Game Day!

GO PATS GO!

That is all!

K
on September 21, 2012 by Kevin Shaw |  

Pats acquire Rossignol from the Broncos

Courtesy Daniel Fink of the Regina Pats:

For Immediate Release
September 21, 2012

Pats Add Depth Up Front
Acquire Forward from Broncos

Regina, Saskatchewan – Ahead of their Regular Season Opener in Brandon, the Regina Pats have completed a trade with the Swift Current Broncos, adding forward Adam Rossignol (’93) in return for a 12th round pick in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft.

The 6’0”, 180 lbs. forward comes to the Pats with WHL Championship experience having raised the Ed Chynoweth Cup in 2011 with the Kootenay Ice.  Rossignol split last season between Kootenay and Swift Current, totaling 21 points in 71 games in 2011-12.

“Adam brings experience along with speed and skill to our lineup,” says GM Chad Lang of the 2008 7th round Bantam Draft pick.  “Given the two significant injuries (Hunt and D’Amico) in our lineup, we felt we needed to add a player to create some depth up front and is why we made the move to acquire his rights.”

Rossignol could see his first action in a Pats uniform tonight when the Blue and White hit the road to face off with the Brandon Wheat Kings in the team’s Regular Season Opener broadcast on 620 CKRM starting at 6:05 MST.

The Pats return home tomorrow night for the Habitat for Humanity Home Opener presented by Mosaic.  Tickets for the 7:00 game are still available through Ticketmaster.

Name: Adam Rossignol
DOB: 10-16-93
Hometown: Surrey, BC
Position: Forward
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 184 lbs
Year Team GP G A Pts PIM
2011-12 Kootenay/Swift Current 71 9 12 21 49
2010-11 Kootenay Ice 60 2 7 9 10
on September 21, 2012 by Kevin Shaw |  

Getting closer to opening night!

I know I said I would be around more but that hasn't worked out for me that well. But I will be around as much as I possibly can be over the course of the 2012/13 season.

I'm sure most of you are already aware that the Pats have decided on their goalie situation when they re-assigned Adam Beukeboom to Junior A. In all honesty I was a bit surprised by the move as I didn't think that the Pats would use up one of their overage spots on a goalie. Matt Hewitt is a very good goalie in the WHL and with his experience as starter last year he is more than capable between the pipes. Teagan Sacher had an outstanding preseason and will no doubt push Hewitt to be even better. I had Beukeboom and Sacher as the teams duo during camp but I can't argue the fact of keeping a veteran of 92 WHL games (and the uncertainty of status' for a few 20's even more questions and possibilities) around to start the season. I wish Adam all the best and I'm sure he'll find his way back into the 'Dub sooner than later.

A couple more quick thoughts....

I'm not surprised by the move to re-assign Nathan Zimbaluk. With only 19 games in the WHL as a 19 year old.... A players size just doesn't cut it. With the Pats picking up Hand and Pilton his age was against him. His style of play is definitely more suited for the SJHL where he seems to fit the prototypical d-man mold, big and tough. I'm hoping that he has a great final couple years of junior eligibility.

I'm probably not the only one who's wondering who the Pats next captain is going to be. In all honesty I don't have the slightest idea who it will be. I have speculated that it could be any number of the veteran players but who will it be? I wonder if the team is going to wait until the overage situation is settled before naming a captain. Hmmmmm.... Maybe they have named one already but are just waiting to release the name  until just prior to the game. I don't know.

Hopefully my ramblings make sense.

Anyway,

GO PATS GO!!

K
on September 20, 2012 by Kevin Shaw |  

Another deal for a d-man


For Immediate Release
September 15, 2012

Pats Swing Deal with Silvertips

Regina, Saskatchewan – The Regina Pats have acquired defenceman Tye Hand (’95) from the Everett Silvertips in return for a sixth round pick in the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft.

A second round pick (40th) overall in the 2010 Bantam Draft, Hand spent last season with the Drumheller Dragons in the AJHL.  There he suited up for 25 games tallying one assist on his way to being named to the AJHL’s South Division All-Rookie Team.

