CHILLIWACK -- So far, so good for the Regina Pat Canadians at the Telus Cup male U18 AAA national hockey championship -- even if their second game of the tournament turned out a little closer than they would have liked.
The Pat Canadians built a 3-0 lead through the first two periods but would find themselves hanging on for a 3-2 victory over the Atlantic champion Moncton Flyers on Tuesday afternoon in Chilliwack.
A win is a win, though, and as a result Regina has a share of first place through the first two days of competition.
Ryan Ulmer got things started for the Pat Canadians with the lone goal of the first period, with both teams finding themselves taking a few too many trips to the penalty box in the early going. Neither team would be able to cash in on their power play opportunities, though, and Regina would have their 1-0 lead after the opening frame.
Logan Mehl then made it a two goal edge 1:11 into the second period and extended the lead to 3-0 with 3:06 remaining, with Regina dominating play much of the frame and outshooting Moncton 17-4 in the process.
The shoe was on the other foot over the final 20 minutes, though, with the Flyers outshooting the Pat Canadians 17-5 and coming within a goal of tying things up.
Alexandre Caissie scored for Moncton with eight minutes remaining in regulation and Nathan Weber then made for a tense finish when he scored with 2:09 to play.
Moncton pulled goaltender Simon Cormier for the extra attacker with two minutes remaining, but Regina netminder Taylor Tabashniuk would hold the fort as the Flyers pressed for the tying goal, securing the Pat Canadians’ win.
Tabasniuk finished with 24 saves in the game, Cormier had 26.
Maddox Schultz picked up two assists and combined with his tournament-opening hat trick now leads the event in scoring with five points. Chase Surkan also had two assists and has four points to sit tied for third in scoring.
Regina continues their round robin on Wednesday when they face the Central region champion Elgin Middlesex Canucks at 12 p.m., followed by the Pacific champion Okanagan Rockets at 12 p.m. Thursday and Quebec champion Chevaliers de Levis at 12 p.m. Friday.
The top four teams after the round robin advance to the semifinals at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday, followed by the bronze medal game at 12 p.m. and gold medal game at 4 p.m. on Sunday.
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