The Regina Pats will wrap up the home portion of their pre-season schedule tonight against the Saskatoon Blades.

The coverage on 620 CKRM starts at 6:35 PM, and the game will begin at 7:00 PM.

Next Saturday (Sept. 23rd), the Pats will have their home opener against the Blades. Officially marking the first time the two teams will meet since their first-round playoff match-up in last year’s Western Hockey League Playoffs, where the Blades emerged victorious after seven games.

In the preseason, Regina has dropped a pair of games to the Brandon Wheat Kings, with the Pats picking up a single point in their overtime loss on Saturday in Brandon.

Earlier this week, Pats forward Tanner Howe joined Michael Ball on the SportsCage and said one of his goals this season is to be a consistent player.

“Never have an off-night and that will come a long way, it will bring the team together and will bring the team a long way too.”

After spending the two seasons as teammates with Connor Bedard, Howe hopes the Pats can pick up the work ethic the 1st overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft displayed during his time in the Queen City.

“On and off the ice, he’s the hardest worker out there no matter what, that’s a big one, that could get you to the next stage.”

The Prince Albert product credits Bedard’s shot as being professionally ready.

“You got to have a good shot to score goals.”

John Paddock’s retirement this summer means Regina will have new management for the 2023-24 season.

Alan Millar is now the General Manager as Brad Herauf takes over as head coach.

Howe says Millar and Herauf expect the Pats to be the hardest-working squad this season.

“To beat teams we got to outwork them and outplay each night.”

The 2005-born forward is coming off a successful sophomore campaign with the Pats, collecting 85 points (36G-49A).

After tonight’s game, the Pats will finish their exhibition schedule in Prince Albert against the Raiders.

The season opener is Friday, Sept. 22nd, against the Brandon Wheat Kings.