, at the Winnipeg Arena instead of the smaller Brandon Man-Ex Arena.

Saturday, April 22, Ron Chipperfield and the Brandon Wheat Kings thumped Regina Pats 6-1. The Wheat Kings led 2-0 after only four minutes of the starting period and put it out of reach with four goals in the middle frame. Three of the goals in the second stanza came within a minute. Ron Chipperfield scored three loose pucks into a three goal performance for the Wheat Kings. The turning point came with three minutes left in the first period. Pats' Dennis Sobuchuk streaked behind the Brandon defenceman and blasted a shot passed goalie McLelland only to have the puck bounce off the cross bar.

TELLING IT LIKE IT IS: Keeping the Statistical tabs on the junior Pats hockey club, is by no means an easy task. on Ron "Scoreboard" Johnston, who handles everything from shots on goals to shots by and against Pat players, keeps the information for coach Earl Ingarfield. (Photo: Regina Leader Post - file)

Sunday, April 23, Brandon evened the series downing Regina 5-3 with the help of Chipperfield's second period goals at the Winnipeg Arena. His two goals in three minutes and 30 seconds, helped the Kings snap a 2-2 tie in the second. Poor coverage by the Regina defence played a major roll in the club's downfall. Three Brandon goals came after Bernie Germain came up with big saves, only to have the defenceman back in on top of him and give the Wheat Kings chances on the rebounds. Scott Smith of the Pats chipped in with two goals.

Monday, April 24, Regina Pats captain Dwight Bialowas helped to blank the Wheat Kings 3-0 back at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. The winning goal was a beauty. Regina defenceman grabbed the loose puck at Pats' blue line. He streaked up the middle, beat a Brandon defender with a beautiful shift, skated in unmolested on the goalie and scored at 5:49 of the first. In the third period Mike Wanchuk drilled a 40 footer slapshot at 6:08 and Ken Marit went around the defence and scored from in front of the net at 8:25.

Wednesday, April 26, Regina Pats advanced to the League final against Edmonton in impressive style as they blanked Brandon 6-0. It was the second straight shutout for goalie Germain. Clark Gillies scored twice for the Pats to take a 1-0 leadincluding the winner at 6:21 of the opening period. With only 30 second left in the period, Ron Chiperfield jumped out of the penalty box and streaked in alone on Bernie Germain who robbed him on a slapshot. At the time Pats were trapped inside of Brandon's zone. Pats' coach Earl Ingarfield had Rich Uhrich covering Brandon's high scoring ace Ron Chipperfield in the two games and kept him off the score sheet.

LEAGUE FINAL - Saturday, April 29, Regina Pats won the opening final at the Regina Stadium posting a 5-2 victory over Edmonton Oil Kings. Pats scored four of their five goals in the opening period as Regina lead 4-1. Pats Al Barrett opened the scoring as he picked up the puck off the boards and slid it passed surprised Doug Sortaert. In the second period John Rogers flipped a long shot that Pats' goalie Bernie Germanin thought was going over the net only to drop just below the cross bar at 11:22. Regina's Dennis Sobchuk scored in the third period with only 2 minutes left in the game.

Sunday, April 30, Edmonton's goalie Larry Hendrick was wearing a giant sized horse shoe as the Oil Kings shut the Pats out 3-0 at Regina Exhibition Stadium. Glen Ing was the first to feel the effect of Hendrick's horse shoe, letting a blast go passed the netminder only to hit the goal post at the 8:30 mark of the second period. A minute later Dennis Sobchuck ripped a shot through Hendricks' pads only to have the puck trickle passed the corner of the net. Defensive errors by the Regina Pats cost a pair of goals by Marcel Comeau in the first period. Pats had 44 shots on Henrick.

Tuesday, May 2, for the second straight game, Oil Kings blanked the Pats 3-0 at the Edmonton Gardens. Edmonton's netminder Hendrick still had lady luck with him. On three occasions he was caught going the wrong way with the puck lying in the goal crease. Each time a Pat player was inches away, the player either didn't see it or could not get to the puck. Don Kozak opened the scoring on a power play goal at 16:39 of the first period on a slapshot as he crossed the blueline. In the second period, Tom Bladon blasted a 60 foot screen drive by at 6:11. In the third, Curtis Shokoples drirected Phi Russell's low drive from the point at the 12:11 mark.

Thursday, May 4, Regina dropped a 4-1 decision to the Edmonton Oil Kings at the Gardens. It was the first time this season Pats lost three games in a row. Pat's lone goal was scored by rookie centre Dennis Sobchuk at 11:47 of the second period, ending Oil King's goalie Larry Hendrick's shut outstring at 153 minutes and 48 seconds. Don Kozak carried the puck down the right side and passed in front of the net and John Rogers scored at 9:13 of the second period. Just over two minutes later, Dennis Sobuchuk tied the game on a shorthanded goal and with in 5 minutes Terry McDonald scored from in front of the net. In the third period Terry Smith and Darcy Rota both scored for Edmonton.

Friday, May 5, Fred Comrie's goal at 5 minutes and 2 seconds of sudden death overtime lead the Oil Kings to a 2-1 victory and the League crown. Comrie's winning goal was hotly disputed by the Pats as they said the puck never entered the net, instead it hit the goal post. The goal came just moments after Regina's Scott Smith scored on a 10 footer shot that netminder Hendrick did not even see. The puck ricocheted off the goal post. Edmonton's Marcel Comeau scored at the 10 minute mark in the second period. Mike Wanchuk of the Pats tied the game at 4:23 of the third as he took Dennis Sobchuk's perfect pass at Edmonton's blue- line, then went in and let a low drive go.

That year was the start of the round robin format. It had Peterborough Petes (OHA), Cornwall Royals (QMJHL), and the Edmonton Oil Kings (WJHL) playing at Ottawa. Cornwall defeated Peterborough 2-1 in the final deciding game for the Memorial Cup.

............ Stick Boys: Ken Gilson and Randy McCormack ..............

Front Row: Al Barrett, Bernie Germain, Earl Ingarfield Sr. (Coach), Dwight Bialowas, Del Wilson (Manager), Ed Staniowski, Scott Smith Middle Row: John Weber (Assistant manager), John Dobie, Dennis Sobchuk, Doug marit, Charlie Walsh (Trainer), Clark Gillies, Glen Burden, Brad Anderson, Ron "Scoreboard" Johnston (Statistician) Back Row: Greg Joly, Bill Bell, Mike Wanchuk, Ken Marit, Sid Prysunka, Kim McDougall, Glen Ing, Rick Urich (Photo: Dennis Sobchuk Collection)

1970-1971 - SEASON

REGINA PATS RETURN TO THE

WESTERN CANADA JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE



. Six Regina Business Men buy the Regina Pats Hockey Team .

The tier 1 teams (Major Junior Leagues) were once again playing for the Memorial Cup. Tier 2 (Junior A Leagues) were now playing for the new Centennial Cup. After a two year absence, Regina Pats return to major hockey with coach Bob Turner. Larry Wright returns to the Regina Pats after being one season with the University of Minnesota-Duluth. The League was now divided into two divisions, the east and west. Regina Pats finished fourth place in the Eastern Division. Regina Pats Left Winger, Rod Norrish was selected on the All-Star Team. Regina Pat Awards: Larry Wright, Most Valuable Player (Thomas W. Willis Trophy) and also Top Scorer (Thomas W. Willis – Wrist Watch); Nellie Green, Rookie of the Year (Nick Pappas Memorial Trophy) ....... (Photo: Larry Wright - Ron C. Johnston Collection)

On Sunday, February 7, Regina drew the largest attendance to see a Pats home game. A crowd of 6,828 saw the Pats edge Saskatoon Blades 5-4. Medicine Hat Tigers become the newest club to join the League and play in the new 5,000 seat arena Convention Centre. Both Pats goaltenders finished in the top ten rankings at the close of the schedule. Bernie Germain with a 3.46 goals against average, while Gary Brombley had a 3.71 average. The Hub Bishop Memorial trophy was presented that season for the first time to Regina Pats most sportmanlike player.

1970-1971 Regina Pats Roster - Goalies: Gary Bromley, Bernie Germain Defense: Dwight Bialowas, Dave Smith, Stu Scalf, John Dobie, Doug Marit, Nellie Greene, Lindsay Pomrey Centre: Larry Wright (Captain), Scott Smith, Rich Urich, Eugene Sobchuk, Brad Anderson, Glen Ing, Harvey Schmidt Jr. Right Wing: Bob Gerrard, Ken Marit, Brian Yaworski, Rich Urich Left Wing: Rod Norrish, Al Barrett, Bill Bell, Dennis Kruse, Jack Most, Guy "Bear" DeMoissac, Harvey Schmidt Jr. N/K: Ron Winkler Coach: Bob Turner Owner/Manager: Del Wilson Trainer: Chuck Walsh Statistican: Ron Johnston

SEMI-PLAY-OFFS - Friday, March 19, the Bombers had to go all out for a narrow 2-1 win over the Regina Pats at Witney Forum. Flin Flon's “Mister Everything” Chuck Arnason's second goal (a 40 foot wrist shot from the blue line) was the deciding goal. It came near the midway mark of the second period in the close fought game.

Sunday afternoon, March 21, Bombers raced to a 4-0 first period lead using their muscle and went on to an 8-1 victory over Regina Pats at Witney Forum. Chuck Arnason, Bombers' League scoring leader, led the high flying defending WCHL champions with three goals and an assist. Bombers led 7-0 after two periods of play. Gary Bromley, who was slated to start in net for Regina, suffered a 10 stich cut on top of his head during pre-game warm up. Sub goalie Bernie Germain took over the net chores for the Pats and faced 25 shots in the first period. Bromley replaced Germain at the start of the second period.

An eight day lay off (due to the annual horse show at Regina Exhibition Stadium) helped the injuries to heal for the Pats. Rookie defenceman Nellie Green's ankle and Dave Smith with a banged up knee were back in the line up for Regina.


Tuesday, March 30, Regina Pats squeeked out a 6-5 victory over the Flin Flon Bombers at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. Pats raced into a 3-0 lead, only to fall behind 5-4 midway through the final period when Flin Flon scored 3 goals in the span of 5 minutes and 6 seconds. Rod Norrish was the driving force behind Regina's comeback scoring three goals, including the tying and winning markers. Chuck Arnason and Blaine Stoughton helped the Flin Flon cause with a pair of goals apiece. (Photo: Regina Leader Post Ad)

Friday, April 2, Bombers built a 4-0 first period lead and then held on to a Pats' comeback attempt, in posting a 5-3 victory at Regina. Dwight Bialowas was Pats top scorer with two goals while Blaine Stoughton also triggered two markers for the Bombers. In the second period, Pats Dwight Bialowas scored with a 50 foot slapshot at 9:20 followed by Eugene Sobchuk on a power play goal 4 minutes later. The visitors lead 4-2 going into the final period when Bialowas scored his second goal with one minute left. With Bromley pulled, Bialowas becomes the goat as he coughed up the puck to Stoughton deep in Regina's end zone and scored into the empty net.

Sunday afternoon, April 4, Regina continued to battle for their lives holding Flin Flon to a 3-3 draw at the Exhibition Stadium. The League decided to not play overtime during the playoffs. Rich Uhrich gave Regina a 1-0 lead with one minute left in the first period. Rod Loynachan tied the game seven minutes into the middle frame. Pats then scored two quick power play goals less then a minute apart at 13:35 before Ken Baird replied two minutes later. Dave Sharlow tied the contest after Regina's Gary Bromly kicked out 3 drives from point-blank range at 5:18 into the third period. Pats goalie Gary Bromley faced a total of 43 Flin Flon shots, 22 in the final period, as the Bombers did everything but wrap up the series. (Photo: Regina Pats Program - Ron C. Johnston Collection)

Tuesday, April 6, Flin Flon Bombers shut out Regina 6-0 at Witney Forum. Two quick goals in the span of 30 seconds around the four minute mark of the opening period was all the Bombers needed. It was Ken Baird unassisted at 3:40 that proved to be the winner. 29 seconds later Rod Loynachen contributed the insurance goal. Flin Flon went on to score two goals in each period. The Bombers could have had several more had it not been for the outstanding performance by netminder Gary Bromley. The goalie faced a continual barrage of 61 shots.

Flin Flon Bombers lost to the League Champion Edmonton Oil Kings. In the Memorial Cup the Oil Kings faced Guy Lafleur and the Quebec Remparts. The series was played at the Quebec City 10,240 seat Colisee. The Canadian Final had been shortened to best of three. Remparts won two straight.



Front Row: Dwight Bialowas, Bernie Germain, Del Wilson (Manager), Larry Wright (Captain), Bob Turner (Coach), Gary Bromley, Rod Norrish Second Row: Charlie Underhill, Ron Johnston (Statistican), Dennis Kruse, Bob Gerrard, Stu Scalf, Brian Yaworksi, Nellie Green, Ken Marit, Dave Smith, Eugene Sobchuk, Rich Urich, Ken Gislison (Stick Boy), Chuck Walsh (Trainer) Third Row: Doug Marit, Scott "Smitty" Smith, Al Barret, John Dobbie, Guy "Bear" DeMoissac ..... (Photo: Ron C. Johnston – Collection)

LESS THAN A WEEK TO GO before Maranda's Medical Trip Fundraiser

Taken from - http://rodpedersen.blogspot.com/ -

With less than a week to go before Maranda's Medical Trip Fundraiser, Brian and I are woefully low on ticket sales for the steak night fundraiser at the Press Box Sports Bar, Monday, May 25 at 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. . Come on Regina, this is what we DO! At this rate, we could only turn over a few hundred dollars of the thousands of $$$$$ needed to get Maranda to California. I know lots of people are talking about it, but only a few have stepped up to the plate. C'mon, I don't ask for much but this is important.

