Pats Import Draft

Unless I'm reading the CHL page wrong it looks like the Pats must have made a move with the Hurricanes and have selected Philadelphia Flyers draft pick Ricard Blidstrand.

6.02
205
April 20, 1992
Stockholm, Sweden

His profile from Elite Prospects can be found here.... LINK

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Davidson selected by the Oilers

162nd overall.
Sent from my BlackBerry STORM® on the SaskTel Network.

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Weal drafted by the Kings

70th overall.
Sent from my BlackBerry STORM® on the SaskTel Network.

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Pats release their 2010-11 tentative schedule

The Regina Pats are now set to embark on another season with the release of the tentative 2010-11 schedule. The blue and white will kick off the season in Brandon on Friday, September 24th. The home opener is set for Sunday September 26th with a special 2pm puck drop.


The breakdown of the home schedule will see the Pats play:
3 Sunday Games
1 Monday night Game
5 Tuesday night games
6 Wednesday night games
12 Friday night games
9 Saturday night games

Some of the hilites include:
-3 home and home series with the Moose Jaw Warriors
-The Pats annual Western Conference trip will be through the B.C. Division beginning Friday, November 19th in Vancouver concluding Friday, January 26th in Prince George.
-The Pats will finish the first half of the season, before the Christmas break, with a home and home series with the Prince Albert Raiders.
-The second half will start on Tuesday, December 28th with the Swift Current Broncos paying a visit to the Brandt Centre.
-The blue and white will kick off 2011, at home with the Prince Albert Raiders on Saturday January 1st at 7pm.
-The American Division will return to the Brandt Centre this season beginning with the Western Conference Champion, Tri City Americans on Friday, October 8th.
-The Pats will play Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Brandon and Swift Current 8 times this season and play Saskatoon 6 times. There will be 4 games against each of the 6 Central Division teams and one game against each of the Western Conference clubs for a total of 72 games.

Home Away Pre Season
Pre Season
September 3 vs. Moose Jaw
September 4 @Moose Jaw
September 10 vs. Brandon
September 11 @Brandon
September 15 vs. Saskatoon
September 18 @Saskatoon

Regular Season
September 26 vs. Brandon September 24 @ Brandon
September 29 vs. Swift Current October 2 @ Saskatoon
October 1 vs. Edmonton October 15 @ Lethbridge
October 6 vs. Red Deer October 16 @ Kootenay
October 8 vs. Tri-City October 24 @ Swift Current
October 12 vs. Kootenay November 6 @ Moose Jaw
October 20 vs. Lethbridge November 13 @ Medicine Hat
October 22 vs. Swift Current November 19 @ Vancouver
October 26 vs. Saskatoon November 20 @ Chilliwack
October 30 vs. Spokane November 23 @ Kamloops
November 5 vs. Moose Jaw November 24 @ Kelowna
November 7 vs. Brandon November 26 @ Prince George
November 10 vs. Portland December 10 @ Calgary
November 12 vs. Seattle December 11 @ Red Deer
November 15 vs. Brandon December 12 @ Edmonton
December 3 vs. Moose Jaw December 14 @ Prince Albert
December 4 vs. Swift Current December 18 @ Prince Albert
December 7 vs. Everett January 7 @ Red Deer
December 17 vs. Prince Albert January8 @ Edmonton
December 28 vs. Swift Current January 18 @ Prince Albert
January 1 vs. Prince Albert January 21 @ Swift Current
January 2 vs. Calgary January 28 @ Moose Jaw
January 12 vs. Saskatoon February 2 @ Saskatoon
January 14 vs. Edmonton February 4 @ Brandon
January 15 vs. Red Deer February 8 @ Kootenay
January 22 vs. Lethbridge February 9 @ Lethbridge
January 25 vs. Medicine Hat February 19 @ Medicine Hat
January 29 vs. Moose Jaw February 21 @ Calgary
February 5 vs. Prince Albert February 25 @ Swift Current
February 11 vs. Kootenay February 26 @ Brandon
February 12 vs. Medicine Hat March 1 @ Moose Jaw
February 16 vs. Prince Albert March 4 @ Brandon
February 18 vs. Calgary March 9 @ Prince Albert
March 5 vs. Brandon March 12 @ Moose Jaw
March 11 vs. Moose Jaw March 15 @ Swift Current
March 18 vs. Saskatoon March 19 @ Saskatoon

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Sorry for the terrible format of the schedule but I don't have time right now to fix it.
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I'm glad the schedule is out. I'm at work and don't have time to comment futher.