Pats GM Chad Lang on acquiring Hand, “Tye is a big, physical, stay-at-home defenceman.  That rugged presence will add a lot to our back end as well as depth to our 1995 age group at defence.”

The Yellowknife, NWT product represented his home territory at the 2011 Canada Winter Games and certainly brings size to the Pats D-corp, measuring in at 6’3”, 190 lbs.

While Hand makes his way to join the Pats, his new teammates will be on the ice tonight in Saskatoon, taking on the Blades.  You can catch all of the action on CKRM with Phil Andrews and Daniel Fink starting with the Pre-Game Show at 6:35 this evening.


Name:              Tye Hand
DOB:              06-14-95
Hometown:     Yellowknife, NWT
Position:          D
Height:            6’3”
Weight:           190 lbs
on September 15, 2012 by Kevin Shaw |  

Pats acquire Pilton from the Royals


For Immediate Release
September 13, 2012
Pats Acquire Defenceman from Royals

Regina, Saskatchewan – The Regina Pats have completed a trade with the Victoria Royals, acquiring defenceman Kade Pilton (’94).  Headed the other way are the rights to right wing Demico Hannoun (’95) and a conditional third round pick in the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft.

Pilton dressed for 43 games with the Royals last season totaling five goals and eight assists while adding 52 penalty minutes in 2011-12.

A second round selection (25th overall) in the 2009 Bantam Draft, Pilton brings considerable size to the Pats lineup standing 6’5” and tipping the scales at 186 pounds.

“Kade is a big, mobile defenceman that comes to our program with experience and fits into an age group we are trying to build around,” says General Manger Chad Lang.  “He’s a solid one-on-one defender who adds grit to our back end and features some offensive upside.”

The Pats take to the ice in their next pre-season action tomorrow night at the Brandt Centre against the Saskatoon Blades.
LUBIN_Keaton.JPG


Name:            Kade Pilton
DOB:             11-8-1994
Hometown:     Parksville, BC
Position:          D
Height:            6’5”
Weight:           190 lbs



on September 13, 2012 by Kevin Shaw |  

I have to admit.....

I've been a lazy blogger this last bit. With Labour day weekend (lots of CFL football), NFL starting, Madden 13 being released and now NHL 13 being released..... I've been pretty occupied with those.

Now that I've settled in with everything I have decided to put some time aside to blog daily about the Pats.

Well I've missed a few things the last week or so.... Most of you already know this stuff but here it is again.

>Tanner Olstad has been released.... It's too bad that he got caught in the numbers game but with 6 overagers in the lineup and only having 3 spots.... heart and soul just doesn't cut it. I liked Olstad and I think quite a few people are going to miss "Mighty Mouse".

>Dane Schioler was reassigned to Midget AAA. In all honesty I didn't see him making the roster as a 16 year old as from all accounts his skating just isn't there. He's got some size and likes to crash and bang. When he's teamed up with Adam Brooks they are a pretty talented pair.

Time to get back to watching the Packers/Bears game and get myself ready for the Pats/Blades preseason game tomorrow night.

Kevin
on September 13, 2012 by Kevin Shaw |  

Update

Hey everyone, sorry for the lack of updates it's been one of those weeks.... I'm looking forward to the game tonight and I will have some form of thoughts either tonight or tomorrow.


on September 06, 2012 by Kevin Shaw |  

Gameday


Regina Pats Gameday Preview
Pre-Season Game #1 – Sept. 6, 2012
Cooperators Centre

Matchup:
Tonight’s exhibition game marks the beginning of the WHL Pre-Season for both the Pats and the Wheat Kings.  The Pats full roster features fourteen first year players vying for spots on the 2012-13 edition of the team.  Meanwhile, 13 of the Wheat Kings’ 20 forwards still in camp are first year players.  Expect young talent to be on full display this evening.  Tickets for tonight’s contest are ten dollars general admission.  Season Ticket Holders can attend for only two dollars.  Tonight’s game will be broadcast on 620 CKRM starting with the Pre-Game Show at 6:35 p.m.