LOOK AT THAT PICTURE OF HER!!!! And then imagine if it was your child. Maranda's condition is listed below but here are the details on how YOU can help out the family. FYI: Her Dad and I used to work together on 620 CKCK. Between now and Monday evening, you can purchase steak night tickets for just $20 at Harvard Broadcasting (CKRM, Wolf 104.9, Lite 92 FM) at 1900 Rose St. in downtown Regina. Come down between 9:00 and 5:00, but not over the noon hour as we're closed. You can purchase your tickets from Jody right at the front desk. OR, you can purchase tickets at the Press Box Sports Bar at 909 Albert St. N.

If they're sold out, please leave your name and $20 on the list and come back Monday evening to get your ticket. OR, you can email Brian Murray at sweatinbuckets@hotmail.com or me at sportsline@620ckrm.com and we'll even come and meet you. If you can not make it to the steak night or you're from out of town, please consider mailing a cheque to: MARANDA'S MEDICAL FUNDRAISER, Attn: Chelsey Monz Conexus Credit Union South Albert Branch 4540 Albert St. P.O. Box 1960 Stn Main, REGINA, SKS4P 4M1

Thanks already to the Regina Pats, Phillips Distillers, the Cypress Cyclones, Molson and Stantec Consulting for donating items for the silent auction. Maranda is a 6 year old girl with a rare medical condition known as Microcephaly. Microcephaly means that a child’s brain has stopped growing. Children with microcephaly have very small heads, and may have mental retardation, facial distortions, dwarfism, hyperactivity, seizures, difficulties with co-ordination and balance, and other brain abnormalities. Some children with microcephaly will also have decreased life expectancy. There are over 91 known causes of microcephaly. Maranda’s condition is so rare she has not yet received a diagnosis.

PLEASE HELP MARANDA'S FAMILY OUT! WE HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU

!! Rod

1969-1970 - SEASON

Regina Pats coach Bob Turner stepped down for the next two years 1969-70 to be an NHL California Golden Seals hockey scout. Larry Wright left for college hockey and a degree in business administration in 1969-70 season, then returned to play again with the Pats the following year. At Weyburn, on Tuesday, November 25, Rod Norrish scored the fastest goal at the start of a period 5 seconds. It equalled an NHL record set by Charlie Conacher at Toronto on February 6, 1932, as they beat Boston 6-0.


In Saskatoon on Sunday, December 7, history was made; Regina Pats' Rod Norrish scored three goals in 20 seconds, breaking the NHL record by one second. It all happened in the first period. The first goal was scored at 11:28 assisted by Scott Smith and Dwight Bialowas. The second at 11:42 assisted by Scott. The third goal came at 11:48 assisted by Garry Leippi and Terry Killian. A very poor crowd of only 320 spectators witnessed the record. Upon Checking the NHL record book, it shows their record happened March 23, 1952, at New York Madison Square Gardens by Bill Mosienko of Chicago Black Hawks in the third period at the (6.09, 6:20 and 6:30) mark.

At the start of the new year, Regina Pats coach Jack Shupe became aware he would be the coach of the Medicine Tigers new entry in the Western Canada Junior Hockey League next season. The city were building a new 3,600 seat arena.

Regina Pats' Scott Smith won the SAJHL scoring with 33 goals, and 35 assists for 69 points, while Rod Norrish finished 4th. with 37 goals and 19 assists for 56 points.

1969-1970 Regina Pats Roster - Goalies: Gary Bromley, Mike Sharp, Greg Spencer Defense: Doug Marit, Dwight Bialowas, Dave "Dooley" Smith, Stewart Scalf, Al Northcott, Brian Brown, Phil Russel, Dick Nelson, Vince Wanner Centre: Rod Norrish (Captain), Terry Killian, Scott "Smitty" Smith, Rich Preston Right Wing: Ken Marit, Brian Yaworski, Paul Granchukoff Left Wing: Rod Norrish, Garry Leippi, Al Barrett, Vince Warner, Gary Runge N/K: Mike Bascom, Jack Ursaki, Max Ansell, Doug Lachambre, Rod Jones, Ed Lang, Brian Matlock Coach: Jack Shupe Manager: Del Wilson President: John Hudson Trainer: Chuck Walsh Statistician: Ron "Scoreboard" Johnston

League Semi Play-Offs - Sunday afternoon, March 1, coach Jack Shupe's Pats blasted the Saskatoon Olympics 10-4 at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. Pats two top scorers, Scott Smith and Rod Norrish, both came up with a three goal performance. Vince Wanner, up from the "B" ranks, and Bob Well's, the best player on the ice for the Olympics, scored two goals apiece. Pats had a 2-0 first period lead and upped it to 5-0 in the second before Saskatoon scored with 33 seconds left in the period. Al Northcott scored his first goal of the season and Gary Leippi scored the other Regina goals.

Wednesday, March 4, Regina Pats scored five goals in the second period then held on to record a 6-4 victory over Saskatoon before only a handfull turnout at the Saskatoon rink. Scoring was done by ten players from both clubs. There was no scoring in the first period, Pats lead 5-1 after the second. In the third period Saskatoon scored 3 goals and it woke the Pats up. Brian Yaworski scored at 16:18 to close out the scoring. Regina were without the services of rookie centres Rich Preston and Terry Killian due to injuries.

Friday, March 6, Pats whitewashed the Olympics 9-0 at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. Scott Smith and Rod Norrish led the onslaught with a hat trick apiece. It was Smith's his second three-goal performance of the series and had 13 points in three games. Saskatoon netminder Dave Cooney handled 46 shots, 20 in the final period when Pats scored five times.

Sunday afternoon, March 8, the Olympics exploded for five straight goals and upset the sluggish Pats 6-4 at Saskatoon. Olympics trailed 3-0 early in the second before erupting for the five straight goals; two in the second and three in the third. Both clubs exchanged goals in the later period. Bob Will and Greg Homenick had two goals apiece for Saskatoon.

Monday, March 9, the Regina Pats advanced to the League final downing Saskatoon 8-2 at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. It was Pats' rookie line - Rich Preston, Al Barrett and Paul Granchukoff that did the damage. The line made its first appearance at the three minute mark of the opening frame. It took them only seconds, as Rich Preston passed to Granchukoff who scored. It was Regina's first shot on net and by the time the horn sounded, they had directed 53 shots at Saskatoon goaltender Brian Young. The line checked and scored four goals. Preston and Scott Smith tallied two goals each while Al Barret had 1 goal and assisted on 3 other goals.

LEAGUE FINAL - Tuesday, March 10, the Weyburn Red Wings bombarded Regina goaltender Gary Bromley with 61 shots as they whipped Regina 8-2 at Weyburn Colesseum. Bob Miller paced Weyburn with a pair of goals. The Wings swarmed all over the Pats right from the starting whistle and Garnet Currie scored their first goal at the 22 second mark of the opening period. Weyburn lead 2-1 after the first period. Regina tied the game in the second before Weyburn erupted for four goals by the end of the period. Scott Smith and Vince Wanner scored Regina Pats' goals.

Thursday, March 12, Regina Pats came out skating and checking, something they did not do in the opener. It payed off as they earned a 4-1 victory over Weyburn at the Colesseum. Scott Smith scored two goals including the winner. Pats' Stew Scalf opened the scoring 12 seconds into the second period. Smith then scored his two goals at 13:13 of the second and 12:52 of the third period. Larry Giroux cleared a loose puck in front of his own net and sent Calvin Booth in home free on a long pass for Weyburn's only goal. With both teams short a man, Gary Leippi scored with only 6 seconds left in the game.

Friday, March 13, Pats took a 3-0 lead after the first period only to see Red Wings score five straight goals in the second period and the game was tied 5-5 after a wild scoring period. Regina then came back for a narrow 6-5 barn burner at the Exhibition Stadium. The winning goal came at the 5:00 mark of the third period when Brian Yaworski carried the puck deep into the Weyburn's territory after taking Gary Leippi's pass at the blue line. He went behind the net and left the puck for Scott Smith who slapped his own rebound over the sprawled Wilson. Cal Booth of the Red Wings, and Scott Smith of Regina, both scored hat tricks.

Sunday afternoon, March 15, Weyburn downed Pats 6-1 at the Regina Stadium. Wendell Bennett scored two goals, to lead the Red Wings including what turned out to be the winner. Pats had the man advantage numerous times throughout, for almost ten minutes especially early in the game,. They were showing no consistent power attack and it cost them. Both teams fought through a scoreless first period. Weyburn took a 3-0 second period lead. Regina's Rod Norrish scored Pats lone goal mid way through the third period.

Monday, March 16, Regina dropped a 3-1 decision to the Red Wings at the Weyburn Colosseum before the largest crowd (2,017) in recent years. The game started with rink length rushes and the first five minutes was completed without a stoppage in play. Both clubs were handed three minor penalties in the cleanly played game. Weyburn took a 2-0 first period lead on 2 soft goals by Larry Giroux and Wendell Bennett. In the second period, Regina's Brian Yaworski scored a power play goal on Rod Norrish's rebound at the midway point. Garnet Currie scored the only goal early in the third period.

Tuesday, March 17, With a strong two way effort, Weyburn's coach Stan Dunn's Weyburn Red Wings downed Regina Pats 6-2 before 2,396 fans and took the League Championship. Once again it was captain Wendell Bennett spearheading the Wings with a pair of goals. The city of some 10,000 had their first provincial junior hockey crown since they started as a club back in the 1961-62 season.

A gift goal in the first period at 12:28 had a Pat rookie defender cough up the puck at Regina's blueline and Bill Enos scored on a wrist shot for the only goal in the opening period. Weyburn upped the score to 4-0 going into the final period.

Weyburn Red Wings picked up Regina Pats' Rod Norrish, Scott Smith, Gary Leippi and goaltender Gary Bromley. The Red Wings went on to defeat B.C. champion Vernon Essos, Alberta's Red Deer Rustlers and Westfort Hurricanes of the Thunder Bay Junior League. In the Memorial Cup for the second year in a row Montreal Canadiens won the series four games straight.

1968-1968 - SEASON - MEMORIAL CUP BOUND - PLUS: ONE SCARY MOMENT IN THE MEMORIAL CUP

MEMORIAL CUP BOUND - Pats pulled away from the Western Canada Hockey League for the next two seasons due to the Memorial Cup competition. Regina Pats, Weyburn Red Wings, and Moose Jaw Canucks played an incomplete interlocking schedule with the top clubs from the Ontario Junior Hockey Association. The eastern teams that came west were: Ottawa 76's, St. Catherines Blackhawks, Montreal Junior Canadiens plus Peterbrough Petes. The SJAHL games counted in the League Standing. Pats finished with two wins, two losses and one tie.

On Sunday, November 17, at Regina, Captain Ron "Garvie" Garwasiuk, the little guy from St. Paul, Alberta, scored 6 goals as the Pats downed Moose Jaw Canucks 10-1. Friday, December 6, at Regina, the Rookie line of Ken Marit, Scott Smith and Rod Norrish scored 7 goals, a new franchise record.

The largest Regina attendance was when the Montreal Canadiens Junior team came to town, Tuesday, December 17. A crowd of 4,123 saw what was to be a copy of the Memorial Cup series next spring. The Junior Canadiens went on to down the Pats 5-2.

For the first time in many years Pats were playing overtime in the SAJHL League schedule. Both Regina Pats goaltenders finished one-two in the league goal against average. Rookie Gary Bromley gave up 82 goals in 28 game for a 2.95 average and Mike Schneider had a 3.10 goals against average.

Regina Pats finished in first place with 65 points, followed by Weyburn Red Wings with 51. Regina Pats Ron Garwasiuk was in second place in the scoring race with 91 points, behind Bruce Hellemond of Moose Jaw Canucks. Larry Wright was in fifth place with 85 points, followed by Laurie Yaworski with 81 points.

1968-1969 - Regina Pats Roster - Goalies: Gary "Mr. Cool" Bromley, Mike Schneider Defense: Don Murray, Dave "Dooley" Smith, Brian Brown, Stewart Scalf, Barry "Diesel" Cummins, John "Bear Cat" Statz Centre: Larry Wright, Art Scott, Ron "Garvie" Garwasiuk (Captain), Laurie Yaworski, Terry Killian Right Wing: Scott "Smitty" Smith, Ken Marit, Garry Runge, Don Saleski, Bob " Buck" Owen Left. Wing: Ron Garwasiuk, Rod Norrish, Garry Leippi, Al Barrett Coach and Manager: Bob Turner President: John Hudson Trainers: Chuck Walch, Bob Kelly Statistican: Ron “Scoreboard” Johnston

Semi-Play-Offs - Tuesday, March 4, Moose Jaw's Keith Boundy became the goat in the third period as he tried to take on Pats Ron Garwasiuk. "Garby" did not retaliate, but dropped to his knees and covered his head with his arms. Boundy got a major penalty and Larry Wright scored the winning goal as Regina Pats took a 8-6 victory at the Civic Centre. Garwasiuk matched Larry Wright's out put with a three goal performance and picked up three assists for a six point outing. Gary Bock, Bruce Hellemond and Gerry Miller each scored twice for Moose Jaw. Moose Jaw took a 2-0 lead before Pats struck for 3 goals to lead after the first period and Pats had a 6-5 edge going in to the third period.

Friday, March 7, Pat's Garry Leippi's three goal production, the first of his junior career, helped Regina to a 7-3 victory over Moose Jaw at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. Centre Larry Wright scored a pair of goals to help the Pats. The big difference was the Canucks defense. With several on the limp, they had to rely on several of their forwards playing the blue line duty as well. In the later stages it took its toll.