K

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Looking Ahead: Forwards (The Older Guys)

Well looking at the older guys of the group the Pats 1990 group is anything but fantastic (on paper at least).... I guess I can’t really say that because Jordan Eberle is still on the Pats list as an overager. He won’t be back so that leaves the rest and the group lacks goal scoring and point producing. I’m not saying that they can’t be point producers given the opportunity but I really just don’t see it.

Well I guess I will go in alphabetical order as I don’t know how else I can separate them to be fair. First up is Tomas Hricina.... yes that Tomas Hricina he is still listed. I never got him, shift by shift his game changed. One shift he looked like he was a world beater and the next he looked as though he was not interested and the next shift he sat then the next game he sat. If I’m not mistaken he went home late last season and I don’t expect him back.

Up next is Cass Mappin he is another player I just didn’t get last year. I wasn’t really impressed with his play but I gave him the benefit of the doubt..... new team, new surroundings, new coaches, etc. but he never seemed to get going. I really do think he could be a power forward that can score goals but I just don’t know if he is willing to do such a thing. Was he hurt last season? At times it looked like he was a hurting dude, but from the stands I couldn’t say. Will he be here for his overage season? I just don’t know.

Craig Orfino came in as a big defensive forward that was great on the penalty kill and was a big team player. Unfortunately we never really got to see him in any role like that. There were times where he hardly even played and rarely killed penalties. I would have loved to see him play a more key role defensively as I think it could have helped out our special teams. I just don’t know if he has what it takes to be an overager on this years’ squad. Time will tell.

Last but not least is Shawn Ostrow (5.10, 175) who has been on the Pats list for the last couple of seasons on the college list. He played last season for the University of Denver collecting 2-1-3 in 24 games while adding 10 penalty minutes. I highly doubt that he will ever make an appearance in a Pats uniform, but one never knows.

Now onto the 1991 group; the one I think is the Pats most important age group for them to be successful.

First up is Carter Ashton.... At times he showed signs that he was going to be a force to be reckoned with. Man for a guy this size he can move and has some very slick moves. He seemed to be a bit snake bitten for most of his time in a Pats uniform. I think with a bigger role he will produce and turn into a definite top line centre (or winger, depends on what the coaches do with Weal). The invite to the Canada World Junior camp should give him something to play for. He will be a legit threat.

Hampus Gustafsson was a true surprise last year. Being only the second Swedish born player to ever don a Pats sweater (the other was Niklas Barklund) I really never had too many expectations and that’s not a knock against him or Swedish players but for some reason they hardly ever work out in the WHL. I have to say as the season progressed and as he got more of a role his play improved a lot and I expect him to come back and be that much better.

Killian Hutt is another one of the kids that I never got a real good read on him. A small extremely skilled forward that looked like he missed the first few weeks of the season and hadn’t skated hard for a while.... oh wait.... he missed time due to a surgery and I think he never really recovered from that. Went home to have another surgery from the same issue and missed the remainder of the season. I’m hoping that he can come in healthy and in shape because I think he can be a very talented top 6 forward that could take some of the pressure off of Weal/Ashton.

The Pats next captain (my assumption) Garrett Mitchell is next on the list. Man I’m hoping he has a big season this year. He gives it all every shift.... blocks shots, scores goals (I’m sure he wishes he can pot more goals, as do a lot of fans) and is out in most important situations. I’ve been predicting that he will have a breakout season for the last 2 years.... Maybe this year? I hope so.

Kyle Mulder is a player that I think doesn’t get enough ice time. I think this kid could be a great player for the second or third line as a checker or the faceoff specialist that has a lot of skill but never has the chance to show it. When he plays he’s good but he sits on the bench too much. I hope he’s given a chance to play a lot this year.

Finally one list player to add is Seth Ronsberg. He has never played a game for the Pats nor has he been at any camp or anything. He’s a 6’2, 205 lbs. right winger from Lake Elmo, Minnesota. He played last season for the Winkler Flyers of the MJHL playing 61 games adding 22-28-50 with 85 penalty minutes.

The 1992 group in my opinion has the most question marks.... except Jordan Weal who is a star.

