For the second consecutive game on home ice, the Wheat Kings took a close-fought win over a division rival but left themselves room for improvement in the shots against department.
Ryley Budd was sensational with 40 saves in regulation and overtime, and Ahmad Fayad scored the shootout winner as the Wheat Kings beat the Regina Pats 3-2. Kris Muissu scored his first WHL goal in regulation, and Joby Baumuller also scored in the win.
“It’s a little concerning that both third periods the ice has been tilted pretty heavily,” said Wheat Kings head coach and GM Marty Murray. “We got down to five D for half of the game and guys logged a lot of minutes. At times it was hard to get the younger kids in. It wasn’t pretty by any means, but these two points in September count at the end of the year too.”
Chase Surkan put his set-up skills on full display in the first period. First, he dangled his way past a Pats defender and put a pass right in Muissu’s wheelhouse for a one-timer, which the big Russian hammered home for his first WHL goal.
Then, playing with two new linemates, Surkan took a hit to make a play up ice to Baumuller, sending him in two-on-one. Baumuller kept the puck for a shot from the top of the left circle and overpowered Taylor Tabashniuk with a wicked wrister to make it 2-0.
After the two teams traded unsuccessful power plays in the second, the Pats bit into the lead at even strength. Ellis Mieyette tried to wrap the puck around from behind the Wheat Kings net, and had his attempt bounce off the skate of a back-checking Wheat King and in.
In the third, the Pats tied the game. Ossi Tukio jumped up into the rush off a turnover, cut to the slot, and ripped home a first WHL goal of his own.
For the rest of the third, a determined Pats squad pressed relentlessly. They piled up shots, but Budd turned them aside one by one and sent the game to overtime.
In overtime, neither team scored despite a bevy of chances at both ends. Budd was strong once more, sending the game to the shootout.
It took nine rounds of the shootout but the Wheat Kings finally took the win. Surkan, Muissu, and Levi Ellingsen all scored in the first eight rounds of the shootout before Ahmad Fayad beat Tabashniuk five-hole and Budd stopped one more shooter to secure the win.
That will be the final home game for the Wheat Kings until mid-October. They hit the road tomorrow to face the Moose Jaw Warriors.
