Pats Camp Day 1

I wasn't able to make it to the morning practices. I'm planning on being there tonight for the scrimmages and for all of the events on Saturday. Depending on what happens on Sunday I most likely won't make it to the morning sessions but if there is indeed something in the evening I'll be there.

Here's a write up courtesy Daniel Fink of the early sessions.

For Immediate Release
August 31, 2012

Pats 2012 Training Camp Day 1
Mid-Day Summary
Session Summary:
The future of the Regina Pats was on full display early Friday morning as the '96-'97 born prospects took to the ice at the Cooperators Centre.

Team Grey led things off with talented players like recently signed Brady Reagan and Notre Dame Hound, Rylee Zimmer, looking ready for camp.

Team Red followed up after having a chance to see their counter-parts in action.  Top prospect Adam Brooks was giving goalies fits early on, putting the puck in the net at will.

Many of the Pats veterans took to the ice in the eleven o'clock session as members of Team Blue.  Morgan Klimchuk impressed early on looking to be in game shape, showing the benefits of his time with the Canadian U18 Team.

Team White got off to a shaky start with Assistant Coach Malcolm Cameron pressing the pause button twice early in the session.  However, things quickly picked up and Lane Scheidl showed his veteran presence on the ice while newcomer Emil Sylvegard showed surprising speed and quickness for a player his size.

Quotes from the Rink:
Brandon Underwood, “It’s good to see the guys, it has been a while since we’ve been together.  It’s exciting, it was a pretty long summer after getting bounced out in the first round.  It gets pretty boring so it’s good to get back here, and see all the coaches and players again."

Tonight's Schedule:
Teams Grey and Red get things going for the evening schedule with the first scrimmage of camp starting at 5:30.  Teams Blue and White will follow after an ice resurfacing.

Read More

Training Camp Rosters

Greg Harder has them on his blog. I'm going to do some research on some of these players and I will get to posting the rosters later. Check out Greg's blog for the rosters:
Rookies and Veterans.

Read More

Interesting Pats Tidbits

Check out Greg Harder's blog and read his Pats primer. It can be found here.

Read More

Pats Sign Prospect Brady Reagan

Courtesy Daniel Fink

For Immediate Release
August 30, 2012

Pats Sign Prospect Brady Reagan

Regina, Saskatchewan – The Regina Pats Hockey Club is pleased to announce the signing of defenceman Brady Reagan to a WHL Standard Player Contract.  Reagan was the Pats first selection (31st Overall) in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft.

A product of Blackie, AB, Reagan suited up for the prestigious Okanagan Hockey Academy during the 2011-12 hockey season.  The 6’2”, 197 lbs defenceman totaled an impressive 65 points (13 G, 52 A) in 54 games last year.

This summer, Reagan was one of 42 players invited to the Allstate All-Canadian Mentorship Camp hosted by the NHLPA and led by 21-year NHL veteran, Gary Roberts.

In early August, Reagan made the 34-player shortlist for further evaluation to represent Team Alberta at the 2012 Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup in November. 

“We are happy to have Brady signed to a WHL Standard Player Agreement,” says Pats GM Chad Lang.  “He has already proven he is amongst the top prospects in his age group following his selection to participate in the Allstate All-Canadian Mentorship Camp.  Brady also showed us his poise, skill and remarkable leadership qualities at our spring camp in June.”

Pats Head Scout Dale McMullin on what makes Reagan a special player, “We were fortunate to get Brady with our first pick in the second round.  His size is very intriguing, the way he moves on the ice for a big kid, he shoots the puck hard and seems to have some offensive upside to his game.”

Reagan on signing with the Pats, “it has always been a goal in my life and hockey career.  It’s an exciting experience for me to move to the next level and making a go for myself.” {Audio Attached}

Fans can see Reagan on the ice this weekend during Pats Training Camp at the Cooperators Centre.  The camp schedule is available at ReginaPats.com.

The annual Blue and White Game goes at two o’clock Monday afternoon.  Tickets are five dollars and available at the doors which open at one o’clock.

Read More

Pats Training Camp Schedule

Courtesy Daniel Fink:

Pats 2012 Training Camp Schedule

Regina, Saskatchewan – Preparation for the 2012 WHL Regular Season goes into full gear Friday morning with the first on ice sessions of the 2012 Regina Pats Training Camp at the Cooperators Centre.

Camp begins with four teams skating.  Team Grey and Red are made up of ‘96-‘97 born players while Teams Blue and White are comprised of ’92-’95 born players.

The first scrimmages run Friday evening with Team Grey skating against Team Red at 5:30.  Teams Blue and White clash at 7:45.

The head to head battles continue Saturday as both sets of teams replace Friday’s morning practice sessions with scrimmages in addition to a repeat of the evening schedule.

Sunday features a pair of morning scrimmages before Team Blue and Team White practice in the evening in preparation for the Blue and White Game.

The Monday afternoon Blue and White Game goes at 2:00 at the Cooperators Centre.  Tickets are five dollars and available at the doors which open at 1:00.

Training camp sessions are open to the public and fans are encouraged to attend to show their support for future as well as returning Pats.