Dominick Favreau is first on the list. I don’t know what to say about him. He plays hard, when he plays but rarely plays. I hate the word ‘bust’ but many people have labelled him as such..... first round pick with 3 goals.... just doesn’t cut it. If he’s given a chance to make people change their minds I hope he takes the opportunity because people are getting frustrated with his play. Maybe he’s a late bloomer?

Mikael Jung (I still have a hard time getting his first name right.... I think I will have every chance to get it this year) has SPEED to burn; something the Pats really need. I don’t know what kind of scoring touch he has but I think he has top six forward written all over him.

I don’t think Tyler Parker got a fair shake last year. I don’t think this kid will be a scorer by any means but is a true crash and banger. He is fairly quick and hits.... something the Pats need. Hmmm.... maybe he will get a fair shot this year.

Andrew Rieder is another decently quick player that hits and can skate (he’s far from a fancy player) but sat on the bench waaaay too much last year. I think he could have benefitted from increased ice time. He was a good penalty killer but seemed to lose out in the ice battle to the Pats “top guns” and I thought he never improved because he never really had the chance.

Jordan Weal. What do I need to say?

Last but not least is list player Logan Sceviour (5.10, 155) from Red Deer who played last season in Canmore of the AJHL. His numbers 7-17-24 in 50games with 21 penalty minutes. I’m thinking he’s related to former WHLer Colton Sceviour but I can’t find anything to officially confirm. I know nothing about him so I have no comment.

So the Older Forwards look like this:
Jordan Eberle (1990) – will NOT be back
Tomas Hircina (1990) – will Not be back especially as a two-spotter
Cass Mappin (1990)
Craig Orfino (1990)
Shawn Ostrow (1990)
Carter Ashton (1991)
Hampus Gustafsson (1991)
Killian Hutt (1991)
Garrett Mitchell (1991)
Kyle Mulder (1991)
Seth Ronsberg (1991)
Dominick Favreau (1992)
Mikael Jung (1992)
Tyler Parker (1992)
Andrew Rieder (1992)
Logan Sceviour (1992)
Jordan Weal (1992)

K

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Quick Update

Sorry I haven't added the older forwards today. I got sidetracked working on another project.

I will point out a couple of names missing from the list that I would call surprises (well kinda I guess) the two names missing are Lucas Froese and Jason Gardiner and I guess I would call Dayton Reinboldt missing somewhat of a surprise too. I would never guessed that they weren't listed anymore.

I'm going to call it a night and I will get to the rest of the forwards on Monday.

K

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Looking Ahead: Forwards (The Younger Guys)

It's now time for the forwards. I'm going to go from youngest to oldest this go-around.

The Pats have five 1995 born players on their list, four were drafted in the 2010 Bantam Draft and one was listed. As I have barely seen these guys in action I'm going to reserve most of my thoughts until Training Camp but I will point out a few things.

Demico Hannoun (9th round, 181st overall)
5.08, 150
Delta, BC
Played for the North Delta Sun Devils Bantam AAA but I couldn't find any stats. He also played in 2 games for the Greater Vancouver Canadians Midget AAA picking up 2 penalty minutes.

Brett Harris (5th round, 102nd overall)
5.10, 160
108 Mile Ranch, BC
Played for the Notre Dame Hounds (Bantam) collecting 20-17-37 in just 16 games while adding 10 penalty minutes. He apparently missed the last half of the season with an injury. Was a highly regarded player for the Draft but his injury must have scared a few teams away. If he is as good as people say he could be a legit steal of a pick.

Dryden Hunt (list player)
5.05, 133
Nelson, BC
Played with Harris in Notre Dame for the Hounds (Bantam) picking up some respectable totals of 30-27-57 in 35 games while piling up 41 penalty minutes in the process. He also got into 4 games with the Argos Midget AAA team collecting 1 assist and 2 penalty minutes. One note I will make is that his height/weight listing must be off as he isn't that small. Saw him at spring camp and this kid has some wheels and seems to have pretty good hands.

Morgan Klimchuk (1st round, 5th overall)
5.10, 155
Calgary, AB
Played last season with the Calgary Bisons of the AMBHL tallying 33 goals and 19 assists in 28 games while attaining 44 minutes in the sin bin. I read somewhere that he was the captain of his Bantam team which adds to his character. While at Spring Camp I really focused on him and I was thoroughly impressed. He has some killer speed and looks to be a legit sniper. I can't wait to see him in a Pats uniform on a regular basis.

