The Prince Albert Mintos faced off against the league-leading Regina Pat Canadians during a two-game homestand on November 8 and 9, ultimately suffering defeats in both matches at the Art Hauser Centre. The Mintos fell 9-2 on November 8 and 5-2 the following day.
Mintos head coach Dion Antisin noted that while the team put forth a complete effort in the November 9 contest, the same could not be said for their performance the previous day. “We played 60 minutes hard today and even had opportunities in the third period to take the lead,” Antisin stated. “They scored two power play goals and a difficult five-on-five goal that we shouldn”t have allowed. The effort was what changed the outcome.” The Mintos” goals on November 9 came from Maxim Cooper and Caleb Philip.
For the Pat Canadians, Nathan Gardiner and Cooper Bratton each netted two goals, with Kysen Rogoza contributing another. Antisin emphasized the improved play of his team on November 9 compared to the previous day”s performance. “We skated better, we were physical, and we played that hard-working hockey we strive for,” he said, adding that the November 8 game lacked that intensity.
In the opening match of the series, the Mintos struggled, trailing 2-1 after the first period and 5-2 after two. Goals for the Mintos were scored by Cooper Sawatsky and Maxim Cooper. The Pat Canadians had a strong showing, with Grady Hodgins scoring twice and other goals from Ryder Doka, Alan Han, Malaki Martin, Braysen Agopsowicz, Kai Lanigan, Bratton, and Gardiner. Jaden Blanchette made 40 saves for the Mintos, while Adam Muntain stopped 11 shots for Regina.
Antisin remarked on the contrasting performances over the two games, describing the Mintos as a young team still developing their skills and habits. “We are trying to teach them the right way to play, and setbacks are part of that process,” he explained. “Yesterday was a step back, and today was a step forward. They are a good team; they are the defending national champions.” The Pat Canadians were missing key players Maddox Shultz and Liam Pue, who were away at the World U17 Challenge.
Despite the back-to-back losses, Antisin expressed optimism regarding his team”s progress. “It”s still good for us. We are satisfied with our standings, but we know we can achieve more points. Today was a good measuring stick against the defending national champions. We can compete with them, and a bit of puck luck could change things.” The Mintos now face the challenge of breaking a home losing streak as they prepare to take on the Saskatoon Blazers and the Warman Wildcats in their upcoming games.
On November 15, the Mintos rebounded with a 4-2 victory over the Notre Dame Hounds in Wilcox. They followed this with a 7-2 win in the second game of the series on November 16, showcasing their resilience and growth as a team.