Saturday, March 8, Regina blanked Moose Jaw Canucks 5-0 before a very small crowd at the Moose Jaw Civic Centre. Regina took a 1-0 lead in the first period on Rod Norrish's goal at the 7:31 mark. Three minutes into the second period, Larry Wright scored and then at the eleven minute mark, Ron Garwasiuk made, it 3-0. In the third period, with two minutes left in regulation, defenceman John Statz and forward Don Seleski closed out the scoring. Goaltender Gary Bromley stopped 33 saves to record the shut out.

Sunday afternoon, March 9, Pats took a 5-1 decision at the Regina Exhibition Stadium taking the series four games straight. With many of the fans still not seated for the start of the game, Regina scored three goals on their first line shift. Don Saleski started the scoring at 36 seconds into the game followed by Ron Garwasiuk ten seconds later. Larry Wright made it 3-0 at the 1:03 mark of the first period. Moose Jaw's Bruce Hellemond scored at 12:51 to give Pats a 3-1 lead going into the second. The middle frame was scoreless. Gary Leippi and Scott Smith scored in the third period. Smith played with a football helmet to protect his broken nose which occured in Saturday's game.

League Finals - Tuesday, March 11, a pair of third period goals helped Regina Pats to a 3-1 victory over the Weyburn Red Wings at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. It was anyone's game until Pats' rookie, Scott Smith, scored on a break-a-way winning goal near the midway point of the third period. It was Pats second break-a-way goal in the game, Laurie Yaworski got the other early in the starting period. In the second period Pats' Gary Bromley had stopped August George and Darwin Mott before Weyburn's Murray Keogan scored on a loose puck. Pats made it 2-1 on Smith's goal at the 7:42 mark and then Don Saleski scored on a man advantage less then five minutes later for the insurance goal.

Friday, March 14, Regina, playing almost flawless hockey, blanked Weyburn 5-0 at the Weyburn Colosseum. Pats' goalie, Gary Bromley, made 38 saves and was at his best in the middle frame When he stopped several point-blank shots. The clubs battled through a scoreless first period. The Red Wings lost control of the puck in their own end zone and Larry Wright scored at 14:09 of the second period. Two minutes later Laurie Yaworsk i made it 2-0 on a shorthanded goal. In the third period Larry Wright scored his second goal at 7:11 before Ron Garwasiuk scored two quick goals 26 seconds apart with four minutes remaining in the game.

Sunday afternoon, March 16, Regina Pats' Ron Garwasiuk's five points helped his club to an impressive 7-2 victory over Red Wings at the Regina Exhbition Stadium. Captain Garwasiuk sparked Regina with two goals and three helpers. Don Saleski and Laurie Yaworski each had two goals apiece. Regina roared to a 2-0 early lead on Garwasiuk's and Barry Cummin's goals before Weyburn scored late in the first period with Pats short 2 men. In the second, Pats took a 4-1 lead on Don Seleski's 2 goals. Early in the third period Yaworski made it 5-1 and four and a half minutes later Garby scored.

Tuesday, March 18, a goal by August George, his second at 1:54 of the second sudden death overtime period, gave the Red Wings a 6-5 victory over Pats at Weyburn. Bob Miller matched George's two goal performance. For Regina it was a one-man performance by Ron Garwasiuk as he accounted for four tallies. Garwasiuk tied the game with 4 minutes left in regulation. Weyburn's goalie, Wayne Bell, was the hero stopping Don Saleski on a clear break-a-way from his own blue line. In the second overtime period he also stopped John Statz on a point shot, plus a glove save on a blistering shot by Laurie Yaworski just prior to the winning goal by George.

Thursday, March 20, a goal by Ron Garwasiuk at 13:43 of the second sudden death overtime period gave Regina Pats a 3-2 victory over the Weyburn Red Wings and the series at the Exhibition Stadium. Weyburn took the lead as Murray Keogan pounced on a loose puck during a goal mouth scramble. Pat's Larry Wright tied the contest less then 3 minutes later on a rink long rush. Bob Owen gave Regina a 2-1 lead his first goal of the playoffs six minutes into the second period before August George tied the game with 2 minutes left in the second period. Garwasiuk's winner was on a delayed penalty call. Once again it was brilliant netminding by both Wayne Bell of the Wings and Gary Bromley of the Pats that caused the last two games to go into extra periods. Bell made 50 saves and had at least 8 brilliant saves in the third period.

Western Canada Semi-Final - Under the CAHA regulation, Regina Pats picked up three players from the Weyburn Red Wings: defeseman, Gord Redden; centre, Murray Keogan; and right winger, Ross Butler.

Wednesday, April 2, Regina Pats scored three goals both in the second and third periods, to breeze to a 7-1 victory over the Lethbridge Sugar Kings at the Regina Exhitibion Stadium. Sugar kings who eliminated Victoria Cougars in six games could not get on track throughout the game.
Don Saleski scored a pair of goals for Pats. Lethbridge's Wayne Zuk, a pick-up from Red Deer Rustlers, scored while Regina was shorthanded at the four minute mark. Pat's Larry Wright tied the game at 1-1 four minutes later. Pat's pick-up, Murray Keogan of Weyburn, scored the winner at 3:08 of the second period as he slapped the puck between Lethbridge goaltender Don Hall’s pads.

Friday, April 4, Regina took a 3-0 first period lead, then went on and coasted to a 8-1 victory over Lethbridge at Regina. Smoothy Ron Garwasiuk led Pats with three goals. His third came off a blue line slapshot that goalie Don Hall said, " It dropped a foot. It was heading for my glove but just fell." quoted Lethbridge Herald Sports writer Pat Sullivan. "The Kings, in their playoff series with Edmonton Movers, Red Deer Rustlers and Victoria, were never beaten by this wide a margin.” he wrote. The turning point came when Regina was given 2 penalties at 8:23 of the first period. Laurie Yaworski stole the puck off Darrell Knibs at the Sugar Kings' blue line and went in alone on Don Hall to score at the 9:09 mark. .... (Photo: Ron Garwasiuk - Ron C. Johnston Collection) ....

Monday, April 7, Regina Pat's pick-up, Ross Butler, of Weyburn, deflected a John Statz, slapshot passed Lethbridge goalie Don Hall at 8:15 of sudden death overtime. The goal gave Regina a 6-5 come from behind victory in front of a sell-out crowd at the Lethbridge Arena. The Kings were leading 5-2 with less than 13 minutes left in the game. The Pats scored three goals in the span of 2 minutes and 22 seconds. “It seemed all I could see was blue shirts.” said King's netminder Don Hall. Regina Pats received bad news Tuesday when they learned Rod Norrish woul be out for at leas 2 weeks with a broken collar bone that he played in the second period of Monday's game.

Wednesday, April 9, Coach Don McLean's Lethbridge Sugar Kings received a 5-4 triumph over the Pats at Lethbridge Arena. Before a sell-out crowd, Kings Wayne Zuk sparked the home club with two goals and two assists. Pats lead 2-1 after the opening period and both clubs were tied 2-2 after the second period.

Thursday, April 10, the Sugar Kings belted the Pats 5-0 before another sell out crowd at the Arena. Lethbridge's Darrell Knibs was top scorer with two goals but it was the great work of goaltender Don Hall that kept Lethbridge in the game. Hall was flawless as he blocked 35 drives to become the first netminder to blank the Pats that season. Lethbridge scored two goals in the first and second period and one more in the third. Darrel Knibbs was Lethbridge’s top scorer with two goals, the fourth and fifth goals of the game. Hack Higgins, a former Pats executive and present sales manager for the largest car dealership in Lethbridge, provided 4 brand new cars to the players Friday afternoon. The players used them to head to the great Canadian Rockies for a change of scenery.

Saturday, April 12, with only 22 seconds remaining in the game, a goal by Ron Garwasiuk gave Regina Pats a 5-4 victory over the stubborn Sugar Kings. The winning goal had Barry Cummins pickup a pass from Garry Leippi at his own blue line. Cummins drilled a shot wide of the Kings net then headed for the players bench. At the same moment, Garwasiuk jumped over the boards and raced in as the puck bounced off the back boards. As Garby reached the left face off circle, he let go his famous slapshot all in one motion. The puck was in the twine before goalie Hall could even blink. Both teams were tied 1-1 going into the third period after Pats took a 1-0 first period lead. During the wild open third, Larry Wright scored at 5:47 followed by Lethbridge with 2 then Pats scored 2. Lethbridge Lupul tied the game with 4 minutes left before "Garby" scored the winner.

Western Canada Final - Abbott Cup - Wednesday, April 16, Regina Pats struck for four goals in the third period to down the Dauphin Kings 6-2 at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. Murray Keogan, a pick-up from Weyburn, led Pats with two goals. The turning point was in the second period when Dauphin's Dennis Schick slapshot went through a hole in the net; the goal judge said it didn't. When the play was whistled down, a check of the twine revealed the hole in the net which was quickly mended. It would have given the Kings a 2-1 lead at that point. Dauphin were outclassed in the third as Regina had 26 shots on goalie Don Love. Dauphins' coach Stymle Love stated, "The 10-day layoff hurt my club in the third period and we'll be much rougher in the next game.”

Friday, April 18, The Dauphin Kings battled to a hard fought 5-4 win over Regina at the Stadium. Bob LeGuilloux led Dauphin with two goals. I t was the hard working centre, Butch Goring, who helped the Kings to their victory in the final period. He scored the tying goal and assisted on the winner by Bob Buchy. Regina lead 3-2 after the opening period and both clubs were tied 3-3 going into the third. It was Pats 4-3 at the 6:00 mark before Butch Goring on a solo effort 4 minutes later, that tied the game. Buchy scored while Pats "Dooley Smith was in the penalty box with four minutes left.

Saturday, April 19, Regina skated their way to a convincing 8-4 victory over Dauphin at the Stadium. Pats used an all-out team effort as eight players handled the scoring. They bombarded the Kings with a total of 50 shots. Right from the starting whistle, the Pats came out flying. On a pass from Ron Garwasiuk at the King's blueline, Larry Wright scored with just 16 seconds laspsed in the game. Regina led 4-0 after the first period. In the second period the visitors scored 2 goals before Pats' Bob Owen scored with four minutes remaining in the period to give Pats a 5-2 lead. Don Saleski and pick-up Ross Butler scored for Regina by the 2:26 mark. Kings then scored 2 goals before Scott finished with 3 minutes left.

Monday, April 21, a Regina Pats record four-goal outburst in the space of one minute and 14 seconds in the third period lead Regina to a 6-2 victory at the Dauphin Civic Centre. Ron Garwasiuk started the third period outbreak at the 11:33 mark and followed with his second at 12:01. Weyburn's Murray Keogan scored nine seconds later, then line mate Ross Butler scored at 12:47. For the second consecutive game Pats took an early lead. John Statz scored at 43 seconds at the start of the game with a slapshot from the point. Pats took a 2-1 lead after the first period and both teams fought through a scoreless second period. Regina Pats left for home by bus immediately after the game and commuted back and forth from Regina for the games.

Wednesday, April 23, Kelly Sveinson of Winnipeg had been brought in Tuesday to lecture the Dauphin Kings on powers of positive thinking and it paid off. A goal by Bob LeGuilloux at 3:43 of overtime gave Dauphin a 3-2 victory over Regina at Dauphin's Civic Centre. Dauphin took a 2-0 lead after the first period. Clayton Kemp dug the puck out of the corner and passed to the edge of the crease, then Don Cherry flipped the puck into the net at 15:38. Three minutes later Butch Goring stole the puck at his own blue line and outskated two defenders while shorthanded. With a perfect pass from Larry Wright Ron Garwasiuk scored for Regina at 14:38 of the second period as he blasted the puck home. Wright then scored at 11:19 of the third period to send the game into a straight 10 minutes of overtime.

Friday, April 25, Dauphin's Butch Gorning ,who started the season with Winnipeg Junior Jets (WCJHL), led the King attack with two goals to edge Regina 4-3 at Dauphin. It now became a sudden death affair with Dauphin tying the series. In the opening period Butch Goring gave Dauphin a 1-0 lead going into the second period. Dauphin then upped the score to 3-0 on Bob LeGuilloux and Goring's second goal before Don Saleski put Pats on the scoreboard with only 8 second left in the period. In the third period Ron Garawsiuk narrowed the score at the 1:28 mark, the teams then exchanged goals with Larry Wright scoring for the Pats at 9:46.

Saturday, April 26, Regina Pats turned in their finest two-way performance of the season by downing Dauphin Kings 4-3 and capturing the Abbott Cup. “Dauphin's Civic Centre crowd was treated to what has to be termed the best junior hockey game played in the west for many years,” stated Leader Post sport writer Mel Isaac. It was Weyburn defenceman Gord Reddon's goal at 11:18 in the middle frame that made the difference. The goal put Regina ahead 4-2 going into the third. Dauphin's Butch Goring had to watch the game on the sidelines with a dislocated shoulder that he Friday near the end of the game.

Regina Pats coach Bob Turner announced three more pick-ups for the Memorial Cup series. All from Dauphin Kings: centre Butch Goring; left winger, Dennis Schick; and defenceman Bob Neufeld. Rejean Houle scored three goals to lead the Montreal Junior Canadiens to a 7-5 victory over Sorel (Quebec) Black Hawks Sunday afternoon. Sorel Black Hawks were coached by 21 year old Ken Hodge, probably the youngest coach in the country. Hodge was a former Moose Jaw Canuck who had a promising career cut short by a serious eye injury two years ago. Ken went on to be one of the finest junior hockey coaches, making stops in Moose Jaw and then Portland as coach and manager.

