Ahl makes timely return in victory over Broncos

SWIFT CURRENT The Regina Pats are hoping that Filip Ahl’s performance is contagious.

The import forward came up big on Saturday night with his first playoff goal — along with two assists — in Regina’s 5-3 win over the Swift Current Broncos.

It was Ahl’s second game back after missing three straight with the mumps — a highly contagious illness that has affected several WHL clubs this season.

“It was really hard,” said Ahl, who had to be isolated from the team. “I’ve never been in that situation before. I played every playoff game back home in Sweden. The only thing I was saying to myself was, ‘When I come back, I’m going to bring positive energy and we’re going to turn this ship around.’ “

The Pats were trailing 3-1 in their best-of-seven series when Ahl returned for Game 5, helping his team stave off elimination with a 3-2 victory.

Regina did it again 24 hours later in a 5-3 comeback win, forcing Game 7 on Monday night at the Brandt Centre.

“It feels great,” said Ahl. “We have a good group of guys who battle every night. We have confidence all the time, even if we’re down 3-1.”

Ahl has been a big part of the turnaround. It’s a welcome change of fortune after his unexpected bout with the mumps.

“It’s just bad luck, I guess,” he said. “It’s going to make me stronger to come back from this.” It already has.

Head coach/GM John Paddock felt that Saturday’s contest might have been Ahl’s best performance of his rookie season.

The Pats believe his size and puck skills could make the 6-foot4, 210-pounder a huge factor in these playoffs.

“The first game I think I played OK,” said Ahl. “It’s hard to be gone for nine days and be on top of your game but the second game I played lots. I think I played pretty good out there.”

He hopes to keep it going in Game 7 — and beyond.

“I’ve been down 3-1 before,” added Ahl. “We battled through it and we won the championship a couple years ago in Sweden. I know what it’s all about. We just have to stick to our game plan.”