By Jeff D'Andrea

Raiders stunned by late penalty shot goal in 4-3 loss to Pats

Sep 27, 2014 | 10:26 PM

paNOW Staff

The Prince Albert Raiders (2-1) surrendered two goals in the last six minutes to lose 4-3 to the Regina Pats (2-2), their first loss of the season Saturday at the Art Hauser Centre.

One of them was on a controversial penalty shot to Rylee Zimmer, with 5:09 left in the game that Raiders head coach Cory Clouston visibly argued the call. Two minutes later, Pats’ 18-year-old Adam Brooks scored the game-winning goal.

But Clouston didn’t blame that penalty shot goal for the Raiders’ demise, rather their inability to bury scoring opportunity against Pats goaltender Daniel Wapple. Raiders forward Reid Gardiner in particular had several glorious chances but was robbed by Wapple with a glove hand. The Raiders also hit the post three times in the first period alone and had a handful of other opportunities go astray.

“We had a lot of chances, we didn’t capitalize on them and it came back to haunt us,” said Clouston. “I think we hit three or four posts, we had two or three empty nets and a goal mouth scramble there.

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“If we score, we’re up by two but instead, they come down and score on a penalty shot. That’s the difference in the game.”

But Clouston still said the penalty shot should never have happened.

Zimmer broke the play up at his own blueline and had Raiders defenceman Mackenze Stewart beat. Stewart dove and tied up Zimmer’s stick, but Zimmer still was able to get a shot against Raiders goalie Nick McBride. After Zimmer released the shot, he lost control of his stick after Stewart made contact. On what seemed like a late call, referee Adam Bloski then awarded the Pats a penalty shot.

“I don’t understand it,” said Clouston. “We made a play on the stick, we didn’t trip him and (Zimmer) got a good shot away.

“To me, that’s exactly how you play it. I have no idea how that’s a penalty shot.”
 

When Zimmer beat McBride on the blocker side, he scored his first career goal in his 47th game. The Pats bench roared in excitement for Zimmer to finally get his first one, and that gave them a big boost.

“That’s his first in his Dub career, he was here last year and we all give him a hard time sometimes (for not scoring), just as a joke, obviously,” laughed Pats forward Adam Brooks. “For him to score that and to score his first one, I think it got the boys going. I think you saw that carry over in the next few shifts there.”

Just two minutes later, Brooks scored on a 3-on-1 rush after good work by linemates Austin Wagner and Patrick D’Amico.

“I was just wide open back door. It was a good look by Patty and Wags there and I just capitalized,” said Brooks.

The Raiders may have also played on their heels in the final phase of the game. Raiders forward Jordan Tkatch accused his own team of trying to hold on to their 3-2 advantage instead of trying to extend their lead.

“I think after 10 minutes in the third, we tried to protect the lead instead of maintaining it and keep going and get another one,” said 19-year-old Tkatch, who scored the lone goal in the first period.

Overage observations

The Raiders are still juggling four 20-year-olds, having to sit one each game. Jayden Hart, who missed all the Raiders camp and preseason games, made his season debut Saturday. Calder Brooks sat to make room for Hart.

Considering this was the first game action of the year, it was important for Hart to show what he had. He scored on the power play in the second period, a brutal, bar-down wrister that Pats goaltender Wapple had no chance on.

Hart said that it’s very much a four-man dog fight for an overage spot on this Raiders squad.

“I think we’ve got four very good 20’s, it’s going to be a battle for all four of us, I guess,” said Hart. “I think we’re all going to be in the league this year and we’re all good pals. So whatever happens, happens.”

Reunited and it feels so good

Raiders Sawyer Lange and Jordan Tkatch both played on the 2010-2011 Prince Albert Mintos Midget AAA hockey club. Lange assisted on Tkatch’s first period goal and both celebrated together.

Looking ahead

The Raiders will host the Moose Jaw Warriors on Friday at the Art Hauser Centre, before heading to Regina for a rematch against the Pats on Saturday.

jdandrea@panow.com

On Twitter: @jeff_dandrea