New Face:
The Pats completed their first trade of the 2012-13 season yesterday, acquiring defenceman Keaton Lubin (’94) from the Calgary Hitmen for a conditional sixth round draft pick.  Lubin suited up in 50 games for the Hitmen over the last two seasons and at 6’0”/192 lbs, could add more physicality to the Pats blue line.

Around the League:
Despite the Pats and Wheat Kings just beginning their Pre-Season’s tonight, teams in the WHL are well into their exhibition schedules.  The Hitmen and Kamloops Blazers lead the way in the Pre-Season standings sitting undefeated in three games.  In the East Division, Swift Current and Moose Jaw are the only teams with game action.

Ticket Pickup:
Season Ticket Holders will be able to pick up their season tickets Wednesday, September 12th.

Pre-Season Schedule:
Friday, September 7th
Pats @ Brandon – 6:30 p.m. – Westman Place
Friday, September 14th
Saskatoon @ Pats – 7 p.m. – Brandt Centre
Saturday, September 15th
Pats @ Saskatoon – 7:05 p.m. – Credit Union Centre
*All Times Regina

on September 06, 2012 by Kevin Shaw |  

Pats Acquire Lubin

For Immediate Release
September 5, 2012

Pats Complete Trade with Hitmen

Regina, Saskatchewan – The Regina Pats have acquired defenceman Keaton Lubin (’94) from the Calgary Hitmen in return for a conditional sixth round pick in the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft.

Lubin, a third round pick (66th overall) in the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft, suited up for the Hitmen in fifty games over the past two seasons.

The 6’0”, 192 lbs defender also dressed for the AJHL’s Okotoks Oilers last season.  He had four assists in nine regular season games before putting up four points (1G,3A) in seven playoff games.

In 2010-11, he was a member of Canada Pacific and took home bronze at the World U17 Hockey Challenge.

Name:              Keaton Lubin
DOB:              02-15-1994
Hometown:     Okotoks, Alberta
Position:          D
Height:            6’0”
Weight:           192 lbs
Year
Team GP G A Pts PIM
2011-12 Calgary Hitmen 14 0 1 1 16
2010-11 Calgary Hitmen 36 1 0 1 23


on September 06, 2012 by Kevin Shaw |  

Pats sign Six Prospects


For Immediate Release
September 4, 2012

Pats Sign Six Prospects

Regina, Saskatchewan – After a successful 2012 Training Camp, the Regina Pats are pleased to announce the signing of six prospects (three forwards, two defencemen and one goalie) to WHL Standard Player Agreements.

Goaltender Patrick Gora, a 9th round bantam pick of the Pats in 2011 had a strong camp with the Pats before being reassigned after the Blue and White Game.  Gora was lights out in the AMMHL last season featuring a 2.02 GAA in 20 games for the St. Albert Flyers.

The future is now for Griffin Mumby as he hopes to be a part of the Pats defence this season.  The 2011 3rd round bantam pick remains on the roster after training camp and will get his first taste of WHL pre-season action against the Brandon Wheat Kings this week.

Bryar Ortynski is another young standout who has a crack at jumping on to the Pats roster in 2012-13.  Selected in the 2nd round of the WHL Bantam Draft, Ortynski earned his chance to suit up in the pre-season showing a high compete level during training camp and not looking at all out of place alongside his more veteran teammates.

Defenceman Rob Fulton was a 6th round pick in this year’s bantam draft.  His already imposing size and physical play indicate a bright future for the Pats back end.  Fulton also totaled 16 points in 23 games last year with the Camrose Vikings in the AMBHL.

Notre Dame Bantam AAA product Rylee Zimmer turned heads at Pats camp.  This year’s 5th round bantam selection put up 49 points in 45 games in the SBAAHL last season and will have gained plenty of confidence from a stellar weekend in Regina.

Another 2012 5th round bantam pick, Austin Wagner followed up his solid 2011-12 season with the Calgary Sabres of the AMBHL (32GP, 17G, 10A) with an equally impressive training camp.  Wagner plays with the confidence of a player with considerably more experience than he actually does.

