The Regina Pat Canadians scored three times in the first period en route to a 5-1 win over the Swift Current Legionnaires tonight at the InnovationPlex.

Forward Ryan McDonald scored twice to help Regina take a 2-0 stranglehold on the best-of-five series lead in the second round of the Saskatchewan Male U18 AAA Hockey League playoffs. Goalie Taylor Tabashniuk stopped 21 of the 22 shots Swift Current sent his way to pick up the win.

McDonald opened the scoring early just under five minutes into the game. Steven Steranka stretched the Pat Canadians lead 2-0 courtesy of a powerplay goal at the midway point of the first period. 

Legionnaires call-up Hunter Wilm cut the deficit to one scoring 2:33 after Steranka.

Regina's Jonah Sivertson restored the visitor's two-goal cushion finding the back of the net before the first frame expired.

McDonald had the lone goal in the second period making it 4-1 and Dayce Derkatch finished off a two-on-one late in the third period to round out the scoring.

Gull Lake's Berney Weston made 32 saves in the loss.

Game three is back in Regina on Saturday at 4 p.m. with the Legionnaires facing elimination.