The Swift Current Home Hardware Legionnaires lost 6-5 in a shootout to the host Regina Pat Canadians in a Saskatchewan Male U18 AAA Hockey League showdown for top spot on Tuesday.
Jace Egland got the Legionnaires on the board with his 19th goal of the season 5:45 into regulation. Dayce Derkatch tied the game late in the first period.
The Legionnaires broke the game open in the second period with goals from Keegan Nash, Kayd Ruedig, and Triston Mitchell-Mcelhone for a 4-1 lead.
Things unravelled in the third period when Steven Steranka, Ryan Ulmer, Casey Brown, and Michael Donavon scored for the Pat Canadians, while Kade Stringer replied for the visitors.
Parker Rondeau scored in the shootout, while Steranka and Ellis Mieyette countered for Regina, who improved to 17-6-0 on the campaign, one point ahead of the Legionnaires (15-5-3).
Will Kirwan, Ruedig, Sam Kirwan, and Mason Fauser all added assists for the Legionnaires. Berney Weston made 36 saves in the loss.
Taylor Tabashniuk made 21 saves in the win.
The Legionnaires will host the Battlefords Stars (11-15-1) on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the InnovationPlex. They also host the Pat Canadians on Tuesday at 8 p.m. in their final league game of 2023.