Ty McLean (4th round, 91st overall)
5.08, 150
Redvers, SK
Played for the Moose Mountain Wild Bantam collecting 57-33-90 in just 25 games and added 28 penalty minutes. Those are some pretty outstanding numbers. From the little I have seen of him he reminds me of a Todd Davison type of skater. Has got some legit skill and doesn't seem to shy away from the walls. I look forward to seeing him at main camp with the big boys.

The 1994 group is a little bit undermanned with only 3 players on this part of the list.

Garrett Lockeridge (9th round, 182nd overall in 2009)
5.10, 175
Regina, SK
Played last season with the Pat Canadians collecting 5 goals and 2 assists to go along with 116 penalty minutes in 41 games. He doesn’t seem overly offensively talented but that could change as he matures. One thing for sure is that he is a real crash and bang winger who seems to like the rough and tough game.

Jack Rodewald (8th round, 160th overall in 2009)
6.00, 160
Winnipeg, MB
Played with the Notre Dame Argos in the SSMHL last season. He collected 19-27-36 in 32 games and added 32 penalty minutes as well. I have yet to get a good read on him. I kept my eye on him at last year’s camp and he looked good at times and could compete with the bigger and faster players and at other times looked like wasn’t anywhere close to competing at that level. I do think he could be a late bloomer and have a good chance at with another year of midget.

Chandler Stephenson (1st round, 5th overall in 2009)
5.09, 170
Saskatoon, SK
Played Midget AAA as a 15 year old with the Saskatoon Contacts collecting 17 goals and adding 37 assists for 54 points in 42 games. He also added 34 penalty minutes. He kept up his stellar play in the playoffs collecting 19 points in just 11 games (5-14) and added 4 penalty minutes. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say he is as good as advertised. I honestly have to compare him to Weal and Eberle talent-wise.... I’m not saying that he will rack up the points like the 2 Jordans did but I do have to say the talent level is definitely there. He’s a sniper and a playmaker that isn’t afraid of the front of the net. I look forward to see him in the Red, White and Blue for the 2010-11 season.


Now for the 1993’s....

First up we have Ryan Baskerville (6.00, 160) who was drafted 168th overall in 2008 (8th round). Has looked good in previous camps and seems to be more of gritty player. He had 9 goals and 7 assists in 31 games (with 54 penalty minutes) while playing with the Edmonton Knights of Columbus Pats (the right team.... maybe that’s a good thing). I’m looking to see him compete for a spot at this years’ camp.

Next we have list player AJ Fossen (5.10, 200) from Maple Grove, Minnesota. I really liked him last year at camp; he seemed to have a good knack around the net. He has some decent size and had some pretty good numbers playing for Spring Lake Park High School 20-17-37 in 25 games. He must use his size as he picked up 74 penalty minutes as well.

Michael Sagen (6.00, 186) is up next. Played for the Saskatoon Contacts and had 16-15-31 in 42 games to go along with 63 penalty minutes. From what I have read he steadily improved as the season went along and carried his strong play into the playoffs where he collected another 8 goals and 4 assists in 11 games with 4 penalty minutes. From last training camp last year to spring camp this year he looked like he grew a good couple of inches and looked to have put on some size.... maybe the next Pats power forward?

Last but not least in the 1993 age category is Dyson Stevenson (5.11, 155). He made quite the impression in his one game stint with the Pats. Played last season with Swift Current in the Sask. Midget Hockey League playing in 26 games collecting 18-22-40 to go along with 64 penalty minutes. Methinks with his performance last year he has the inside track to be one of the 2010-11 Pats rookies. He has some serious talent, decent speed and from the looks of it isn`t afraid to get rough and tumble.

So a quick list of the Younger forwards looks like this:
Ryan Baskerville (1993)
AJ Fossen (1993)
Michael Sagen (1993)
Dyson Stevenson (1993)
Garrett Lockeridge (1994)
Jack Rodewald (1994)
Chandler Stephenson (1994)
Demico Hannoun (1995)
Brett Harris (1995)
Dryden Hunt (1995)
Morgan Klimchuk (1995)
Ty McLean (1995)

Up next..... Forwards: The Older Guys

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Looking Ahead: Defence (The Younger Guys)

Well taking a look at the Pats group of younger defencemen I do think that they aren't as bad as people are saying (lack of depth, terrible scouting, blah, blah, blah.....). I hope that the kids are given an actual chance this year.