Canadian Final - Memorial Cup - It turned out to be an all Montreal Canadiens (NHL) Junior Team Sponsor Final. The last time Pats played in the Memorial was 1958 when they played the Junior Habs at that time. Then they were known as the Ottawa-Hull Canadiens who defeated Pats in 6 games before 28,000 fans.

An Air Canada strike caused a long bus trip to Minot North Dakota, U.S.A. that started late Monday night at 10 p.m. plus a 3 hour wait in Minot. Next came a 5 hour plane ride stopping at Fargo, N.D.; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Detroit, Michigan; Toronto, Ontario; arriving Tuesday night at 8 p.m. at Montreal. The trip took a lot of steam out of the Western Champions.

Wednesday, April 30, a three goal performance by Guy Charron of the Junior Canadiens helped his club to a 5-3 victory over Regina Pats. The Foreum fans saw both goalies turn in spectacular performances robbing opposing forwards of numerous golden opportunities. Pat's Gary Bromley was the busiest blocking 40 drives, 20 in the third period. Jim Rutherford, a pick-up from the Hamilton Red Wings of the OJHLA, blocked 32 drives; 14 coming in the opening frame. Montreal's Guy Charron had a three goal performance while Regina's pick-up, Murray Keogan, had two.

Friday, May 2, the Junior Habs skated to a 7-2 win over the Pats before a large crowd at the Foreum. It was Robert Charron as he lead the baby Habs attack with two goals. Regina Pats, Laurie Yaworski played despite a broken thumb. He came to coach Bob Turner prior to the game and told him he was going to play no matter how much it hurt. As in the first game, Pats ran out of gas near the end of the second period. Canadiens led 3-2 going into the final stanza. The third period saw both clubs at 16:14 in a team brawl, resulting in a total of 20 game misconducts handed out. Only six players on both clubs were left to finish out the last minutes of the game. Regina Pats peppered 15 shots at Jim Rutherford in the opening period and
another 18 in the middle frame. Both clubs boarded a charter DC-9 to Regina immediately after the game.

Sunday afternoon, May 4, infront of the largest crowd in recent years at Regina Exhibition Stadium, Montreal Canadiens skated to a 5-2 victory over the Regina Pats. 17 year old Rookie, Robert Lalonde, was a one-man wrecking crew for the Baby Habs as he alone destroyed the Pats with a four-goal production on but six shots. Playing for the first time with the Pats a pair of pick-ups, Ross Butler of Weyburn and Butch Goring of Dauphin, were the scorers for the Red, White and Blue Pats. Montreal took a 3-0 lead after the first and 5-2 after the second period.

Monday, May 5, the Junior Montreal Habs scored a pair of goals within the span of 52 seconds early in the ten minute straight overtime and gave the eastern champs a 8-6 victory over Regina. It was a tough one to loose for Robert Turner's Pats. At one point they had built a 5-1 lead after the five minute mark of the second period. “I started to switch lines and I guess it paid off.” coach Roger Bedard told Mal Isaac of the Regina Leader Post. Montreal's Andre Dupont scored the tying goal at 15:19 of the third period to force the extra stanza. Guy Charron scored what proved to be the winner at the two minute mark of the overtime period. It was his second of the game and sixth of the series.

Baby Habs' line-up was a powerhouse that season which featured 13 rookies and a strong line-up of Ontario Hockey Association’s Rejean Houle, scoring champion, Guy Charron, Richard Martin, Marc Tardif, Gilbert Perreault, Andre Dupont, Richard Lemieux, Robert Lalonde, Wayne Wood, Jean Pierre Bordeleau, plus pick-up goaltender James Rutherford from the Hamilton Red Wings. All went on to play in the (NHL) National Hockey League.

Regina's Ron Garwasiuk set a club record getting the most points (63) in 28 play-off games. Garwasiuk scored 31 goals and had 32 assists.

Front Row: Gary Bromley, Ron Garwasiuk, (Executives: Ivor Richardson, Hudie Bell, Glen Slareholm), Bob Turner (Coach and Manager), (Executives: John Hudson, Bruce Cowie, Al Shore), Barry Cummins, Mike Schneider Second Row: Don Culic (Stick Boy), Al Barret, Gordon Redden (Weyburn), Larry Wright, Don Saleski, Brian Brown, Murray Keogan (Weyburn), Garry Leippi, Bob Owen, Bob Kelly (Trainer) Third Row: Laurie Yaworski, ken Marit, Rod Norrish, Dave Smith, Scott Smith, Ross Butler (Weyburn), Stew Scalf, John Statz (Photo: Ron C. Johnston - Collection)

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ONE SCARY MOMENT IN

THE MEMORIAL CUP

By Ron C. Johnston

During the Memorial Cup in Regina, I can remember having to evacuate my box located high above the ice surface to make room for the visiting Montreal Radio Broadcasting Crew. I was moved to the east end Press Box situated directly above the net (see team photo above where it says Go Pats Go, just above Pats).

The teams were in Montreal’s right face-off circle just below us. During the second game, I was writing down our line change when I heard a loud “whack!”, like a slapshot. I looked up to see a puck, which had been deflected by a hockey stick, flying directly toward my eyes. I ducked and fell off the chair as I felt the puck graze my crew cut. The puck hit the brick wall behind me and landed on the makeshift desk to the left of my stats book. As I was trying to get up, I saw the French Montreal Sports Writer reaching out to grab the puck. I was faster on the draw and grabbed it before he could, (still on the floor) shaking my head at the Reporter. It was my souvenir! To this day that puck sits on top of computer desk in my Den as a reminder of the day I almost lost my head.

1967-1968 - SEASON

In the summer the CAHA and CMJHL came to an agreement. The major league would not compete for the Memorial Cup. They would operate as a separate group - tier one.

At Lloydminster, on Friday, December 8, the Pats downed the 1966-67 Canadian Intermediate Champs 6-4 in an exhibition game.

The League had increased from seven teams to eleven during the off season. The new entries were Flin Flon Bombers, Winnipeg Jets, Brandon Wheat Kings from Manitoba and Swift Current Broncos from Saskatchewan. The League schedule was increased to a sixty game schedule.

1967-1968 - Regina Pats Roster - Goalies: Warren Fisher, Mike Schneider, Ken Fensom Defense: Greg Spencer, Barry Cummins, John Statz, Dave "Dooley" Smith, Brian Brown, Clint Earl Centre: Larry Wright, Laurie Yaworski, Ken Cross Right Wing: Ron Snell (Captain) December 15th, Brian Spencer, Don Salenski, Bob Owens Left Wing: Don Forrester, Ron Garwasiuk, Ken Faranski (Captain), Garry Leippi, Dave "Dooley" Smith Not Known: Ron Radick Bob Turner (Coach & Manager), W.E. Owen (President), Ron "Scoreboard" Johnston (Statistician), Chuck Walch & Bob Kelly (Trainers)

During the League schedule Pats were involved in eight shutouts, winning five and losing three. All three were to Flin Flon Bombers. Their goaltender, Chris Worthy set a League record of eleven shut- outs and finished the schedule with a remarkable goal average of 2.39. Tuesday, February 13th., at Regina, the Pats’ Ron Snell scored on a break-a-way, against Saskatoon Blades. It was Regina Pats 17th break-a-way goal of the regular season.

Regina Pats finished in fifth place in the standing with 66 points in an eleven team league the standings with 66 points. Ron Snell was fourth in the League Scoring with 111 points, while rookie Ron Garwasiuk was seventh with 99 points.

Quarter Semi Play-Offs - Tuesday, March 5, at the Manitoba Mining Centre Flin Flon Bombers edged Regina Pats 3-2. With 65 seconds to go in regulation time, Turner pulled goalie Warren Fisher. The Bombers were forced to ice the puck five times to keep Pats at bay. Bombers Ron Dundas opened the scoring at 9:51. He passed from the corner, the puck bounced over a defenseman’s stick into the net. Bobby Clarke made it 2-0 after the first period. Keith Tomasson made it 3-0 on a weak shot in front of the net with five and a half minute left in the second period. Regina then struck for 2 goals - Larry Wright 2 minutes later and Ron Garwasiuk with 2 minutes left in the second period. The third period was scoreless.

Wednesday, March 6, Flin Flon Bombers roughhouse tactics left coach Bob Turner seething at Witney Forum as the Pats lost 4-3. As in the opener Bombers jumped to a quick 3-0 lead but in this game Flin Flon played it rough and took a 1-0 first period lead. In the second period captain Ron Snell of Regina scored twice while Gary Hart was serving a minor and major. The local Bombers held on to a 3-2 lead going into the final period. Morrison was Flin Flon's top scorer with 2 goals.

Friday, March 8, Gene Peacosh, a Swift Current Bronco replacement for injured all-star Cal Swenson, helped Bombers to a 6-3 victory at Regina Stadium. Peacosh set up two Bomber goals and scored what proved to be the winner midway through the second period. Brian Marchinko was Flin Flon's top scorer with a pair of goals. The clubs were tied 1-1 after the first period. Flin Flon accounted for five goals in the second period. Ron Garwasiuk scored all Regina Pats goals. Garby tipped in Ron Snell's hard shot with 13 seconds left in the first period, scored two in the final, scored on Snell's rebound 33 seconds in, then beat 4 defenders as he picked up the puck in his own end zone.

Sunday afternoon, March 10, Flin Flon eliminated the Regina Pats in four straight games edging them 3-2 at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. It was the rough-house tatistics of the Bombers that left many admirers in the rink shaking their heads following the game. Regina's Laurie Yaworski opened the scoring at the 4 minute mark. Flin Flon's Lew Morrison scored 2 minutes later on a pass deflection. Brian Marchinko made it 2-1 at 9:16 on a screen drive to close out the first period. The Regina Pats did not manage a shot until the 15 minute mark and scored on their second shot when Ron Snell scored two minutes later. It was Snell's final game as a junior. Wayne Hawrysn scored the only marker in the final period on a pass out from behind the net, 8 feet out.



Front Row: Mike Schneideer, Ron "Scoreboard: Johnston (Statistican), Ron Garwasiuk, (Executives: Harold Jones, Bill Owen, John Hudson), Ron Snell, Bob Turner (Coach), Warren Fisher Second Row: Chuck Walsh (Trainer), Brian Brown, Barry Cummins, Larry Wright, Don Salenski, Bob Owens, Gregg Spencer, John Statz, Don Culic (Stick Boy) Third Row: Don Forrester, Ken Cross, laurie Yaworski, Gary Leippi, Brian Lavender, Clint Earl (Photo: Ron C. Johnston - Collection)

REGINA PATS - SOLIDIFY FRONT OFFICE

Taken from the Regina Pats Web Site:

- http://www.reginapats.com/ -

Regina, Saskatchewan – Regina Pats General Manager, Brent Parker, is proud to announce the promotion of Cliff Mapes to the role of Vice-President of Business Operations, and the renewal of the contracts for the Director of Scouting, Todd Ripplinger and Athletic Therapist, Greg Mayer.


Cliff Mapes joined the Pats in 2004 as the Director of Marketing, and has now been promoted to Vice-President of Business Operations. Brent Parker explains, “Cliff has been an integral part of growing our business over the past few years, and is a valued and loyal member of our organization. His responsibilities are far greater than that of an Assistant General Manager and that is why we have chosen to elevate him to this senior management position.”


Athletic Therapist Greg Mayer will continue in this position that he has held since the 2004-05 season, and has flourished in his multi-faceted role with the hockey club. “Greg is one of the most respected Athletic Therapists in junior hockey and has been an important part of our hockey operations department.” Brent Parker continues, “He works more hours than almost everyone on our organization and always has our team in top physical condition. We are pleased to have him committed to us for another two years.”


Todd Ripplinger is one of the longest serving members in the Regina Pats organization, and will remain as the team’s Director of Scouting. “The success we have had as an organization at the Draft table speaks for itself and Todd is directly responsible for that.” Brent Parker continues, “He heads up and manages a scouting staff that has had a success rate in terms of players playing in our league, of close to 50% which is the 3rd best among the 22 WHL franchises. He has good contacts and a strong knowledge of what makes a good WHL player and it is important for us to maintain that continuity going forward”

2009-2010 Regina Pats season ticket packages are now available; with the early bird purchase deadline is May 29th. For more information call 522-PATS, or head to http://www.reginapats.com/ for more information.

1966-1967 SEASON - THE NEW CANADIAN MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE

The Start of the New (WCJHL)

The start of the new (WCJHL) The Western Canada Junior Hockey League, was formed in June, 1966. The meeting took place at the Riding Mountain National Park summer resort village of Clear Lake one hundred kilometres north of Brandon, Manitoba. (Photo: Riding Mountain National Park - Summer Resort, Clear Lake, Manitoa - file)

When the League had begun in the fall, there were seven teams – five from Saskatchewan: the Regina Pats, Estevan Bruins, Moose Jaw Canucks, Weyburn Red Wings, and Saskatoon Blades. The others were from Alberta: the Calgary Buffaloes and Edmonton Oil Kings.

A new Major Junior Hockey Association was developed in Canada. The Three leagues, Quebec, Ontario and the Western joined and the Canadian Major Junior Hockey League was formed. Conflict between the CAHA and CMJHL resulted as the CMJHL raised the junior age limit to twenty-one and the CAHA lowered its junior age to nineteen. The age change resulted in the CMJHL losing its right to participate for the Memorial Cup. Owners of franchises in the CMJHL wanted players on their teams for the extra year to help increase revenue and have a more consistent line up from year to year. As a result, the CMJHL operated as an independent league that year.