The Pats will hold a pre-camp media conference at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday in the media room at the Brandt Centre involving: General Manager Chad Lang, Head Scout Dale McMullin, Scout Russ Kutzak and Head Coach
Pat Conacher. 

In addition to speaking about camp and the upcoming season, the Regina Pats will also make a special announcement.

Here's the schedule (as of August 29, 2012... probably subject to change as like any other season)

Thursday August 30th
6:00 PM Registration All Players
 

Friday August 31
9:00 - 9:45 Team Grey - Practice 96-97's
10:00 - 10:45 Team Red - Practice 96-97's
11:00 - 11:45 Team Blue - Practice 92-95's
12:00 - 12:45 Team White - Practice 92-95's
1:15:- 2:00 Parents/Players Meeting Cooperator Lounge
5:30 - 7:30 pm Team Red vs Team Grey 96-97's
7:45 - 9:45 pm Team Blue vs Team White 92-95's

Saturday September 1
9:00 - 11:00 am Team Red vs. Team Grey 96-97's
11:15 - 12:15 Goalies All
12:30 -2:30 Team White vs. Team Blue 92-95's
5:30 - 7:30 pm Team Red vs Team Grey 96-97's
7:45 - 9:45 pm Team Blue vs Team White 92-95's

Sunday September 2
9:00 - 11:00 am Team Red vs. Team Grey 96-97's
11:15-12:15 Goalies All
12:30 - 2:30 pm Team Blue vs. Team White 92-95's
6:00 - 7:15 pm Team Blue-Practice Top-40 practice
7:00 - 7:30 pm Meetings
7:30 - 8:45 pm Team White - Practice Top 40 practice

Monday September 3
2:00- 5:00 Inter-Squad Game

Edit:
Reading Rod Pedersen's Pats Update (found here).... Chad Lang is quoted as saying

ON THE CAMP SCHEDULE We get going Friday morning. We'll have four teams. At 9 am Friday there will be four practice sessions each with an hour with scrimmages in the evening. They start at 5:30 with the rookies and the vets hit the ice around 7. That's the same format Saturday and Sunday. Then we'll get down to our top 40 in anticipation of Monday's Blue & White game at 2:00 in the Cooperators. It's a great venue to hold our camp and for fans to get close to the action. We're encouraging everybody to come out. Hockey season's here and we're excited about it.

So I guess we'll see how the weekend pans out.

Read More

Pats Training Camp Preview

The voice of the Pats Phil Andrews has a Training camp preview on his blog and here is the link.

Read More

Camp one week away!

From Daniel Fink, reginapats.com

For Immediate Release
August 24, 2012

Pats Training Camp One Week Away
Head Coach Conacher Wants Players to Be Their Best

Regina, Saskatchewan – On Friday, August 31st the road to the 2012-13 WHL Regular Season truly begins for players hoping to crack a spot on the Regina Pats’ opening night roster.

The Pats scouting and coaching staff will spend the Labour Day weekend with the task of distilling the large number of prospects and returning players into a competitive roster.

“It’s very exciting to get back and see the people we’re bringing to camp. The new guys and the guys who are returning, to see what they’re going to be like,” says Pats Head Coach Pat Conacher. “Every year brings new excitement for us as a coaching staff. What we started here last year we want to take another step forward again this year and with this group, we’re very excited about it.”

On-ice practice sessions get going Friday morning with teams going head to head in evening scrimmages.

Returning players shouldn’t relax thinking their place on the team is safe. “Every spot is up for grabs,” comments Conacher, “Nothing is free, you earn everything you get. Just because you were here last year doesn’t mean you’re automatically on the team. You have to earn your way back on and go from there. It’s just like all the new guys coming in. If you want to come in and earn a spot, there’s one here for you, but again, you have to earn it.”

All training camp sessions are open to the public so fans can get acquainted with new faces and see returning players like Chandler Stephenson after his third round selection at the NHL Draft and Morgan Klimchuk after a Gold Medal performance with Team Canada’s U18 squad at the Memorial of Ivan Hlinka Tournament in Europe.

Conacher’s expectations for players don’t go beyond wanting to see their best. “Right now I don’t think it’s fair to tag anybody with any type of expectations. You come in, you’re a hockey player, be who you are and be the best you can be each and every day and we’ll take that.”

The annual Blue and White game goes on the afternoon of Monday, September 3rd at the Cooperators Centre. Puck drop is two o’clock with the doors opening at one.

Read More

Pats sign Cameron and Dixon to Extensions

From Daniel Fink, reginapats.com

For Immediate Release
August 23, 2012

Pats Solidify Coaching Staff Through 2014 
Assistants Cameron and Dixon Both Agree to Extensions

Regina, Saskatchewan – The Regina Pats Hockey Club is pleased to announce Assistant Coaches Malcolm Cameron and Josh Dixon have both agreed to one year contract extensions which will carry them through the 2013-14 season.