The Pats face the Wheat Kings in their first exhibition game, Thursday evening at the Cooperators Centre.  Puck drop is seven o’clock.
on September 06, 2012 by Kevin Shaw |  

Blue/White Game


Courtesy Daniel Fink:

For Immediate Release
September 3, 2012

Blue and White Game Recap
Team Blue Takes Annual Showdown

Regina, Saskatchewan – The annual Regina Pats Blue and White game started out as a defensive struggle before a third period explosion led to Team Blue taking a 4-3 shootout victory Monday afternoon.

The first period saw two young goaltenders going head to head in Team Blue’s Tanner Burgardt and Team White’s Patrick Gora.  Though one puck managed to find the back of the net in the opening frame it was waved off due to a quick whistle and both squads made it to the first intermission tied at zero.

The scoreless deadlock continued through the second period as the Blue and White defenses put a lock down on opposing forwards.  Team White came the closest to breaking the ice when Lane Scheidl drove a shot off the post.

Team Blue finally lit the lamp early in the third period with Chandler Stephenson snapping the puck top shelf.  The lead wouldn’t last long as Lane Scheidl evened it right back up with a marker of his own at the other end.  The third period flurry continued as Colton Jobke scored on a long shot that snuck by Adam Beukeboom on the powerplay.  Right back the other way, Morgan Klimchuk responded with a gorgeous marker.  The scoring continued as Blue jumped back into the lead on the strength of a tally from defenceman Erik Donald.  Once again, the lead wouldn’t stand up as Scheidl pulled a great power move down low to tie the score at three midway through the final frame and send the contest to OT.

Overtime solved nothing so the game went into a shootout where Team White got goals from Liam Finlay and Scheidl.  Team Blue got markers from Morgan Klimchuk, Chandler Stephenson and Tanner Olstad ended things with a wrister to the top shelf.

“It gave us a good opportunity to see where guys are starting to fit in,” says GM Chad Lang.  “I thought as the game went on the tempo and the pace picked up and it made it exciting in the third when goals started going in and into the shootout.  We feel we got a good read in the past four days, now we’ll get down in numbers in preparation for Thursday’s game” {Audio Attached}

The Pats open the WHL Pre-Season at home, Thursday night, hosting the Brandon Wheat Kings at the Cooperators Centre.  Puck drop is seven o’clock.

on September 06, 2012 by Kevin Shaw |  

Day 3 (evening)


Courtesy Daniel Fink:

For Immediate Release
September 2, 2012

Pats 2012 Training Camp Day Three 
Evening Summary
Session Summary:

Scrimmage One (Blue 6 vs White 3)
Team Blue gained a measure of revenge for this morning’s loss with a dominating 6-3 win over Team White.  The reintroduction of Morgan Klimchuk and Chandler Stephenson was a huge boost as the two combined for a couple of strikes early in the game.

Goal Scorers
Blue: M. Klimchuk(2), A. Brooks, B. Underwood, T. McLean(2)
White: C. Gay, E. Sylvegard, D. Schioler

Who Stood Out?
Former Tisdale Trojan Ty McLean was shuffled over to Team Blue for the evening session and he fit right in.  Scoring twice, McLean heads to the late stages of camp on a high note and was garnering praise from those in attendance at camp.
Another graduate of the Saskatchewan Midget AAA League, Connor Gay had a strong showing as well.  Despite a slow start to camp; Gay has been impressive in the last few scrimmages and hopes to carry it into tomorrow’s Blue and White game.

Quotes from the Rink
Connor Gay on success in the Blue and White game.  “I just need to work on the things I need to work on, the defensive side.  Maybe chip in with a goal or two and see what happens from there.”

Tomorrow’s Schedule
The annual Blue and White Game goes at two o’clock tomorrow afternoon.  Tickets are five dollars at the doors which open at one o’clock.
on September 02, 2012 by Kevin Shaw |  

Day 3


Courtesy Daniel Fink:

For Immediate Release
September 2, 2012

Pats 2012 Training Camp Day Three
Mid-Day Summary

Session Summary:
Scrimmage One (Blue 2 vs. White 6)
With two teams remaining in camp; some returning Pats players like Klimchuk, Scheidl and Stephenson got the morning off as the battle for spots in the top forty continued.  Team White tallied early and kept pouring it on for a 6-2 victory.

