TERRIFIC 20'S

The Regina Pats didn't exactly look like a Memorial Cup contender in their 4-1 victory over the lowly Moose Jaw Warriors last night, but a win is a win. What may have Pats fans more excited than beating their arch rivals from the west is the key players that were involved in the victory. Just a week after the trade deadline it certainly seems that Brent Parker should be smiling from ear to ear. His pick-ups of Matt Robertson and Jesse Dudas look like million dollar deals, considering the Pats only gave up Michael McAngus and a couple of 4th rounders. Last night it was Dudas scoring a shorthanded goal to tie the game, then Robertson bulging the twine for the eventual game winner. But even as impressive as their contributions have been in their first week with the Blue & White, the potential they bring down the stretch may have Pats fans frothing with excitement. Robertson has already displayed a great quick release snap shot that is lethal. Just having a guy like that on the powerplay draws attention and should free up room for some kid called Jordan Eberle. With two bonafide snipers on the man advantage the Pats PP should get better. Dudas represents the Queen City's need for a top 4 puck moving D-man. Even though he's been out all season, Dudas looks comfortable on the point and is a great fit to quarterback the PP. Dudas also seems to bring that intangible that calms down a scrum. He's a hulking presence that players on the other team seem to shy away from when the whistle blows. If he ever has to come to blows, it might be interesting. The Pats have tread water just hard enough to get their heads above the surface. Now, with their new 20 year olds, the club should make the playoffs, quite swimmingly.

Tune into Global Regina (Ch 5) tonight at 6pm for a wrap of last night's game and at 11pm catch hilites of the back end of the home and home as the Pats visit the Crushed Can this evening.