The team has five 1993 born players on their list....

First off is Myles Bell a returning player to the Pats line-up is going to be a great one. I think he had a really successful rookie campaign picking up 18 points along the way. I'm just not sure what role the Pats are going to have him play.... I think he can be a crash and banger and a point producer and a penalty killer.... Maybe the complete package. In the few games he played at the wing he was at times our best forward, but he's got to stay on defence. He is going to be a star once all is said and done.

Now we have the Pats other returning 16 year old from last season Tyler Borstmayer. I think people were overly critical of him at times last year. I think some of his play has to do with him growing and filling out his tall lanky frame. It seemed like he grew a few inches during the season which caused him some awkwardness. I think now that he's maturing and growing into his frame he will only get better. And I stand by my thoughts that he's going to be a good player one day and I don't think that will be too far down the road either.

Tyler Pavkovich (5.11, 170) has four games of experience with the club picking up 4 PIM. I think that he has a legit shot at making the team this year but I guess it all depends on which way Lang and the coaches decide to go.
His numbers for Abbotsford Pilots (Junior B) 46GP-1G-10A-11PTS-77PIM. He played in 3 playoff games picking up no points or penalty minutes.

List player Hudson Friesen (6.00, 165) played this past season in the Manitoba Midget Hockey League for the Eastman Selects where he picked up 14 points (4G-10A) in 36 games. I think he has a chance to get a long look and I remember the scouts at last years training camp talking highly of him.

The last player in this group is another list player Rhett Holland (6.01, 200) who suited up for Okotoks of the AJHL for the 2009-10 season as a 16 year old which isn't overly common (so what does that mean? time will tell). From what I remember of him from last years camp he was a pretty decent player with some decent size and speed. His numbers 57GP-3G-8A-11PTS-91PIM he also played in 2 playoff games picking up an assist and a minor penalty.

The Pats have 6 1994 born players on their list....

The only one that I am really going to talk about is Landon Peel (5.10, 160). It was hard to get a really good feel for the others during last years training camp as I was guessing on a few players but when I found out who Peel was I was impressed. I honestly thought that he could have made the team as a 16 year old last year but then I got thinking about what happened to Justin Slobozian and I was glad he got sent back to play with kids his own age. He reminds me a lot of Carlson as a comparison for people that want to know things like that. After getting his feet wet playing in 2 contests (on the road..... I watched the webcasts) he didn't disappoint. I think he will make the team this year.
Southwest Cougars (Manitoba Midget Hockey League) His stats: 39-6-20-26-32; playoffs 2-0-0-0-0

Ryan Leonzio (5.09, 150) Played for Pembina Valley in the Manitoba Midget Hockey League. His stats: 44-2-9-11-12

Tyler Mueller (5.08, 155) Played for the Regina Pat Canadians in the Sask. Midget Hockey League. His stats: 44-0-7-7-38

Jesse Roden (5.11, 155) Played for the Saskatoon Blazers in the Sask. Midget Hockey League. His Stats: 40-1-3-4-23; playoffs 3-0-0-0-0

Brady Skjei (6.00, 160) Played high school hockey in Minnesota at Lakeville North High School.
His stats:
Regular Season: 25GP-7G-16A-23PTS-24PIM
Section Playoffs: 3-3-2-5-2
State Tournament: 1-1-0-1-0
Consolation Tournament: 1-0-0-0-4

Sean Whelan (6.00, 185) Played for the Moose Jaw Midget Warriors os the Sask. Midget Hockey League. His Stats: 43-3-11-14-16; playoffs 4-0-1-1-2

As for the 1995 born players on the Pats list all of their 2010 Bantam Draft picks are present and accounted for.... They are:

Burroughs, Kyle (5.10, 154)
Langley, BC
His stats: Langley Eagles Bantam AAA 29-2-10-12-40

DeJong, Nolan (6.01, 147)
Victoria, BC
His stats: South Island Thunderbirds Midget AAA 5-0-0-0-2
Bantam stats unavailable

McCrea, Alex (5.11, 168)
El Cajon, CA
His stats: unavailable

Parrington, Nolan (6.02, 180)
Winnipeg, MB
His stats: Winnipeg Warriors Bantam AAA 29-2-14-16-51

Williams, Colby (5.10, 157)
Regina, SK
His stats: Regina Oilers SSBHL 22-12-15-27-27; playoffs 2-2-1-3-4

