Mintos prepare for weekend set with Regina Pat Canadians

The Prince Albert Mintos will be looking for a winning streak this weekend with two games against the Regina Pat Canadiens at the Art Hauser Center.

Pat Canadian is currently second in the SMAAAHL with a 14-3-0-1 record and 29 points, while Mintos is seventh with a 7-7-0-1 record and 15 points.

Mintos head coach Tim Leonard said the Mintos are preparing for a tough test against Regina.

“We’ve been practicing a really fast-paced style of play all week, and I think that’s going to be key. Also, on a special team, you have to be good at power plays and penalty kills. They’re one of the best teams in the league, they’re also a big center with a great program, so I think it’s going to be a good test and I’m looking forward to it.

Mintos and Pat Canadian won only once this season, winning 1-1 in Regina on October 9th. The game was a back-to-back second half for the Mintos after winning the night before on Moose Jaw.

Leonard says he thought Mintos played better that night than the scoreboard indicated.

“We played okay. We had a really tough game with Moose Jaw and we put our hearts into it. I think I was with them for the first 40 minutes. We had a goal and that was probably the difference in the game.

Mintos will defend home ice after defeating the Tisdale Trojans in their final game on November 18th.

Leonard said playing on the road is a tough environment at SMAAAHL and Mintos needs to make Art Hauser a difficult place to play this weekend.

“Away is tough, especially double headers. When they come to us, we have to pay it back. Our work ethic has to be great and we have to stay out of the penalty box.

Mintos is set to make his season debut this weekend after goalkeeper Jaden Krauss was reassigned by the Victoria Royals (WHL) and Ashton Tate was reassigned by the Kamloops Blazers (WHL). We welcome two important pieces.

Leonard said that adding Tait would provide the extra score that Mintos was missing.

“I think it adds depth in scoring that has been lacking. He has to come back here and work hard here as well. I know he will come back with the right work ethic and work hard here as well.”

The pack arrives at the Art Hauser Center on Saturday at 7:00 pm and Sunday at 1:30 pm.

sports@paherald.sk.ca