“The coaching staff played a significant role in our success last season. I strongly believe we have a coaching staff that is committed to build a program we all will be proud of,” says Pats General Manager, Chad Lang. “The three of them work extremely hard and complement each other very well. It was only right to have their contracts structured to the same length so as a collective group we can continue to focus on building our hockey club and striving for the team success we are all seeking.”

Cameron and Dixon both joined the Pats ahead of the 2011-12 campaign along with Head Coach Pat Conacher. The Pats went on to post their best record in three seasons.

Cameron came to the Pats after nine seasons coaching in the ECHL, missing the playoffs just twice in that period of time.

Cameron on remaining with Regina an extra year, “I am extremely excited and honored to be given this extension, and would like to thank both Brent Parker and general manager Chad Lang for the opportunity to continue on with the organization through 2014. I thoroughly enjoyed my first year in junior hockey, and the great staff I have the chance to work with every day. I look forward to another fun and exciting season.” 

Dixon brought a wealth of collegiate experience to the Pats bench, having been an assistant coach in both the CIS and ACAC. The year prior to joining the Pats, Dixon was the Head Coach of the varsity team at the Okanagan Hockey Academy. Dixon on his extension with the Pats, "I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to remain with this great organization for an additional year. I want to thank the Parker family, Russ, Diane and Brent along with Chad Lang and Pat Conacher for their support and confidence in me. I am passionately proud about being a member of the Regina Pats and look forward to playing a role in building off of last year’s success moving forward into this season and beyond."

Pats Training Camp is nearly here; registration goes August 30th with on ice sessions beginning the next morning.

Read More

Heward joins Broncos Staff

From whl.ca:

BRONCOS NAME JAMIE HEWARD ASSISTANT COACH
2012-08-23
Swift Current, SK – Swift Current Bronco General Manager and Head Coach, Mark Lamb, is pleased to announce that Jamie Heward has been named Assistant Coach/Director of Player Development with the hockey club. Heward will join Lamb and current Assistant Coach, Darren Evjen behind the bench for the upcoming season.

The 41-year-old Heward played 394 regular season games in the NHL playing with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Nashville Predators, New York Islanders, Columbus Blue Jackets, Washington Capitals, Los Angeles Kings and Tampa Bay Lightning where he recorded 124 points (38-86-124) and 221 penalty minutes. Heward also spent a few seasons in the Swiss-A League and one in the KHL.

Heward was selected 16th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft and played a complete four seasons with the Regina Pats of the WHL before embarking on his pro-career.

“His (Jamie) rich hockey experience makes him the perfect guy for the job,” announces General Manager and Head Coach, Mark Lamb. “With our young group of defencemen and his extensive experience playing defence in the NHL he will not only help our players, but our prospects coming up through our organization as well. Jamie will also be a great role model in the player’s transition from midget to junior and junior to pro.”

Heward will focus primarily on scouting the Western Hockey League and working with the organization’s prospects.

“I am really happy to be here,” states Jamie Heward. “I know the hockey staff quite well and I think it will be a great opportunity for me. I have been retired for three years now so I have been watching lots of hockey, but I think it’s time to get back into it and help the players and prospects out as much as I can.”

The Broncos would like to welcome Jamie, his wife Ticia and their children Blake and Irelyn to the organization.

Read More

Pats Training Camp two weeks away

Courtesy: Daniel Fink (reginapats.com)


For Immediate Release
August 16, 2012
Regina Pats Training Camp Two Weeks Away
Prospects Hope to Crack Roster

Regina, Saskatchewan – Regina Pats Training Camp opens Thursday August 30th with registration.  On-ice sessions begin the next morning as returning Pats and roster hopefuls all take to the ice at the Cooperators Centre.

Three Pats prospects got a head start last weekend taking part in the 2012 Team West U17 Regional Summer Camp.  Dane Schioler, Adam Brooks and Chase Harrison all participated in the camp.

“It’s pretty good timing, a couple weeks before we go to Regina,” says Schioler, “work hard here and hopefully be tuned up for camp.”

Schioler, a second round pick of the Pats in 2011, had 31 goals and 38 assists in 35 games with the Winnipeg Hawks of the WMHA’s Midget Program last season.

Brooks, also a 2nd round pick in 2011, has been impressive since joining the Pats organization totaling 41 points in the Manitoba Midget AAA league in 2011-12.  Brooks hopes to bring his experiences from Pats Spring Camp into Training Camp at the end of the month.  “I think at Spring Camp you get to look at the drills that they do and what the coaches want out of the players.  Hopefully I can transfer that into the camp and make the team.”

Chase Harrison had a solid season on the back-end for the Winnipeg Thrashers in the Manitoba Midget AAA league last year.  A strong summer could translate into big things for Harrison.  “After Spring Camp I was pretty excited because it was my first time out there.  After the summer I feel I can compete for a spot and try to get as close as I can to making the roster.”

Training Camp closes with the annual Blue and White Game, September 3rd at the Cooperators Centre.

Read More

I'm back

I'm finally back and have fairly big plans for my blog this season. I don't have time to ramble on at the moment but I will be around and I'm hopefully going to be spending more time on here with Pats news, notes, ramblings, stats, etc. Stay tuned....

Read More