So the Pats Younger D looks like:
Myles Bell (1993)
Tyler Borstmayer (1993)
Hudson Friesen (1993)
Rhett Holland (1993)
Tyler Pavkovich (1993)
Ryan Leonzio (1994)
Tyler Mueller (1994)
Landon Peel (1994)
Jesse Roden (1994)
Brady Skjei (1994)
Sean Whelan (1994)
Kyle Burroughs (1995)
Nolan DeJong (1995)
Alex McCrea (1995)
Nolan Parrington (1995)
Colby Williams (1995)

K

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Looking Ahead: Defence (The Older Guys)

I don't know about you but I think that the Pats defense corps is missing something (or is missing something) but I really can't put my finger on the main concern. And please don't give me the "Teubert's gone so our defence will be better" garbage. He was far from our main concern on the defensive end of things. Many a night it was a team effort. Trying to win through fire-wagon hockey with only a couple of scorers makes the defence and goaltending look bad. Hopefully things can turn around.

Well looking at the list provided to me the only 1990 born defenceman on the list is Colten Teubert. I highly doubt he will be back. I think that the Kings will find somewhere for him to play in their system. If he does happen to come back I think he could be a bit of a stabilizer in the d-end.... or fetch a player in return via trade.

Looking at the group of 1991's...... As there is only four I will go alphabetically through them (it's easier).

Cody Carlson is a decent defender but lacks size and it showed at times last season when the opposition forwards had their way in the d-zone (but then again.... that happened to them all). I think he will be a good veteran presence on the blueline that can be a point man on the PP.

Brandon Davidson almost came out of nowhere to be the Pats best defenceman last year as a rookie. He will only get better. As a 19 year old he will definitely anchor the Pats blueline and he proved that he is willing to kill penalties and although he only lit the lamp once he did gain 34 points in 59 games. I look forward to seeing his totals improve.

Travis Sparrow in my opinion will be in tough to make the team especially as a 19 year old. At times he looked like he could be the prototypical stay-at-home defenceman that could take care of his own end but unfortunately those times were few and far between. At times he looked totally lost. But then again I'm just watching from the stands..... Although when he played forward for a few games I was thinking that he could be a great crash and banger..... but when the third and fourth liners are playing less than 10 shifts a game..... Yeah that's it with that.

I know I said I was going to go alphabetically but I figured that I would leave this name to last as it intrigues me. Last but not least for the 1991 age group is Alex Pym! Remember him? I didn't expect to see him still on the Pats list but he's there. I don't know what happened last season to cause him to leave the team (I can guess many things) but I thought the Pats missed his veteran presence out on the ice. I really don't know what happened to him from the start of the year when he was amazing and looked to have stepped his game up a notch but something happened. Once the regular season started his playing time declined and so did his game. I don't know if he stayed in shape and is willing to come back and give it another go or if the Pats are waiting to trade his rights but I wouldn't be upset if he came back to give the Pats another go.

The only 1992 born defenceman is Mitch Spooner and I think that he will be a keeper. He showed signs that he is capable of playing hard in the d-zone but isn't scared to fire the puck when called upon. I would say that he is a very raw talent and with proper guidance he could be a potent offensive threat.

So the Pats Older D looks like:

Teubert (1990)
Carlson (1991)
Davidson (1991)
Pym (1991)
Sparrow (1991)
Spooner (1992)

K

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Update from Rod's blog...

From Rod Pedersen.com

ASHTON GETS INVITE
A source just texted news about Canada's World Junior invite list for the August camp:
"This just in. Ashton invited to world junior camp. Weal and Davidson were not."

Interesting...

This one I really don't get..... I will elaborate my thoughts when I get to my Looking Ahead Forward section. Stay tuned.

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Also, I will get to my Looking Ahead: Defence a bit later tonight (don't have time to do that at work). I think I will break it into 2 sections older guys (90's and 91's) and younger guys (92's, 93's and 94's) and draft picks (95's). I will see how it works and post it later tonight.

K

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Looking Ahead: Goalies

The Pats have the returning duo of Damien Ketlo and Dawson Guhle and I'm not totally convinced that either is a true starter. This is not a knock to either goalie but after last season where both went down with injuries and Guhle getting thrown into the fire I don't know if wither one could start 50 games. Both are decently talented but both have their flaws.... taking that into consideration they are both a year older (more seasoned) they both should be on their way to improving. The question is.... Will one step up and take the starters' job or will it be another one of "those" years. I really have no preference as to the starter but I hope that they stay healthy and help get the Pats woeful GAA down to a respectful level. One more thing.... I think that Lang could move one or the other to try to get a decent prospect/pick to help re-build our depth or a saavy veteran (hopefully someone that might be around for a couple of seasons).

