The Regina Pats will begin the 2022-23 season by renewing acquaintances with their heated rivals in the Moose Jaw Warriors.

Following a season where Regina missed the postseason by two points, taking the next step is on the minds of the hockey club as they drop the puck on a new campaign.

The newly appointed captain for the Pats, Connor Bedard is looking forward to beginning the year by facing the Warriors.

“It’s  always exciting getting back to playing games and doing what you’ve been training for all summer, we’re just pumped it just adds that extra motivation that it’s probably our biggest rival.”

To begin the season, Regina will be carrying three goalies. Holdovers from last year are Matthew Kieper and Drew Sim. Rounding the current goalie trio for the Pats is 20 year old, Koen MacInnes. Bedard noted it’s very competitive between the three goalies.

“Just in practice shooting on all those guys, how competitive they are with each other.” He added “It benefits us to have three really good guys is huge. ”

Moose Jaw was the top team in the province in the 2021-22 WHL standings. The Warriors finished fourth in the Eastern Division. They would advance past the first round after defeating the Saskatoon Blades before bowing out in the second round against Winnipeg.

Much like their highway one rivals, the Warriors have high aspirations for the upcoming season which will hopefully included a visit to the postseason. Another common trait Moose Jaw shares with Regina is that they are being led by a player who is likely to be taken near the top of the 2023 NHL Draft. Brayden Yager, who had 34 goals and 25 assists for Moose Jaw last season.

Tonight’s game kicks off a home and home set between the two teams, tomorrow they will face off in Moose Jaw.

620 CKRM will have coverage of tonight’s game with the  pregame show at 6:35 and opening faceoff at 7:00.

Leading up to tonight’s home opener, the SportsCage will be live on location at the Brandt Centre beginning at 4:00.