The following year, in 1967-1968 season, the League changed its name from the Canadian Major Junior Hockey League to the Western Canada Junior Hockey League and agreed to abide by the policies of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association. (CAHA)

In the summer of 1968 the WCHL once again fell out with the CAHA. This time over the use of over-age players. CAHA lowered the age limit for juniors to 19 while WCHL wanted the cut-off to be 21. WCHL owners argued that older players increased revenue for teams and allowed more consistent lineup from year to year. The League also permitted players who entered an accredited 4 year university program to continue playing Junior "A" players until age 22. The Result was that once again WCHL was out operating as an independent league not able to play in the Canadian Memorial Cup. Three teams dropped out of the WCHL that year, one being the Regina Pats. The Pats opperated in the Saskatchewan Amatuer Junior Hockey League for the next two years and in 1970 rejoined the WCJHL along with a new entry, Medicine Hat Tigers.
In the 1971-72 season the League expanded to British Columbia with franchises in Vancouver, New Westminster, and Victoria.

In 1978 the league once again changed its name to the Western Hockey League to show that they were no longer just Canadian. The league now had teams from across the United States boarder, Portland Oregon, Seattle, Washington and Billings, Montana.

1966-1967 REGINA PATS ROSTER - Goalies: "Tiny Tim" Tabor, Glen "Chico" Resch, Warren "Mouse" Fisher Defense: Murray Flegel, Mike Mungall, Wayne Morusyk, Brian Boyd, Dennis Leroux, Richard Brown, Bob Taylor, Barry "Diesel" Cummins, John "Bear Cat" Statz Centre: Brian Lavender, Barry Meissner, Laurie Yaworski, Ken Cross Right Wing: Ron Snell, Greg Weisshaar, Rick Sentes (Captain), Bob Owen, Don Saleski Left Wing: Ernie Hicke, Ron "Garby" Garwasiuk, Ken Faranski, Garry Leippi, Ken Cross Coach: Bob Turner Manager: Del Wilson Trainer: Chuck Walsh Assistant Trainer: Bob Kelly Statistician: Ron "Scoreboard" Johnston

Regina Pats finished in third place with 69 points behind Edmonton Oil Kings with 78 points, followed by Estevan Bruins with 71 points. Regina Pats had four players finish in the top six scorers; Rick Sentes, second with 127 points, Brian Lavender, fourth with 110 points, Ernie Hicke 103 points and Ken Faranski with 94 points. Right Winger, Rick Sentes was selected to the First All-Star, and Ron Garwasiuk was the League Top Rookie (Butch Paul Memorial Trophy).

CMJHL Quarter Play-off - Tuesday, March 21, a solid team effort and a sparkling puck-blocking demonstration by rookie netminder Glen "Chico" Resch led Regina to a 3-1 victory over Weyburn Red Wings at the Exhibition Stadium. Resch replaced Tim Tabor who was sidelined, with a fractured right finger. All three Regina Pats lines were in the scoring.

Weyburn's rookie Larry McDonald, made a rink long rush from his own blueline, and he then made a goal mouth pass to Elgin McCann at 2:42 of the second period to open the scoring. Ernie Hicke of Regina tied the game five minutes later. With one minute left in the period, Ron Garwasiuk recieved a blueline pass, went around the defenders and scored 30 feet out. In the third period Laurie Yaworski scored on a rebound from Murray Flegel's blueline shot. The turning point was early in the third period when Resch robbed Doug Abel on a break-a-way.

Thursday, March 23, Regina Pats scored a come from behind 6-5 victory over Weyburn at the Colosseum. Pat's led 2-1 after the opening frame even though outshot badly 17-8. Both teams were tied 4-4 after the second period. Regina's Rick Sente’s and Barry Mesissner scored early in the third period. Weyburn's Wayne Wilson scored at 18:13 to close out the scoring. Resch, who was brilliant in the opening game, made 39 saves. Veteran Ernie Hicke was Pats top attacker with two goals while Elgin McCann was Red Wings best with two goals.

Sunday afternoon, April 2, Regina Pats with a four goal-second period splurge, defeating the Weyburn Red Wings 6-4 at Regina Exhibition Stadium. A ten day layoff, caused when neither rink had ice available, seemed to have little effect on either club. Ken Faranski and Ron Snell scored two goals each for Regina Pats while Elgin McCann was Weyburns’ top scorer with two goals. There was no scoring in the first period. Regina took a 4-1 lead after the second period. Weyburn closed it to 4-3 early in the third period before Pats scored 2 goals by the mid point. Weyburn scored one minute later.

Tuesday, April 4, a sparkling four-goals by Weyburns' Elgin McCann helped the Wings to a 7-5 win over the Pats. Barry Meissner, Reginas' most consistent player in the play-offs, scored three markers. Meissner's two goals in the first period gave Pats a 2-0 lead. Weyburn tied it with 2 quick goals 25 seconds apart at 4:05. Both clubs then exchanged goals to take a 3-3 tie into the final period. Weyburn scored 3 goals in 3 minutes and 2 seconds early, then had to hold on desperately as Regina scored 2 before the winners scored with 14 seconds left into an empty net.

Friday, April 7, with the best offensive display in the play-offs todate, Pats thumped the Weyburn Red Wings 9-4 at the Regina Stadium. Ron Garwasiuk league rookie of the year from St. Paul, Alberta, scored a hat trick for the winners. Ernie Hicke was Pats other best with two goals. Len Robbins missing the first two games due to a leg injury, tallied twice for the Weyburn. The first three goals were scored in 29 seconds by Ernie Hicke 8:22, Weyburn's Beaudin at 8:35 then Regina's Ken Faranski at 8:51. Pats had period leads of 3-2 and 6-3. In the third period Pats scored 3 goals before Weyburn scored with 2 minutes left in the game.

League Semi-Final - Wednesday, April 12, Estevan Bruins skated to a 5-1 victory over Regina Pats before a turn out at the Civic Auditorium. It was a big win for coach Ernie "Punch" McLean, who had his top veteran all-star Jim Harrison out for the remaining season with a cracked fifth vertebra. Estevan's Danny Schock flipped in his own rebound at 14:42 of the first period. Grant Erickson at 3:33 and Dale Hodsgson at 8:02 the first period. Grant Erickson at 3:33 and Dale Hodgson at 8:02 of the second gave the Bruins a 3-0 lead before Regina's Rick Sentes on a man advantage scored Pats only tally with three minutes left in the second. Greg Sheppard and Morris Stefaniw scored 2 more goals in the third period.

Friday, April 14, coach Bob Turner's Pats took a 5-1 victory over Estevan at the Exhibition Stadium. Ron Snell led the Regina attack scoring a pair of second period goals that put the game out of reach. Veteran Terry Kerr scored Bruins lone goal, spoiling Tim Tabor's shutout bid. It was Tabor's first game in six weeks. Regina took a 2-0 lead after the first period on Ken Faranski and Brian Lavander's goals. Estevan's Terry Kerr made it 2-1 on a quick shot from close in early in the second period before Regina scored 3 goals less then five minutes apart to put the game out of reach.

Sunday afternoon, April 16, a goal with only four minutes left in regulation time by Rick Sentes gave Pats a 5-5 draw with Estevan at the Civic Auditiorium. Sentes, the veteran Pat captain, led Regina with two goals. Both teams exchanged goals in the first period before Estevan went ahead 5-4 in a wild scoring second period. The tying goal came at 15:57 when Brian Lavander dug the puck out from the left corner and passed it back to Bob Taylor. Sentes, who was uncovered infront of the net, took the pass and scored on a screen shot.

Monday, April 17, the defending Memorial Cup Champion’s Bill Gadsby's Edmonton Oil Kings were eliminated by fourth place Moose Jaw Canucks in their best of nine series.

Wednesday, April 19, Tim Tabor turned in a spectacular puck- blocking display in helping the Pats to a 6-5 decision over Estevan at the Regina Stadium. Ron Snell paced Pats with three goals. It was Regina 3-1 after the first period. Regina took a 4-1 lead before Estevan scored 3 straight goals in 8 minutes to tie the game. Regina's Ron Snell scored at 14:25 to give his club a 5-4 lead going into the third period. Estevan's Grant Erickson, near the 2 minute mark, tied the game only to have Pats Brian Lavender score the winner 31 seconds later at 2:14 as he tipped in Bob Taylor's shot from the point. Ron Snell paced Pats with three goals. It was Regina 3-1 after the first period. Regina took a 4-1 lead before Estevan scored 3 straight goals in 8 minutes to tie the game. The weatherman forced the cancellation of Friday's game.

Saturday, April 22, Regina knocked off the Estevan Bruin 7-3 at the Civic Centre. Forechecking and a three goal performance by Rick Sentes helped the Pats scoring. Barry Meissner scored three unanswered goals in the final period. At one point Pats led 4-0 in the second period, before Estevan triggered three straight goals. Regina had period leads of 2-0 after the first and 4-3 after the second period.

Sunday afternoon, April 23, Regina whipped Estevan 6-3 to advance to the League final against Moose Jaw Canucks. It was Rick Sentes scoring three goals, all in the first period. A goal by Ken Cross, his first with the major club since moving up from the “B” ranks two months before, was the winning goal in the third period. Rick Sentes opened the scoring with 2 quick goals 40 seconds apart early in the first period. Pats got into penalty trouble early in the second period as Estevan scored two goals to tie the game 3-3. Pats lead 3-1 after the first period and held a 4-3 edge after the second period.

League Final - Monday, April 24, three-first period goals by Moose Jaw Canucks led them to a 5-2 victory over the home club, Regina Pats, at the Regina Stadium. It was Regina's third game in as many days while Moose Jaw were fresh from a 10-day lay-off after eliminating first place Edmonton Oil Kings. Rookie Jerry Millar, up from the junior "B" ranks, led the Canucks with a pair of goals.

With Moose Jaw's Ken Hodge in the penalty box, Ernie Hicke coughed up the puck and Garth Rizzuto sent Don Walker in all alone on Tim Tabor to give the Canucks a two goal lead in the first period. At the 12 minute mark Defenceman Barry Long gave the local Moose Jaw Canucks a 3-0 lead before Pats Ron Garwasiuk scored with 1 minute left on a three-way play. The third period was scoreless.

Wednesday, April 26, Moose Jaw scored twice in the opening three minutes and went on to down the Regina Pats 3-1 as the spectators jammed the 2,800 seat Civic Centre. Pats errors have been costly in this series. Monday, it was Barry Meissner off with a minor and major which gave Moose Jaw two power play goals for the victory. With Moose Jaw's Ken Hodge in the penalty box, Ernie Hicke coughed up the puck and Garth Rizzuto sent Don Walker in all alone on Tim Tabor to give the Canucks a two goal lead in the first period. At the 12 minute mark Defenceman Barry Long gave the local Moose Jaw Canucks a 3-0 lead before Pats Ron Garwasiuk scored with 1 minute left on a 3-way play. The third period was scoreless.

Friday, April 28, a blast against his veterans paid-off as a solid two-way effort helped Regina blank Moose Jaw 5-0 at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. Leading the way was Pats line of Ernie Hicke, Brian Lavender and Rick Sentes. Hicke and Sentes each scored twice while Lavender picked up four assists. Pats scored three power play goals on four chances in the first period as they roared to a 4-0 lead. Regina added the other goal in the second period.

Saturday, April 29, a standing room only crowd at Moose Jaw Civic Centre saw the Canucks down Pats 8-3. Moose Jaw roared to a 3-0 first period lead and never looked back. Canucks' Don Walker, top scorer during the regular season, sparked the club with a pair of goals. Moose Jaw upped the scored to 4-0 in the second period before Regina Pats Brian Lavender and Rick Sentes scored. It was Moose Jaw 5-2 after the second period. Ron Garwasiuk scored for Regina in the final period.

Sunday afternoon, April 30, Moose Jaw Canucks finished the regular season in fourth place and became the first winners of the Monsignor Athol Murray Trophy, when they defeated the Regina Pats 4-2 at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. This Trophy is emblematic of the League Champions. Approximately just over 500 Canuck supporters cheered the club onto victory in the last few minutes of the game. The first team to score went on to victory in all five games in the series. It was a team effort all the way.

In the semi-final they shook off 9-0 and 4-0 setbacks in the first two games at the Edmonton rink. The Canuck club fought back in Moose Jaw with a 4-4 tie and 4-2, 6-5 victories. They returned to Edmonton for a 4-4 and 6-6 ties to eliminate the defending Memorial Cup Champs in a nine game series.



Front Row: Barry Meissner, Glen Resch, Rick Sentes, Tim Tabor, Murray Flegel, Warren Fisher Second Row: Ron Johnston (Statistican), Bob Turner (Coach), Ron Snell, Barry Cummins, Dennis Leroux, Brian Lavender, Bob Taylor, Ernie Hicke, Bob Kelly (Trainer), Del Wilson (Manager) Third Row: Richard Brown, _______, John Statz, Gary Leippi, Ken Faranski, _______, Ron Garwasiuk (Photo: Ron C. Johnston - Collection)

A TRIP TO FLIN FLON, MANITOBA

by Ron C. Johnston

The name Flin Flon came from a British author, J.R. Preston Muddock, who wrote a science fiction book. The main character being a New York grocer and amateur scientist with the name Josiah Flintabbatey Flonatin. A copy of the book was found and read by prospector, Tom Creighton, in northern Manitoba in 1915. Shortly thereafter, while hunting moose in the Flin Flon lake area, he fell through the ice. Beneath the surface, the rock bed of the lake shimmered with what he recognized as a mineral treasure and Creighton staked his claim. He proposed the lake be named Flin Flon after the fictional character.