I was sorta disappointed to not see Brent Martyniuk on the Pats list. I really hoped that they would give him a chance, but I guess it's not happening. he showed signs of being a really good tender but just needed some seasoning (and to grow 3-4 inches). He really reminded me of Chad Mercier between the pipes.

Now on to the rest of our listed goalies (the stats are from what I can find, they may be incomplete as some leagues aren't keen on publishing their respective stats):

Cory Nygaard '93 (6th round pick, 127th overall in 2008)
Winnipeg Wild (MMHL)
Had a 22-2-1 record with 2 shutouts and a 2.42GAA.
>He's 17 and has dressed for a game (or 2) so the Pats shouldn't have worries about him going the NCAA route. If he comes into camp and has improved on last camp (he was pretty decent) he might just make the team as a 17 year old. The only way that happens is if Ketlo or Guhle get moved. I just hope that there isn't any goalie controversies under Chad Lang's watch. Is he the heir apparent? I wonder.

Darrin Robinson '94 (10th round pick, 208th overall in 2009)
Colorado Rampage (USA Midget 1)
Played in 41 games collecting a 9-24-2 record with 1 shutout and a 3.79GAA and an .908SV%.
>I don't know too much about the US Midget program(s) but the team that Robinson played for had a terrible record (as you can tell by his). I'm not going to even critique him with those numbers. Like I said I don't know much about US minor hockey. On the Saturday of spring rookie camp.... he looked like he hadn't played goal in a few weeks and looked rusty. Other than that he is an American and may go the USHL/NCAA route but who knows.

Tanner Burgardt '95 (6th round pick, 115th overall in 2010)
West Centre G’Macs Klippers (Centre 4 Hockey League)
Had a 12-11-1 record with 2 shutouts, a 4.04 GAA.
>Isn't eligible to play full time for the Pats until the 2011-12 season. As pointed out by a commenter (or is it commentor?) Burgardt wasn't at Spring camp so I have nothing to say on him as I have yet to see him play.

That's it.... that is the Pats five goalies. I hope everything makes sense. I would have to say going into the season that this would be the teams' depth chart as well.

Ketlo (1991)
Guhle (1992)
Nygaard (1993)
Robinson (1994)
Burgardt (1995)

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I hadn't originally planned on putting this much thought into this list but after I got an anonymous comment about not getting things posted when I said I would. I was working on this as I got that comment.... I had lost some stats so I got behind in my original plan. I do promise to get the defencemen up on Friday and depending if I have time (no more Stanley Cup to watch so I will probably have lots of time) I will complete the forwards as well.

K

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Looking ahead to 2010-11

I have received a copy of the Pats list (from Alan Caldwell, you can read his blog here) as of a couple of weeks ago and I was going to post the Pats prospects but Alan does a great job of it so I will leave him to do that. I decided to look ahead to 2010-11 and all the players eligible to play for the Pats. I'm not sure how I'm going to do this but I think I will go by age group and them maybe put a projected depth chart together when I have everything else posted.

I hope that makes sense and I will have my first post later tonight. Probably after game 6 of the Stanley Cup.

K

Edit: After watching Philly fall in game six, I've decided to hold off until tomorrow for to start Looking Ahead to 2010-11.

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ECHL Announces Protected Lists

The explanation of the ECHL Protected Lists can be found in this link: http://echl.com/cgi-bin/mpublic.cgi?action=show_news2&cat=1&id=22237

Only a few Former Pats on the list (I think I got everyone):
Mitch McColm - Florida Everblades
Tim Kraus - Ontario Reign
Matt Robinson - Stockton Thunder
Lance Morrison - Victoria Salmon Kings

But there are tons of former WHLers protected. Just follow the link and you can check it out.

K

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Pats Import situation

Alan Caldwell over at Small Thoughts at Large has thoughts on all the Import situations for all the clubs in the Dub You can read that here. But I wanted to point out what he has to say about the Pats situation.