Goal Scorers
Blue: B. Christoffer, J. Rodewald
White: D. Hunt(2), B. Ortynski, L. Finlay, S. Whelan, C. Gay

Who Stood Out?
Team White’s offence got plenty of help from returning Pat, Dryden Hunt.  He picked up two goals in the contest and continues to have a very strong camp.  The youngest player on the 2011-12 roster looks poised to have a strong sophomore season.

With speed to burn, Braden Christoffer has impressed through camp with his great wheels.  He tallied on the score sheet this morning as well as multiple times during previous scrimmages.

Quotes from the Rink
Malcolm Cameron on the morning scrimmage.  “Obviously fatigue is starting to set in after a couple hard days of grind, but it was good.  The pace of the game was pretty good for a Sunday morning.  It’s good to see the young guys getting a chance to play with some of the older boys.  It’s a good gauge on whether they have good strength, their skill set, their vision, the pace of the game and whether they can handle all of that.  I thought they acclimated themselves very well.”

Today’s Schedule
This evening’s session features one scrimmage between teams Blue and White starting at six o’clock.

__________
I'll have my own thoughts about camp later tonight or early tomorrow. I'm hoping they will announce the 30 or so cuts they made last night or update the roster tonight.
on September 02, 2012 by Kevin Shaw |  

Day 2 (evening)


I forgot to push the "Publish" button last night. But here is the Evening Summary courtesy Daniel Fink.

For Immediate Release
September 1, 2012

Pats 2012 Training Camp Day Two
Evening Summary
Session Summary:

Scrimmage One (Grey 4 vs. Red 2)
After a seven goal drubbing in the morning session, Team Grey bounced back with a solid game in the evening.  Markers from four different skaters powered Grey to its first victory over Red this weekend.

Goal Scorers
Red: A. Wagner, R. Heidt
Grey: R. Zimmer, K. Westeringh, M. Popowich, Z. Sylvestre

Who Stood Out?
It doesn’t come of much surprise when a Notre Dame Hound stands out in the group.  Rylee Zimmer was a catalyst for Team Grey, scoring the squad’s first goal of the contest and presenting a threat all game.

He scored the shootout winner Friday evening, was part of the “big” line in the morning session and Ross Heidt kept it rolling in the evening.  He scored yet again, showing there’s a lot to look forward to from the Red Deer native.

Quotes from the Rink
Team Grey’s Brady Reagan on the level of competition at camp. “I think the Pats made a great selection on the players, bringing the players in and recruiting them.  I think we have a good squad, they’re good games out here, good flow, and I think it will get better as the week goes on.”

Scrimmage Two (White 3 vs. Blue 3)
It was an exciting finale to the evening as Blue looked to roll to another victory early on.  Despite being spotted a 2-0 lead, Blue couldn’t hold it as White took the lead down the stretch.  With less than a minute left in the game, Austin Daae popped home the equalizer and the teams finished in a 3-3 tie.

Goal Scorers
Blue: J. Rodewald, M. Klimchuk, A. Daae
White: C. Jobke, E. Sylvegard, B. Ortynski

Who Stood Out?
Bryar Ortynski got the opportunity to play with the older crew and he didn’t waste it.  He scored Team White’s third marker and had some solid chances early in the scrimmage.

Playing on Blue’s top line, Jack Rodewald provided a solid compliment to Klimchuk/Stephenson.  Rodewald opened the scoring on the evening and helped out on Klimchuk’s marker.  Could this be a line we see going forward?

Quotes from the Rink
GM Chad Lang on Camp after two days.  “I thought Camp up to this point has been really good.  I thought from day one, the young guys really set the tone and the tempo.  Our older guys, those veteran guys came in and elevated even one step further.  I think they continue to push the pace; day one was an opportunity for everyone to kind of get a feel out there and a comfort.  Today all the sessions were good, we’re seeing a lot of good things from those guys that are returning players and guys who are competing for spots on the team.  We’ll make some adjustments here tonight, we’ll get down in numbers and we think that’ll only help improve the tempo and quality of the game come tomorrow.”

