Christmas is still over a week away, but the Regina Pats are going to get an early present.

Forward Zack Stringer will be making his season debut for the Pats tonight after being out the of the lineup this season with a torn Achilles tendon injury. Last season with Regina, the 19 year old had ten goals and eight assists in 27 games. The Pats acquired Stringer from Lethbridge after he spent parts of three seasons with the Hurricanes.

Tonight will be the final road game for the Pats before they finish off the pre-Christmas schedule on home ice on Saturday night as the Regina heads to Moose Jaw.

Heading into tonight’s game there is only two points separating the two teams in the standings with the Warriors sitting at 38 points and the Pats right behind them at 36.

In the prior four meetings between the two teams this season, Moose Jaw holds an edge with a 3-1 record against the Pats.

In their last action, Regina came from behind to earn a 4-3 shootout win against the Spokane Chiefs. Alexander Suzdalev had a goal and an assist along with the shootout winner to lead the way for the Pats.

On Tuesday night, Spokane defeated Moose Jaw 5-2 in their last game. tonight’s game will be their last matchup before the holiday break.

Coverage on 620 CKRM begins with pregame show at 6:35, opening faceoff is 7:00.