Sam Steel scores winner as host Pats edge Bulldogs to reach Memorial Cup final
REGINA — Last year’s loss in the Western Hockey League final has been at the back of Regina Pats defenceman Josh Mahura’s mind all season.
Now, Mahura and the Pats are one win away from capturing the Memorial Cup after a 4-2 semifinal victory Friday night against the Hamilton Bulldogs.
“I think for a lot of guys that were here last year, it literally means everything,” Mahura said of reaching the Canadian major junior championship game. “We were so heartbroken last year to lose in the finals and to be back here is a surreal feeling.”
Regina will now face the Acadie-Bathurst Titan of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League on Sunday and attempt to win the fifth Memorial Cup in franchise history.