Klimchuk paces Pats

The Regina Pats did not want another repeat of a disappointing performance.

After Friday’s 6-1 loss to the visiting Kootenay Ice, Pats head coach Malcolm Cameron forced his players to watch a video of that game before they left the Brandt Centre.

The players got the message, as evidenced by Saturday’s 4-2 WHL victory over the host Prince Albert Raiders — a team that had won its previous five meetings with the Pats this season.

“Obviously we weren’t happy with how the game against Kootenay went,’’ Pats left-winger Morgan Klimchuk said on Sunday.

“I think it was good that we watched it right away. It’s not always best to deal with your emotions and things like that right after a game, but I think every once in a while it is. You can kind of air some things out and kind of address some problems that you were having.

“I think as a team that was good for us to kind of see what we just went through and what mistakes we made and how we can build off it. I think that showed in the way we played in Prince Albert.’’

Klimchuk led the way for the Pats, registering his second WHL hat trick. His earlier three-goal performance was on Nov. 6 in a 5-2 road victory over the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

“To get the three (goals) was pretty special, but obviously to get the win was more important,’’ Klimchuk said.

Dryden Hunt also scored for Regina on Saturday. Hunt’s 14th goal of the season increased his goal-scoring streak to three games. He has four goals during that span.

Sawyer Lang and Reid Gardiner replied for Prince Albert, which got 23 saves from Cole Cheveldave. Daniel Wapple made 38 saves for the Pats.

The Pats have a 24-18-3-2 record and 53 points, which leaves them one point out of first place in the East Division. The Brandon Wheat Kings (25-17-4-0) and Swift Current Broncos (24-18-15) are tied for first. Swift Current moved into a tie with Sunday’s 7-0 victory in Prince Albert. Eetu Laurikainen made 35 saves for the shutout. Coda Gordon had two goals and two assists. Jay Merkley also had two goals for the Broncos.

The Pats are now preparing for back-to-back games in Alberta — Tuesday’s clash with the Calgary Hitmen and Wednesday’s matchup with the Edmonton Oil Kings.

On Friday at 7 p.m., the Pats are to face off against the Prince George Cougars. That will be the Pats’ first of seven straight home games.