Roster Reduction
After this evening’s session, the Pats roster sits with 53 players remaining in camp.

Tomorrow’s Schedule:
*Please note changes

Early Session
Team Blue vs. Team White: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
All Goalies: 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
12:30 p.m. Scrimmage Cancelled

Evening Session
Scrimmage/Practice to be determined
on September 02, 2012 by Kevin Shaw |  

Day 2


Courtesy Daniel Fink:

For Immediate Release
September 1, 2012

Pats 2012 Training Camp Day Two
Mid-Day Summary
Session Summary:

Scrimmage One (Red 10 vs. Grey 3)
The nerves and of Friday night seemed to be out of both teams’ systems, but it was Team Red looking more awake in the early going.  Red raced out to a 6-0 lead and never looked back in a 10-3 win over Grey.

Goal Scorers
Red: D. Schioler, A. Brooks(2), C. Harrison, R. Heidt, M. Fortin, E. Donald(2), R. Cole, C. Burston
Grey: M. Popowich, B. Reagan, B. Kallis

Who Stood Out?
After an unremarkable Friday, Dane Schioler came alive for the morning of Day 2.  He scored a goal, three helpers and was in the first fight of camp in Team Red’s win.

It was a tough morning for Team Grey.  Once again, the diminutive Liam Finlay was impressive while on the other side of the size spectrum, Brady Reagan picked up his first goal of camp.

Quotes from the Rink
Liam Finlay on his camp so far.  “I’m getting to know the camp more.  The first game, I wasn’t playing so good I don’t think.  It was a faster pace and I had to get used to it.  I think it has helped me so far, I’ve gotten to know it a bit more I’m doing a bit better as I go.”

Scrimmage Two (Blue 6 vs. White 3)
Offensive skills came to the fore in Team Blue’s 6-3 victory over Team White in the second scrimmage of the day.  Morgan Klimchuk and Chandler Stephenson teamed up on a beautiful give-and-go goal while Lane Scheidl showed off some of his offensive flair.  Tempers started to boil over with plenty pushing and shoving after the whistle and one fight in the scrimmage.

Goal Scorers
Blue: C. Stephenson, M. Klimchuk, P. D’Amico, D. Stevenson, J. Rodewald, R. Kruper
White: L. Scheidl, C. Gay, D. Hunt

Who Stood Out?
Lane Scheidl is making a strong push to claim one of the overage spots on the team.  He potted a great goal for Team White in the second period and nearly converted after a slick toe-drag into the slot in the third.

Team Blue fed off energy from Dyson Stevenson’s strong game.  He was one half of the fight, chipped in with a goal and was in the collective face of Team White the whole scrimmage.

Quotes from the Rink
Jack Rodewald on the intensity of the scrimmage.  “The first day was just getting your legs under you, and the second day you kind of see some things unroll.  Some guys are stepping up with big hits and players start reacting/defending their teams as we’ve been together a day and a half it’s good to see.”
Tonight’s Schedule:

Evening Session
Team Red vs. Team Grey: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Team Blue vs. Team White: 7:45 p.m. – 9:45 p.m.

on September 01, 2012 by Kevin Shaw |  

Day 1 My quick thoughts

I go to training camp expecting to spend the majority of the first 2 scrimmages (and or practices) trying to figure out all of the players and that has been the challenge.... make that the quest for the last many camps. That is until this year. I got comfortably seated with all of my notes ready to take on the challenge of the roster when out of nowhere a guy wearing a Pats golf shirt (Daniel Fink perhaps?) walks by and says "would you like a roster?" With no hesitation I accepted one thinking that it was just the one that has the players heights and weights, etc. But I take the roster and it HAS THE SWEATER NUMBERS already on it.

Let me tell you something.... having the sweater numbers and not playing the "who's that?" game makes the camp much more fun. I've never really been able to just sit and watch the camp. To whoever decided to let the fans have the rosters with sweater numbers. A huge thank you from myself and many of the Pats fans that attend camp every season,

Back to the scrimmages.... I was too busy really just watching to notice much other than a few stand outs.