Back in the sixties and seventies, a trip to Flin Flon was a long and tiring experience, taking most of the day. It was about the same distance as travelling to Calgary, Alberta. The only difference being, we were heading north-east.

Everyone would get on the bus in the morning and not arrive in the mining city until night for a weekend double-header.

As we left the Province of Saskatchewan, and entered Manitoba, the thought of making that long tedious trip north up number 10 highway, going through the forestry and around those many lakes was not very welcome. During the last hour, as we approached Flin Flon, the highway started to make many twists and turns. Everywhere you looked there was Manitoba precambrian rock.

I can remember one trip in 1967, we had a rookie goalie by the name of Ken Fenson. As we approached Flin Flon, he saw the airport search-light on the right side of the bus. After making another turn, it was on the left side. Ken let out a hollor and said, "How big is this Flin Flon? Man! They have two airports!" The whole bus let out a roar of laughter at his surprising assumption. After two or more trips to Flin Flon one gets to know all those turns. As the bus came around the last turn, at the city limits, a statue of Josiah Flintabbatey Flonatin welcomed us.

Many of the hockey players hated going to Flin Flon, because the local Bombers Junior Hockey Team were known for playing rough and fights always erupted during those games. The local boys got their toughness from working in the mines day after day, for $300.00 a month when not playing hockey.

The Bombers knew they had a good chance of winning the first game if they capitalized on our being tired from the long bus trip. They would really be rough at the start of the game, getting a fast start on the visitors. In my rookie season we had no problem with Flin Flon. We averaged 13 goals a game against them that year.

In 1974 Pats trainer Norm Fong was also the Regina Junior Rams trainer Norm suggested to coach Turner that he should try Big Bob Poley, (6’3”, 240 pounds) as their policeman for that season. Although he wasn't a great skater, the opposition took notice of his size every time he stepped on the ice. On the trip to Flin Flon, Big Bob and two other players were walking down Main street. Passers by would stop and look in awe, for they had never seen anyone that big in Flin Flon. For that matter, neither had the Bomber players.

The small city was built around the famous HBM&S Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Company Limited, on the Saskatchewan-Manitoba border.

The first thing you would see as you left the Royal Hotel, was that everywhere you went you were walking on rock. The sewer pipes were right out in the open, above ground, encased by wooden planks that doubled as sidewalks. The skyline was dominated by two structures owned by the Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Company: the massive red head frame of the north mine shaft, and the towering smelter smoke stack stretching into the northern sky.

In 1935 the Mining Company built an in door rink called the Main Arena. In 1960 Company President, C.V. Witney, approved a grant to repair and enlarge the old rink. To-day, the Arena is named Whitney Forum and seats about 2,000 people.

I can remember the players telling me about this famous Shorty Russick's Pool Hall located half a block down the main street on the same side of the street as the hotel. I am glad I went out of my way to explore it. It was something I will never forget, like going back in time. When I found the entrance I opened the door and, to my surprise, directly in front of me I saw three steps going down directly and was then confronted with a huge rock. I walked up and over that famous rock and there stood another door. As I opened that door, I could see old timers seated around the walls playing different kinds of card games. The pool tables were something else. The floor of the pool room was not level and they planted the tables right on top of the rock. One of the many tables had one side where the legs were about two feet high while on the other side it was the normal length.

One of the Pat players mentioned to me that there was another pool hall down the main street, just inside the Saskatchewan border, in the town of Creighton. The floors there were level, but the tables were not as good to play on.

One year it was so cold, the temperature was a minus 65 degrees farenheight with the wind chill at a killing minus 95. That was one time I would rather have been on one of our Western Coast trips to Victoria. It was so cold that coach Bob Turner arranged for taxi cabs to take the players the one and a half blocks to Witney Forum. By the time all the players were loaded into the cabs there was no room for us. Coach Turner and I recklessly endangered life and limb as we ran up the Third Avenue hill from the hotel and down the half block to the rink. I don't remember who got to the rink first, Bob or me. While the Pats got dressed and had their warm-up, I went to the concession booth and had their famous chicken-in-a-mug and a large cup of hot chocolate to thaw my thoroughly chilled innards.

In comparison to the rough and tumble action experienced in the weekend series, the friendly, accommodating attitude of the citizens in general was refreshing. An example of this was when, on one of our trips there, I happened to notice a nice blue western type man's suit at Ross Men's Style Shop next to our Royal Hotel, on Main Street. I kept eyeing it every time I went by. Finally on Saturday, an hour before closing time, I went in and decided to buy that suit. I never saw people move so fast to try and have it ready in time. They sent my sports jacket down the street to a tailor, while they did the pants themselves. Sure enough, it was ready at six o'clock as promised. That suit lasted me for thirty years. To this day, it remains one of my favorites. Every time I wore it, it brought back many wonderful memories of that special year in Flin Flon.

1965-1966 - COACH BOB TURNER and STATISTICAN RON "SCOREBOARD" JOHNSTON'S AREA

On September 17, 1965, Regina Pats announced the signing of the new coach, Bob Turner. He went on to coach the Pats for ten seasons to January 1977. During that stint he took out two years and scouted for the NHL California Golden Seals from 1989-70.


For the first time the Pats hired a club statistician, Ron "Scoreboard" Johnston. It took but three games for him to get his nickname. It was at Moose Jaw, Tuesday, October 12, before the game in the dressing room, Ernie Hicke, not remembering Johnston's name shouted, "Hayyyy.... scoreboard!" Ron responded and the nickname stuck with him to this day. (Photo: Ernie Hicke) (Photo: Below: Andy Black, Ernie Hicke, Barry Meissner - Both Photo's - Ron C. Johnston Collection)


The sixth game of the schedule, Friday, October 22, had the Regina Pats record a new modern day record, trouncing the Flin Flon Bombers 19-1. In the game Pats had a new line consisting of centre Barry Meissner, right winger Andy Black and left winger Ernie Hicke. The line racked up 21 points during the game.

Regina Pats had eight games during the schedule where they scored 10 or more games. There were no overtime games during the regular schedule.

Ex-Pats Lorne Davis and Fran Huck, plus Morris Mott of Weyburn Red Wings, play for Team Canada that season. Huck was selected to the All-Star team.

The Regina Pats finished in fifth place with 63 points, 30 points behind first place Estevan Bruins. The Pats had four players in the top ten scoring race; Barry Meissner, 104 points, Ernie Hicke 103 points, Stan Faranski 101 points and Rick Sentes 100 points. The only Regina Pat player to make it on the All-Star Team was Left Winger Ken Faranski on the Second Team.

1965-1966 Regina Pats Roster - Goalies: "Tiny" Tim Tabor, Warren Fisher, Ken Fenson Defense: Dale Bloomquist, Bob Taylor, Murray Flegel, Dave Rudolph, Don Fedun, Greg Spencer, Clinton Earl, Bob Mattick Centre: Barry Meissner, Ernie Hicke, Brian Lavender, Stan Chakowski, Frank Richardson Right Wing: Rick Sentes (Captain), Andy Black, Richard Seitz, Ken Stuart, Greg Spencer, Ken Fuller Left Wing: Ernie Hicke, Barry Meissner, Ken Faranski, Bernie Blanchett, John Migneault, Don Dorsch, Brian Dickie Coach: Bob Turner Statistician: Ron Johnston Manager: Del Wilson Trainer: Chuck Walch

Quarter Play-Offs - Tuesday, March 1, a small crowd of Weyburn fans saw a third period brawl as their Red Wings scored a 2-0 victory over the Regina Pats. The hero was Weyburn's rookie goalie Darryl Gizen up from the "B" ranks, the Lashburn Red Wings. Gizen was taking the place of the injured Don Caley. The husky net minder made 31 saves throughout the game, 14 in the middle period and three from close in. Randy Gates and veteran Bill Lesuk accounted for all the Wings scoring. Gates scored at 3:29 of the second period as he slipped a backhander passed "Tiny" Tim Tabor 15 feet out. In the dying seconds at 19:36, Lesuk scored into any empty net when coach Bob Tuner pulled Tabe in favor of an extra attacker.

Wednesday, March 2, Regina Pat's goaltender Tim Tabor was spectacular in helping his Pats edge Weyburn 3-2 at the Regina Exhibition Stadium before only 1,394 fans. Ernie Hicke, playing with an injured ankle, was Regina's top scorer with a pair of goals. Weyburn's Cates scored a shorthanded goal at the mid point of the first period followed by Hicke's four minutes later. In the second period Pats Andy Black carried from his own zone and beat Gizen 20 feet out. Weyburn's Bill Lesuk tied the game four minutes later. Hicke scored 1:24 into the third period for the winner as he blasted a point blank shot that went wide, bounced out, and deflected off Gizen's pad into the net.

Thursday, March 3, overtime goals by Weyburn's Randy Gales and rookie Dwight Fansher helped the Weyburn Red Wings to a 6-4 victory over Regina Pats at Weyburn Colosseum. Regina grabbed a 2-1 lead going into the second period on Rick Sentes goal with three minutes remaining in the opening period. Both teams were tied 3-3 after the second period. Rick Sentes put the Pats ahead at 12:14 only to have Bill Lesuk tie the game at 15:33 to force two straight 10 minute overtime periods. Fansher's winning goal came at 4:22 of the 10 minute overtime and Gates into an empty net with only 15 seconds remaining. Rick Sentes, Regina Pats captain, tallied twice for the Pats.

Tuesday, March 8, David Lee's goal at 8:14 of overtime gave Weyburn their second straight ovetime victory, a 4-3 over Regina at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. The Red Wings had the return of all-star goalie Don Caley. Weyburn's Randy Gates opened the scoring with a shorthanded goal at 2:15 of the first period. Ernie Hicke tied the game for the Pats at 1:16 of the third period on his famous blistering slapshot. Weyburn then went up two goals on Gates second goals and Dwight Fansher's goal one minute later at 9:00. The loss was a heart breaker for the Regina pats who had overcome a two goal deficit in the final seven minutes of regulation time to send the game into overtime as Ken Faranski and Dave Rudolph scored.

Wednesday, March 9, Weyburn won the best of five series, downing Regina pats 4-2 before a standing room only (2,189) crowd as fans jammed their way into the 1,900 seat Colosseum. Weyburn's Larry Billows and Regina's Barry Meissner exchanged goals 25 seconds apart at 14:28 of the first period. In the second period, with Pats two men shorthanded, Dave Lee scored as he deflected Bill Lesuk's point shot. In the third period Len Robbins and Dwight Fansher scored before Andy Black scored a shorthanded goal, as he worked through three defenders.

It was the first time Weyburn had been able to get passed the Regina Pats in three consecutive post-season play-offs. "Thank goodness that's the last we'll see of that guy." said coach jack Shupe, referring to Regina Pats goalie Tim Tabor who had to make 45 save in the contest.

In the Memorial Cup trail, Edmonton Oil kings defeated the Estevan Bruins in the Abbott Cup Western final in six games. Edmonton then went on to win the Memorial Cup against Oshawa Generals.



Front Row: Rick Sentes, Brian Lavender, Ken Faranski, Ken Fensom, Andy Black, Ernie Hickie, Barry Meissner Middle Row: Del Wilson (Manager), R.B. Ramsay (President), Bob Turner (Coach), Chuck Walsh (Trainer) Top Row: Brian Spencer, Murray Flegel, Don Fedun, Frnak Richardson, Tim Tabor, Dave Rudolph, Bob Taylor, Dave Farrow, Ken Fuller (Photo: Ron C. Johnston - Collection)

1964-1965 - SEASON

Brandon Wheat Kings became the newest team to enter the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) at the start of the season. The League schedule was decreased from 62 games to 56. At the start of the season Regina Pats had eighteen undefeated games, winning fourteen and tying four games. The streak ended Saturday, November 21, at Estevan as the Bruins defeated the Pats 6-4.

A letter by Frank Selke Sr., a former Montreal Canadien Executive Director, helped 20 year old Andre Legueux a wandering French-Canadian native of Drummondville, Quebec, to the Regina Pats that season. Andre played 48 games with the Montreal Junior Canadiens during the 1962-63 season.

On Tuesday, December 25, Pats had to cancel a game against Melville Millionaires due to a bad snow blizzard. Friday, January 22, at Regina Exhibition Stadium the Pats had 68 shots directed at the Flin Flon goaltender Gary Holland. Regina Pats went on to defeat the Flin Flon Bombers 9-2. Regina finished in first place with 84 points, followed by Weyburn Red Wings with 75, then Brandon Wheat Kings with 65. Regina Pats, Defenseman, Doug Piper, was selected on the First All-Star Team. Goalie, Peter Sternig and Centre Fran Huck were selected on the Second All-Star Team. Fran Huck finished second in the scoring race with 138 points, he also won the Most Valuable Player Award (Leo Parker Trophy).

At the end of the season six Ex-Regina Pat players: Gary Butler, (LW) 1956-57 to 1960-61; Marty Reid, 1959-60; Alex Hood (LW), 1958-59 to 1961-62; Wilf Martin (C) 1961-62; Pierre Dechaine (RW) 1961-62; and Gordon Wilkie (C) 1957-58 to 1959-60. They helped the University of Michigan win the NCAA Championship as they won 6-3 of Denver.




