Connor Bedard speaking to the media ahead of the final of four meetings this season between the Hurricanes and Pats, March 10, 2023. (Photo: S Jones | LNN)

By Sarah Jones

Lethbridge Hurricanes and Regina Pats to face off in sold out arena

Mar 10, 2023 | 4:06 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Excitement is in the air as the Regina Pats return to a sold out ENMAX Centre to play against the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

On Friday, March 10, 2023, the Hurricanes and Pats will face off in the final of four meetings this season in a crucial game that could secure a playoff spot for Lethbridge or push the Pats ahead.

The ‘Canes currently sit in fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings, whereas the Pats are trailing behind in sixth.

The Hurricanes (32-23-3-3) enter on a two-game losing streak after suffering a 2-1 loss on Wednesday in Red Deer to the Rebels to close a four-game road trip with a 2-2-0-0 record.

The Pats (31-26-2-1) also enter on a two-game losing streak after a 3-2 loss Wednesday at home against the Edmonton Oil Kings.

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In recent months, the Pats have been selling out arenas as the so-called “Bedard Bump” continues to influence fans to purchase tickets in droves to see Pats star, Connor Bedard.

READ MORE: Lethbridge Hurricanes fall to Pats in sold out ENMAX Centre

Bedard had a record-breaking performance at the 2023 World Junior Hockey Championship, and he is projected to be the first overall pick in this year’s NHL draft.

Even with the anticipation of the draft in June, Bedard continues to keep his head focused on the game in the hopes of clinching a WHL playoff spot.

“You play so many games and there’s so much outside noise that you got to focus on what’s in your room and what you can control, and I think that’s kind of been a big message to me from people, and for myself, just kind of staying present and focusing on what you can do every day.”

The 17-year-old budding superstar recently scored his league-leading 60th goal of the season, making him the eighth U18 player in WHL history to record 60 goals in a season.

Pats Coach John Paddock spoke on what they’re expecting for Bedard for the rest of the season. “He sets a high level for himself and for us, so what we expect is what we’ve seen so far. You know, it’s a unique situation to have a player of this level of ability at 17.”

He continued, “He’s just taken it to a whole different level so it’s sort of the first-time thing for us in junior, first-time thing for our league, and he’ll be the first exceptional player in what he’s done.”

Lethbridge has posted a 1-2-0-0 record against Regina as the Pats have won the last two meetings.

Puck drop is at 7:00 p.m. and those who missed out on tickets can watch the game live at Browns Social House West and South.

Read more at Lethbridge News Now.