Adam Brooks is continuing to impress me. Every time I've seen him he just seems to get better. He has some real skill around the front of the net, especially right in front.

Liam Finlay is a small player (5'5, 130) that always seemed to be wherever the puck was and didn't seem to be afraid to get in the gritty spots.

Brady Reagan is a pretty big dude that can skate and seems to be able to take control of almost every shift he plays. He's definitely got the leadership thing.

Chase Harrison, Brendan Kallis, Erik Donald, Griffin Mumby, Bryar Ortynski all stood out for me in the first scrimmage.

With the veterans..... I really wasn't watching the returning guys so much as I was the possible newcomers.

One of the returning guys I paid close attention to was Dryden Hunt. He looks as though he put on some bulk and was throwing his weight around and looks like he's ready to improve his game.

Emil Sylvegard has got size, speed and some definite skill. I think he'll be a welcomed addition.

Cole Hamblin is a huge body (although not super tall... 6'3 is tall but not super tall) that was a surprisingly good skater and really good defensively.

Tristin Reimer, Connor Gay and Ty McLean all looked like they could be reinforcements for our non-returning veteran foot soldiers. All bring some great intangibles.

But like I said earlier actually just sitting back and watching the scrimmages makes it that much more enjoyable.

Time to get ready for day 2.
on September 01, 2012 by Kevin Shaw |  

More Day 1

Again from Greg Harder (link here).

Pats camp (Day 1)

Top prospect Adam Brooks scored a highlight-reel goal and added an assist to lead Team Red to a 4-3 shootout win over Team Grey in the first rookie scrimmage of Regina Pats training camp on Friday.

Brooks, who had several quality scoring chances in the game, helped set up Colton Kroeker’s first-period marker. Then, trailing 3-1 in the third, Brooks danced around a would-be defender and cut to the net before tucking it upstairs on goaltender Adam Jones.

Red’s Colin Burston tied it up late in the third period and Ross Heidt added the winner in the shootout. Goaltender Troy Martyniuk started for Red and allowed two goals in the first period (there was no shot clock), followed by Liam Banks (one goal, second period) and Nicholas Schneider (no goals, third period). Corwin Stevely, Liam Finlay and Kyle Westeringh replied for Grey. Patrick Gora got the start (one goal, first period), followed by Brett Pongracz (no goals, second) and Jones (two goals, third).

In the vet scrimmage, Dyson Stevenson scored the first goal in Team Blue’s 4-3 win.

Braden Christoffer, Cole Hamblin and Desmond Bear had Blue’s other markers. Emil Sylvegard, Dryden Hunt and Lane Scheidl replied for Team White. Starting goaltenders Matt Hewitt (White) and Adam Beukeboom (Blue) each allowed two goals. White’s Teagan Sacher allowed two goals in relief. Blue’s Tanner Burgardt gave up one.

The Pats are slated to hold four scrimmages Saturday at the Co-operators Centre: 9 a.m. (rookies), 12:30 p.m. (vets), 5:30 p.m. (rookies) and 7:45 p.m. (vets). On Sunday, there are to be two early scrimmages (9 a.m. rookies, 12:30 p.m. vets) before a major roster cutdown. That’s followed by two evening practices (6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.) in preparation for Monday’s Blue & White game (2 p.m., Co-operators Centre).

———————————–

Defenceman Colton Jobke addressed the uncertainty of his situation due to the pending NHL lockout. Assuming NHL training camps are cancelled, he’ll report directly to camp with the AHL’s Houston Aeros in late September.

After that, who knows? Maybe he stays or perhaps the Wild decide they have a full house on the farm and send him back to junior.

Naturally, Jobke made it clear that his focus is on graduating to the pro ranks this season – lockout or no lockout.

“You want to always be moving forward,” he said. “You never want to be complacent with where you are in life or your career. My goal is to move forward, do the best I can here and when I get a chance in Houston, show them what I have.”

Jobke’s status – and the impact it might have on the 20-year-old situation – is the biggest question mark facing Regina right now.

If he ends up back with the Pats, they immediately become a much better team, especially following the graduation of fellow blueliners Brandon Davidson, Artem Bidlevskii and Martin Marincin.