Left to Right: Gary Butler, Marty Reid, Alex Hood, Wilf Martin, Pierre Dechaine, Gord Wilkie - (Photo: Gary Butler - Collection)

1964-1965 - Regina Pats Roster - Goalies: Peter Sternig, Tim Tabor Defense: Doug Piper, Mike Fischer, Murray Flegel, Dale Blomquist, Bob Taylor Centre: Fran Huck, Andre Lagueux, Dave Balicki, Jim McComas, Doug Cross Right Wing: Stan Gilberston, Andre Lagueux, Ernie Hicke, Rich Sentes, Andy Black, Bernie Blanchett, Dave Smith Left Wing: Stan Gilbertson, Barry Meissner, Ken Faranski Coach: Bob Kirk, John Hudson (Play-offs only) Manager: Del Wilson Trainer: Sandy Archer President: R.B. "Bud" Ramsay

Tuesday evening, March 2, Regina Pats President R.B. Ramsay called a press conference. It was announced that veteran coach Bob Kirk who had been in poor health for several months had resigned due to illness. John Hudson coach of the Pat "B" club assumed the coaching duties for the balance of the season. Kirk joined Pats after 10 years with the Flin Flon Bombers when Flin Flon failed to renew his contract the previous spring. He coached senior hockey in Saskatoon before going to Flin Flon. In 1958 he guided Buffalo to the American title. Illness forced him to resign and he returned to coaching the Flin Flon Bombers the following season.

League Semi-Finals - Wednesday, March 3, "That was a big one - the one for Bobby", moaned a Pat player in a quiet dressing room. The tired Pats had just edged Estevan 2-1 at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. It was a big win for the new coach John Hudson. It was a team effort for both, but the hero had to be the sensational puck blocking of Wayne Doll in the Bruins net. The veteran, sidelined on February 11, with an appendectomy, was making his first start in the net. He robbed Pats of many chances making 37 saves, 20 in the middle period. His only mistake was Pats second and winning goals at 16:34 of the second period when he went out to glove a waist high shot by Ernie Hicke and let the puck get by him. Huck then took a rebound off the back boards and scored into an empty net for Pats other goal.

Saturday, March 6, Estevan broke loose for 4 third period goals to score a 6-3 victory over Regina Pats at the Estevan Agricultural Auditorium. The Bruins had to come from behind twice in the early stages. The turning point was early in the third period, with Pats on a power play. REgina faltered when clearing the puck in their own end zone. Terry Kerr slipped a loose puck under Peter Sternig's pads during a goal mouth scramble. Both clubs exchanged goals in the first and second periods before Estevan went ahead on three straight goals before Pat's Andre Lagneaux scored.

Tuesday, March 9, Ernie "Punch" McLean's Bruins battled back from a three goal second period deficit downing Regina Pats 6-4 at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. Pats held a 3-0 lead early in the middle period when the Bruins bounced back, scoring their three goals in the second half of the period. Bruin's rookie Morris Stefaniw triggered three goals, including the winner, while Ross Lonsberry scored two goals. Fran Huck was Pats top scorer with two goals. Both teams were tied 4-4 with less than a minute left in the game when Estevan scored two quick goals, the second into an empty net.

Thursday, March 11, sparked by a brilliant two goal performance by Regina Pats Stan Gilberson, they chalked up a narrow 4-3 victory over Estevan. It was a rough penalty cliff hanger that saw 53 minutes in penalties in the first period. The game had standing room only, (2,538) as the crowd forced their way into the Auditorium. It wa the largest turnout in four years. No one left the rink until the final whistle. Estevan's Morris Stefaniw had three goals, including the winner, while Ross lonsberry triggered two goals. Fran Huck was the Pats top scorer with two goals.

Friday, March 12, Regina scored four times while having the man advantage, and defeated Estevan 5-1 before a standing room only crowd, (5,000) at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. Defenseman Mike Fischer led the way for the Regina Pats with a pair of power play goals. It was the first time coach Hudson had been able to go all the way with his three lines. There was no scoring until the 10:37 mark of the second period as Fischer scored his first goal followed by Fran Huck's goal one minute later. Andy Black scored on Regina's third man advantage goal with less then three minutes left in the period. Bruin's Ted "Chief" Hodgson scored Estevan's only goal at 3:50 of the third period, followed by Pats Ken Faranski and Fisher's second goal.

Tuesday, March 16, Regina Pats completely out classed the Estevan Bruins 8-1 before another standing room only crowd (2,735) who jammed every area possible in the 2,100 seat Estevan Auditorium. Pats goalie Peter Sternig, was all smiles, the second year he lost out to Estevan's Wayne Doll as all-star goalie. "He won it, but I'll take this." said Sternig.

Andre Lagueux turned in a sparkling performance as he scored two goals and set up two others. Regina's Andy Black moved in quickly and scored on Fran Huck's rebound. One minute later Estevan's Wayne Green scored on a hotly disputed goal; the goal light did not go on, but the referee signalled a goal several seconds later. After the game, "It went passed the goal post." stated Pats' goaltender Peter Sternig. Pats lead 4-1 after the first period.

League Final - Wednesday, March 24, five unanswered third period goals, gave the Weyburn Red Wings a one sided 7-2 victory over the Regina Pats. The game saw an all-time Colosseum play-off attendance record (2,452) take in the game. Left-winger Ken Koshey sparked the attack with three goals and ran his total to eight in the play-offs. Five of Weyburn's goals were on rebounds. The score could have been much higher, but thanks to Pats goalie Peter Sternig, he stopped Weyburn on three break-a-ways, plus tow initial stops. "With a two week lay-off we were not sharp," said Regina's coach John Hudson. Andre Lagneux and Frank Huck scored for Pats, both in the first period.

Friday, March 26, hockey fever has hit the Weyburn City of 9,000. For the second time, an all-time record (2,677) attendance jammed every nook and cranny of the 1,933 seat Weyburn Colosseum. The Regina Pats took a 5-3 victory over coach Jack Shupe's Wings. Regina's Andy Black and Stan Gilbertson scored two goals each.

Weyburn Rookie Sandy Snow scored followed by Pats Andy Black. Regina upped the score to 3-1 at the end of the first period on two quick goals, 45 seconds apart in the last minute of play. In the second period, Weyburn's Morris Mott and Ken Thompson scored. Stan Gilbertson and Andy Black scored his second goal in the third period.

Saturday, March, 27, four-second period goals, two within a 44 second span, mid-way in the period, helped the Regina Pats to a narrow 5-4 vitory over Weyburn. A standing room only crowd (5,600) watched the contest at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. For his second consecutive game, Andy Black plus Ken Faranski, led the Pats with two goals each. Morris Mott scored two goals for Weyburn, both in the third period. Red Wing's Gail Holden opened the scoring at 7:06. Pats Andy Black tied the game at 14:49 as he directed Dave Rudloph's point shot. With only 18 second left in the first period, Jim Cardiff scored to give Weyburn a 2-1 lead going into the second period.

The Gold helmet worn by Fran Huck "Golden Hawk" - 1963-65. The line that wore the gold helmets consisted of Fran, Andy Black, and Barry Meissner. (Photo: Sask. Hall of Fame - permission -taken by Ron C. Johnston)

Monday, March 29, at the Regina Exhibition Stadium, Regina Pats took a 3-0 first period lead and went on to a 4-2 victory over Weyburn Red Wings. Pats ran into a flood of penalties in the final period and weathered a late Weyburn drive. Fran Huck scored for Regina only 20 seconds into the game, on a goal mouth pass from Andy Black. Dave Smith then scored with a 45 footer to the top corner at 9:03. Weyburn then were two men short when Barry Meissner scored 40 second later. It wasn't until the third period that Gail Holden and Dwight Carruthers scored while Pats were shorthanded. Faranski scored Pats other goal.

Weyburn protested Monday's game , saying the referee had erred in calling penalties in the third period. League Commissioner Frank Bourcher ordered replay prior to Wednesday's game with Regina ahead 3-0 at 3:13 of the third period. Regina Pats went onto to win 3-1 with Morris Mott scoring at 10:58.

Wednesday, March 31, twice the Red Wings faced three goal deficits. They came up with a strong finish to edge Regina Pats 5-3 as fans (5,804) jammed the 4,447 seat Regina Exhibition Stadium and saw tge Red Wing hold off elimination. Pats pumped three goals passed goalie Caley in the first five minutes only to see Weyburn rifle four in the second half of the wild opening period. The second period was scoreless and Gail Holden scored the only goal at 13:56 of the final period for Weyburn.

Thursday, April 1, with only one minuted and 21 seconds remaining, an overtime goal by Barry Meissner gave the Regina Pats a 5-4 squeaker over the Weyburn Red Wings before another sell-out (2,675) standing room only crowd at the Weyburn Colosseum. It was Regina's first SJHL Championship in 4 years. Frank Huck led the way with a pair of goals for Regina. The Red Wings raored to a 2-0 first period lead and held a 4-1 cushion going into the third period. Regina had a brilliant three goal comeback, two on power play goals in the space of 18 seconds mid-way through the period to tie the game and force overtime. In overtime, a stick check by Regina Pats Mike Fischer at Weyburn's blue line sent Barry Meissner in alone and beat Caley, on a knee-high 15 foot shot.

Western-Quarter Final - Sunday afternoon, April 4, the Regina Pats romped to a one sideded 10-4 victory over the New Westminster Royals ... (Photo: New Westminster Queens Park Arena) .... before the largest hockey crowd (3,570) in 10 years at New Westminster's Queens Park Arena. Pats led by defenseman Mike Fischer's six points as he had three goals and three assists. Rick Sentes and Andre Lagueeux each acored twice. George Parret led the Royals scoring with two goals.

Regina had period lead of 3-1 and 5-1 and upped the score to 7-1 early in the thrid period by Sentes and Lagueux goals in the space of 22 seconds. The B.C. champs then pumped home 2 quick goals within the span fo 17 seconds at the 6:20 mark in the wild scoring third period.

Monday, April 5, Regina downed the Royals 4-2 in a lack luster contes at New Westminster. Andy Black led the Pat scorers with two goals while Paul Shmyr scored both New Westminster goals. Pats took a 3-0 first period lead on Ernie Hicke's goal mouth pass from Rick Sentes and lifted the puck over sprawling Don Wallis at 8:00. One minute and 13 second later Andy Black scored his two goals. Schmyr scored late in the second period and opened the third period at 5:36 on a tip in pass. Regina's Barry Meissner scored one minute later from Boy Taylor's pass.

Wednesday, April 7, the Regina Pats chalked up a 7-2 win to sweep the best-of-five series over New Westminster at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. Andre Lagueux and Stan Gilbertson led Regina with two goals apiece. Regina were ahead 3-0 after the first period, while both clue scored a goal in the middle frame. New Westminster's scorers were Garth Rizzuto in the second period and Wayne Gross in the third period. With six pickups the New Westminster Royals still were no threat to the Regina Pats.

Under the CAHA regulations, Regina picked up Weyburn's defenseman Jim Carduff, centre Morris Mott, left-winger Bill Lesuk, plus goalie Don Daley for the Edmonton Oil King series. The CAHA took the advantage of home ice away from the Regina Pats who were Saskatchewan Champions. Saskatchewan was to have had the extra game in the series, but just prior to the start, Art Potter announced that Alberta would get the extra home game.

Western Semi-Final - Friday, April 9, Fran Huck scored three goals and two assists, including the winner, as Regina Pats walked off with a 7-5 decision over the Edmonton Oil Kings at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. Barry Meissner scored the winner at 7:52 in the third period on an unbelievable angle. Edmonton's Ross Perkins had two goals. Regina lead 2-1 after the first period and 5-3 after the second period. Coach Harold "Buster" Brayshaw who had guided the Oil Kings to five straight western titles stated, "We were terrible! We showed the effect of our 10 day lay-off."

Saturday, April 10, with the help of the Goden Hawk and the Masked Bandit, Regina Pats dropped the Oil Kings 5-2 in overtime at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. Pats Fran Huck broke open the tight-checking game just five seconds into the straight ten-minute overtime. He won the face-off at centre ice and tapped the puck ahead, then went around defenders and let a blistering waist high shot goal. Only 30 seconds later, Ernie Hicke shoved Bill Lesuk's goal mouth pass passed Edmonton's Gary Simmons. huck scored his second goal in the final minute of the overtime. It was the fantastic stop by Regina Pats' goaltender Peter Sternig with but 34 seconds remaining, that made it possible for overtime, stopping defenseman Bob Falkenber on a clear-break-a-way.

Monday, April 12, Edmonton Oil Kings downed Regina Pats 3-1 at the Edmonton Gardens. If it wasn't for the spectacular work of Regina Pat goalie Peter Sternig, Oil Kings could have wrapped it up in the first period. Sternig made 35 stops, 14 of them in the first period, stopping the Oil Kings on at least seven labelled drives in the early going. Edmonton's Al Hamiltion snared a loose puck from Regina Pats pick-up Morris Mott at Regina's blue line and skated through four defenders to score at 15:02 of the first period. Pats' Doug Piper tied the score 44 seconds into the third period, then Edmonton Greg Tomalty scored and Hamiltion put his seond goal into an empty net closing out the scoring.

Wednesday, April 14, it was Edmonton Oil King 8 and Fran Huck 3 at Edmonto Gardens Arena. Dave Rochefort led the free wheeling Oil Kings' attack with three goals while Ross Perksin had two. Edmonton and Regina scored goals 61 seconds aprat early in the game. Oil Kings then pumped in three goals in the space of 91 seconds late in the first period to hurt the Pats and take a 4-1 lead. Edmonton upped the score to 7-2 after the middle period.

Thursday, April 15, the razor-sharp Edmonton Oil Kings chalked up a one-sided 9-3 victory over the helpless Regina Pats at Edmonton Gardens. Ron Anderson spearheaded Edmonton's attack with a three goal effort, plus Graham Longmuir and rookie Brian Bennett scored two goals apiece. Goals by Edmonton's Bennett and Ted Rogers, one minute and 25 seconds apart, gave the Oil Kings a 2-0 lead by the three minute mark. Pat's Fran Huck and Andy Black's goals 25 seconds apart near the end of the first period, tied the game at 2-2. Edmonton took a 5-3 lead into the third period.

