Thursday, November 17, 2011

TEAM WHL DOWNS RUSSIA 5-2 IN REGINA

Press Release

Regina Pats' forward Jordan Weal broke a 2-2 tie late in the second period to lead Team WHL to a 5-2 victory over Team Russia in Game 5 of the 2011 SUBWAY Super Series Wednesday night at the Brandt Centre in Regina.

Weal also added an assist in the first period on the powerplay and was named Player of the Game to the joy of his hometown fans.

Team WHL was also led offensively by the Portland Winterhawks' trio of defenceman Joe Morrow along with forwards Ty Rattie and Brad Ross who combined for six points.

With the win, the CHL All-Stars clinch the 2011 SUBWAY Super Series with a point lead of 10-5 having won the last three games in regulation time and suffering one shootout loss.

The WHL will look to sweep their leg of the series Thursday night in Moose Jaw.

The Russians opened the scoring in Game 5 on a goal by Bogdan Potekhin, his second of the series, at 11:20.

Saskatoon Blades' forward Josh Nicholls would tie the game at 13:58 from Kelowna Rocket Zach Franko, before Rattie converted on powerplay from Weal and Morrow at 18:50 to put the home sqaud ahead 2-1 after 20 minutes.

The Russians began to show some of the same resiliency that led them to a comeback victory against the WHL last season when Pavel Medvedev tied the game at 10:21, however Weal's goal at 17:30 would put the WHL ahead for good.

Kootenay Ice forward Max Reinhart added a shorthanded marker followed by Ross' goal late in the third to round out the scoring.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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