Pats’ de Wit continues to light it up in pre-season

The regular season can’t begin soon enough for Jeff de Wit.

The veteran forward continued his recent scoring binge on Saturday night with a goal and an assist in the Regina Pats’ 3-1 pre-season win over the Brandon Wheat Kings at the Brandt Centre.

De Wit is among the league leaders with six goals in three exhibition games after scoring nine times in 66 games last season with the Pats and Red Deer Rebels.

The rangy winger looked like a goal scorer Saturday when he notched the eventual game-winner in the second period, burying a wrist shot from the left circle.

De Wit added a highlight-worthy assist in the third period to set up

Tristen Robins for an insurance goal, helping Regina (2-2-0) avenge Friday’s 4-2 road loss to the Wheat Kings (1-1-0).

“I’m ready for the regular season to start and keep playing the way I’m playing,” said de Wit, 19.

“I know things are going to change come the regular season. Teams are going to have their full rosters back and whatnot but I’m looking to carry the same type of game towards opening night.”

Regina and Brandon each had six players away due to NHL camps, forcing both teams to roll out rookie-laden squads over the weekend. Their lineups are expected to look completely different in the regular season but the Pats hope de Wit will resemble the guy who’s lighting it up in the pre-season.

“He’s played really well since the games started, taking advantage of opportunities to score,” said Pats head coach/GM John Paddock, who acquired de Wit midway through last season.”

De Wit joined forces with two new linemates on Saturday: Koby Morrisseau and Emil Oksanen.

The Pats are back on home ice Friday against the Prince Albert Raiders before wrapping up the pre-season on Saturday in P.A.