Saturday, April 17, at the Regina Exhibition Stadium before a poor turnout (2,097) fans saw their local boys soundly whip Edmonton Oil Kings 8-1 in a free wheeling display. Again it was Fran Huck who led the Regina attack, scoring four goals and adding two assists to boost his series totla to thirteen goals and six assists in six games. Edmonton's Dave Rockefort scored the first goals of the game at 6:38 of the first period only to have Pats lead 2-1 by the end of the period. They added three unanswered goals in the second and third period.

Monday, April 19, four goals in the third period, two in the space of 53 seconds, helped the Edmonton Oil Kings to a 6-2 victory over Regina at the Edmonton Gardens infront of 6,505 sepectators. It wa anybody's game going into the final period. Centre Ross Perkins started the third period attack just 58 seconds into the frame. This seemed to take the life out of the Regina Pats. A bouncing puck rolled out from behing Regina Pats net and onto the stick of the Oil Kings centre. He shot the puck and goalie Peter Sternig made the save only to have Perkins score on his own rebound.

Hap Emms summed up the 1965 Memorial Cup as follows, "The 1960's saw the West dominated by a series of increasing punacious Edmonton Oil King teams." The Oil Kings were making their sixth consecutive appearance. Once again Regina Pat's Fran Huck was picked up by the Westerners. Emmas Niagara Falls Flyers won in five games, played at Edmonton Gardens. The third game in the Memorial Cup was the first time a game had to be halted due to fights. They had to call in 25 Edmonton City Policemen to restore order.

Last season, Fran Huck scored 107 goals in 90 games, including 5 games with Estevan and 5 with Edmonton in the Memorial Cup. This season he had 105 goals in 80 games, including 3 games with Edmonton in the Memorial Cup.

1963-1964 - SEASON - THE FRAN HUCK ERA

The City of Regina was celebrating their Diamond Jubilee, 60 years (1903-1963). That year the League increased its schedule to 62 games and had a partial schedule with the Edmonton Oil Kings that season. On Thursday, October 17, at Saskatoon, Regina's coach Dunc Fischer started a new line with centre Fran Huck, left winger Gary Dresdal, and right winger Andy Black.

(Photo: Regina Pats - Souvenir Program - Ron C. Johnston Collection)

The Regina games were now being broadcast over radio station CKCK. Ron Johnston, "I can still remember after one of the broadcasts, an elderly lady called the station and asked why was Frank Huck dressed all in black?" The line had Huck-Gresdal-Black.

There were no overtime League scheduled games that seasson. On Friday, November 22, at the Regina Exhibition Stadium, Gary Schall scored six goals as Regina Pats downed Melville Millionaires 11-3. At the Regina Exhibition Stadium, on Saturday, December 28, Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) Selects played an exhibition game against the Czech Olympics and fought to a 4-4 tie. . (Regina Leader Post - Ad) .

Estevan Bruins finished the league schedule in first place with 78 points, followed by Regina Pats with 71. Regina Pats Fran Huck took the scoring title with 153 points, and was selected on the First All-Star team along with Defenseman Doug Piper.

1963-1964 - Regina Pats Roster - Goalies: Peter Sternig, Tim Tabor Defense: Norm Schmitz, Ray Holmes, Mike Fisher, Doug Piper (Captain), Bob Taylor, Dave Rudolph, Rick Potter, Stan Fuller, Bob Mills Centre: Fran Huck, Gary "Gabby" Schall, Rick Sentes, Doug Dayman, Dave Balicki Right Wing: Andy Black, Tom Kellough, Ernie Hicke, John Cooke, Doug Wass Left Wing: Gary Gresdal, Stan Gilbertson, Ken Walters, Barry Meissner, Ken Faranski, Jeff Bugera Coach: Dunc Fisher Manager: Del Wilson Trainer: Sandy Archer

Quarter Semi-Final - Tuesday, March 10, coach Jack Shupe's Weyburn Red Wings blanked the Regina Pats 4-0 at the Regina Stadium. Red Wings winless in four previous Stadium starts that season, out-skated, out-checked and out-played the Pats. The clubs fought through a scoreless first period and the hustling Wings broke it wide open with three goals in the middle frame. Gail Holden scored on his second rebound at 1:36, Dwight Carruthers then scored on a 25 footer at 5:55 followd by Bill Lesuk at 15:50. Ken Thompson scored in the third period with a two man advantage.

Thursday, March 12, the hustling-scrappy Weyburn Red Wings grabbed a two game lead when they defeated (Photo: Weyburn Colosseum) Regina Pats 4-2 before (2,500) a capacity turnout at the Weyburn Colosseum. The saw rookie Ken Thompson scored two goals for the home club. The Wings went ahead 2-0 after the first period and held a 2-1 lead going into the third period. Pats evened the scored at 2-2 early in the period only to have Weyburn score two goals in the space of two minutes and 12 seconds for the victory.

Friday, March 13, Regina Pats scored a 6-4 victory over Weyburn at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. Wings goaltender Joe Daley, who joined the club in mid-January, turned aside 42 shots - 21 in the second period. The second period was the finest Pat offensive display since their 13 game winning streak of mid season. Regina scored two quick goal in 52 seconds at the 17 minute mark when Frank Huck scored at 17:06 and Norm Schmitz at 17:58 to give Regina Pats a 4-2 lead. Stan Gilbertson and Norm Beaudin each scored twice for Regina. Dwight McMillan was Wings top score with two goals.

Monday, March 16, the fired-up Weyburn Red Wings bolted to a 3-0 first period lead and went on to down the Regina pats 6-3 at the Weyburn Colosseum. Bill Lesuik and Dave Lee, up from Weyburn Elks Junior B team, paced the Wings with two goals each while Regina Pats Fran Huck had two goals. Jim Lorett, Lesuk, and Lee scored in the opening period. Regina's Andy Black and Huck scored in the second period. in the third period Weyburn's Lesuk, Lee and Ken Knipleburg scored before Huck scored his second goal at 18:13.

Tuesday, March 17, on the brink of elimination Regina Pats did not rely on the luck of the Irish. Pats scored an impressive 7-3 victory over Weyburn at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. Regina never trailed as they took a 3-0 first periopd lead and held a 5-2 edge after the second period. Andy Black led the Pats with two goals. Regina Pat's Andy Black's second goal, the first in the second period, took the steam out of the Red Wings. He hit the puck out of the air with the blade of his stick as he skated across the goal mouth.

Wednesday, March 18, for the second time, Regina staved off elimination as they battled the Regina Wings to a 1-1 tie at the Weyburn Colosseum. Both teams fought through a scoreless first period. Regina Pats Ernie Hicke was sitting out a slashing penalty when Weybun's Dwight McMillan scored at 16:15. With less than seventeen minutes remaining in the game, Pat's supper star Fran Huck sent a rebound passed sprawling goalie Don Caley for the tying goal.

Thursday, March 19, Regina Pat's 18 year old pivot Fran Huck scored his fifteenth hat trick of the season. Huck helped the Pats to an 8-3 victory over Weyburn at the Regina Exhibition Stadium to force an eighth game in the series. "Fran Huck, the 156 pound centre, has proven through- out the season that he is the closest thing to a one-man hockey team to appear on the western junior scene since Metro Prystai was filling the nets with pucks for the Moose Jaw Canucks back in the late 1940's", stated sports writer John Robertson. ....... (Photo: Fran Huck - Collection)

Commissioner Frank Boucher made a decision to have the eighth and deciding game be played on neutral ice at the Melville Stadium.

March 23, Monday, desire, hustle, and solid goal tending by Regina Pats' Peter Sternig sparked the Pats to a 6-3 victory over Weyburn in the eighth and deciding game. Regina roared to a 3-0 lead in the first period. Wings fought back and cut the lead to a single goal by the halfway mark of the second period before the pats put it out of reach. They added two more goals to take a 5-2 lead going into the third period. Pats Stan Gilbertson was Regina's top scorer with two goals.

Semi-Final - Friday afternoon, March 27, Saskatoon Quakers grabbed a 2-0 first period lead and never trailed on their way to a 6-5 win over Regina Pats at the Saskatoon Arena. Quaker's Ed Hobday's second goal at 16:43 of the third period became the winning goal. Stan Gilbertson scored two goals for the Pats, both in the second period, Fran Huck, Ernie Hicke, and Schall scored the other Pat goals. Saskatoon lead 4-2 after the second period.

Saturday, March 28, Regina Pats defeated the Quakers 4-2 at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. An outstanding forechecking display in the final 20 minutes held Saskatoon to just four shots on Pats goalie Peter Sternig and that made the difference in the game. Saskatoon's Bill Orban started the scoring at 2:39 of the first period. At the five minute mark, Andy Black scored for Regina as he slapped in Fran Huck's drop pass just inside the blue line. Stan Gilbertson gave the Pats the lead at 7:25, Ernie Hicke then upped the score at 4:45 of the second period when he passed out from behind the net and the puck went in off a defender. Norm Bell then scored at 9:18 to give Regina a 3-2 lead after the second period. Norm Schmitz scored the only goal in the third period, a pass from Huck.

Tuesday, March 31, a third period goal by rookie Ernie Hicke, his second goal of the game, gave Regina Pats a 6-5 victory over Saskatoon at Saskatoon Arena. For the second night in a row Fran Huck matched Hickes output. Bill Orban of the Quakers also scored a pair of goals. A grand total of 8 goals were scored in the wild first period as Regina Pats came out in front with a 5-3 lead. Six of the goals were scored between the 2:40 and 8:28 mark. Hicke's winning goal had him going behind the net, slide the puck back in front, where the puck hit a defenders skate and went into the net.

Wednesday, April 1, Fran Huck triggered his sixteenth hat trick of the season as he helped his team mates to an impressive 8-2 victory over Saskatoon at Regina Exhibition Stadium. It was Pats best showing of the series as they wrapped it up with a five goal outburst in the second period in the space of seven minutes and four seconds. Ernie Hick was Pats other top scorer with two goals and one assist.

On Friday, April 3, Night Regina Leader Post headlines: "Is supper Western Junior Hockey League in the offering? Regina Pats interested in super circuit."

League Semi-Final - Saturday, April 4, a big save by rookie all-star goalie Wayne Doll halfway through the third period and a rash of penalties stopped Regina Pats as they lost 6-3 against the home Estevan Bruins. The big save by Doll came on a point blank shot by Fran Huck with Bruins holding a 4-3 edge. it would have meant another hat rick for the Pat star who had to settle with two goals. Estevan took a 3-2 lead after the first period and 4-2 lead after the second period. Butch Morris had two goals and one assist for the Bruins.

Monday, April 6, Regina made the most of a couple of penalties to get a well deserved 4-1 win over Estevan at the Regina Exhibition Stadium before 4,781 fans. Pats goalie Peter Sternig had his shutout spoiled with less than two minutes remaining in the game. There was no scoring until 7:45 of the second period when Fran Huck scored an ankle backhand to the short side of the net. Pats then scored two goals while they had the man advantage; Stan Gilbertson 44 seconds later followed by Gary Schall with only 50 seconds left in the second period. In the third period Huck scored his second goal and Estevan's captain Skip Krake scored the Bruins only goal at 18:42.

Wednesday, April 8, Regina won a hard fought game as they edged Estevan Bruins 4-3 at the Bruins' Agricultural Auditorium. Gary "Gabby" Schall, Fran Huck and goalie Peter Sternig were outstanding as they provided the needed strength. The real Pats hero was the ex-Estevan Stan Gilbertson as he turned in his finest two-way display of his junior career. Gilbertson was traded early in the season for right-winger Doug Dayman. Stan Gilbertson triggered three goals for the Pats, the tying and winning goal in the third period.

Friday, April 10, Estevan Bruins hustled to a 4-1 victory over Regin as the largest (5,259) crowd of the season looked on at the Regina Exhibition Stadium. Don Smith and Butch Morris did all the scoring for the Bruins. Smith scored twice and assisted on both of Morris' goals. The turning point was in the early second period, Estevan lead 2-0 when Estevan's goalie Wayne Doll stopped Stan Gilberston on a break-a-way.

Saturday, April 11, The Estevan Bruins down Regina 4-1 in the province's Oil Capital. The game was played in front of the largest crowd (2,700) of the season at the Estevan 2,100 seat Auditorium. Regina's Stan Gilbertson scored the only goal in the first period at 8:23. Estevan took the lead in the second period on two goals in the space of 27 seconds. Ron Boehm scored Bruins other goal.

Monday, April 13, in an sudden death overtime game, Estevan rookie Wayne Green's goal gave the Bruins a 7-6 cliff hanger at the Regina Exhibition Stadium before only 3,000 spectators and take the series. The winner came at 4:05 of the second overtime period, it was a picture goal; Ron Boehm swept down the right side only to be stopped by a brilliant sprawling save by Peter Sterning. The puck trickled loose in front of the net and Green lifted the puck over the netminder into the open net, ending a three hour and twenty-five minute nerve tingling encounter.

With only three minutes left in the regulation, Regina's coach Dunc Fisher sent 4 forwards for a face-off and it paid off. Pats John Cooke shot a waist high drive to the wide side. Nex Fisher pulled the goalie and Fran Huck scored at 19:12 to force the lengthy overtime.

Estevan lost to Edmonton Oil Kings in the Abbott Cup. With Regina Pats pick-up, Fran Huck, the Oil Kings lost to the Toronto Marlboros in the Memorial Cup in four straighy games. In the final game, the CTV network picked up the game in the second period. It became the first ever Memorial Cup final to be broadcast live across Canada.