Regina:

Current imports: F Hampus Gustafsson (19), F Tomas Hricina (20)
Gustafsson is a keeper, he should only be better with a 2nd year. Hricina is probably gone since he was pretty average and not worth an overage spot. Problem for the Pats is that they have no first round import pick, they traded it to Vancouver in the Cass Mappin trade. So they either trade for a pick, or they wait until the 2nd round and get whatever's left there. Or they could trade for an existing import off somebody's roster.....

I would have to totally agree with Alan on this one. I was led to believe that Hricina was no longer on our list (I think he left and went home with a few games left in the season) but I guess I was mistaken he is still listed. Seeing that he is an overage import the Pats can still pick up another import (I'm guessing that Hricina will be let go post haste). I think this could be where Chad Lang starts to make his mark with the Import Draft. Maybe he will be able to move up or maybe he can find a gem later on (or via trade). I do hope once Chad gets his team together that he keeps them together instead of ditching half the guys during the season.... The team needs some sort of stability.

K

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Jamie Heward officially retires from the NHL

From Tuesday's Leader-Post

NHLer Jamie Heward retires and has eye on working for the Regina Pats

By GREG HARDER, Leader-Post May 31, 2010 Be the first to post a comment

REGINA — Jamie Heward is ready to move on — not move away.

The 39-year-old Reginan is officially retiring after a long career which included 18 pro seasons, 394 NHL games and numerous international appearances with Canada, including gold medals at the 2003 and 2004 IIHF world championships.

Heward sat out all of last season after suffering a major concussion midway through the 2008-09 campaign with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He considered accepting an offer to play one more year in Europe but has decided instead to pursue the next phase of his hockey career — which he hopes is right here in Regina.

"I was actually sitting down (Sunday) with my wife and I said, 'We should probably phone the NHLPA and make it official and move on,' " Heward said Monday. "I realize with my injury and having to take the year off, it would be too hard to come back. It's just time."

Heward's decision was solidified last week after an informal interview with Regina Pats president Brent Parker, who at the time was searching for his own replacement as general manager. Although Heward expressed interest in the job, he's eager to discuss a support role with new GM Chad Lang.

Heward does have other options — he has already been approached about an NHL scouting role — and will consider anything that allows him to stay in Regina, but his preference is to work for the Pats.

"My interest is definitely still there," said Heward, who phoned Lang on Friday to congratulate him. "Chad and I have known each other for a long time. I'm excited at the prospect of Chad getting the job and doing a good job. I'm not sure where Chad wants to go as far as hiring and that kind of thing. He's still trying to evaluate everybody in the organization. Once he makes those decisions I'm sure we'll sit down and talk. If I don't (fit in the plans), I don't. But I'd love to work with him and see where it leads."

If/when the Pats bring Heward on board, it won't be strictly as an assistant coach. He's expected to receive an expanded role after getting his feet wet last season helping the coaches during home games and practices.

"It's tough (not playing anymore) but it kind of eases the sting when I can still work in hockey and stay involved at some capacity," said the Pats' alumnus. "I enjoyed working with (head coach) Curtis (Hunt) and (assistant Shaun Sutter) and Brent last year. If I wouldn't have done that I don't know what I would have done. I would have gone crazy. I told Brent, 'In a way, you made my decision a little bit easier regarding retirement, the fact that I could see this was something I wanted to do.' "

Parker is expected to commit additional resources to the hockey department this season, which likely includes creating a new position such as assistant GM or director of player development. Regardless of the title, Heward is willing to be the team's "jack of all trades" — coach, administrator, scout, you name it. Although he admits to having a lot to learn, Heward's hockey pedigree and credentials give him a solid foundation from which to build.

"I'd really like to learn the business side and learn what goes on behind the scenes," he added. "Chad would be a great guy to learn from. Brent is still there as president. He'd be a good guy to learn from. And then I'd still have the ability to go out and talk to their young prospects and do follow-ups with them and watch them and make sure they're developing the right way and still be able to go on the ice and help Curtis and Suttsy out. It's something that has maybe never been done before (by the Pats). I'm not going to be ridiculously expensive. I'm not doing it for the money or the glory. I live here and I want to stay here and keep my family here. Whatever they need me to do."

gharder@leaderpost.canwest.com

© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post

Read more: http://www.leaderpost.com/sports/hockey/pats-hockey/NHLer+Jamie+Heward+retires+working+Regina+Pats/3094686/story.html#ixzz0pcVSeYeQ

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