Jobke hopes to join his former teammates in the pros, but he also insists that coming back to Regina would be a pretty good consolation prize.

“I think it would be awesome,” he said. “I really like the organization. We have a great group of guys here and it gives me another year to develop physically, off the ice and on the ice. I can mature more. I’m lucky the situation I’m in, still eligible for one more year of junior. There’s a lot of guys out there who just graduated from junior who have a lot of uncertainty whether they’ll even be playing hockey in the next couple months. If there is a lockout and I don’t earn a spot on Houston I’d be excited to come back here and pick up where I left off.”
on September 01, 2012 by Kevin Shaw |  

Pats Camp Preview

Found on Greg Harder's Blog (right here).


Pats Camp Preview

General manager Chad Lang can’t be certain how the Regina Pats will take shape over the course of training camp, but he is positive about one thing.

“We want to improve and build on the success we had last year,” said Lang, whose team snapped a three-year playoff drought and posted its first winning record (37-27-6-2) since 2007-08. “The message to our returning guys is … ‘Don’t take your positions for granted because, if you don’t do the work, there’s going to be someone who has and is going to have the opportunity to take your spot.”

GOALTENDERS

The Pats appear to be set between the pipes with the return of Matt Hewitt and Adam Beukeboom, but looks can be deceiving.

Despite a stellar first season as Regina’s go-to guy, Hewitt isn’t necessarily safe due to the fact that he’s one of six players vying for three 20-year-old spots. That could create an opening for Beukeboom, 18, who showed flashes of starter’s potential in limited action last season.

The Pats believe they have two more goaltenders who are capable of stepping into the lineup: Teagan Sacher, 18, and Tanner Burgardt, 17. Sacher was in the thick of the backup race last year before Beukeboom won the job in a photo finish. Sacher is back for more after a solid campaign in the Manitoba junior A ranks, posting a 14-6-0 record, with a 2.91 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage.

Burgardt, meanwhile, is regarded as a potential starter of the future. He showed why in his first season at the midget AAA level, going 20-2-1 with a 2.10 GAA, .907 SP and three shutouts.

“We’re probably in a better situation than we were even last year,” noted Lang. “All four guys have a legit opportunity.”

The Pats are also high on 16-year-old prospects Nathan Churchill (who isn’t in camp) and Patrick Gora. With that kind of depth between the pipes, the Pats could find themselves in a position of strength if they chose to make a deal to shore up another area of need.

DEFENCEMEN

Speaking of a huge hole to fill, the Pats said goodbye to three of their top five defencemen from last season: Brandon Davidson, Martin Marincin and Artem Bidlevskii. A fourth member of that group, Colton Jobke, might also graduate to the pros.

That would leave Brandon Underwood, Luke Fenske, Kyle Burroughs and part-timer Nathan Zimbaluk as the lone returnees.

“It’s going to be one of the biggest battles through camp and the pre-season,” said Lang. “We believe we have depth on our back end (with quality young players). It’s just making sure it’s the right time for them and we can put them in the right situations where they have the opportunity to have success and build confidence rather than put them in a situation (they’re not ready for). That’s when it usually goes sideways.”

The rookie class is led by Colby Williams, 17, along with Sean Whelan, 18, and Griffin Mumby, 16. Mumby is the top prospect from a deep group of 16-year-olds which also includes Chase Harrison, Nikolas Koberstein, Kenny Nordstrom and Erik Donald.

Joining the fray is a collection of free agents led by 19-year-old Cole Hamblin, a 6-foot-3, 238-pound bruiser who spent parts of the past two seasons with the Spokane Chiefs.

FORWARDS

The Pats are facing significant turnover up front with the potential for just seven returnees. That number doesn’t include import Emil Sylvegard, a QMJHL veteran, but it still leaves a number of openings to be filled by a mixture of rookie draft picks, free-agent pickups and WHL castoffs.

Top prospect Adam Brooks is the leading 16-year-old candidate to make the jump, followed by his former minor hockey linemate, Dane Schioler, and fellow second-round pick Bryar Ortynski.

Rather than rush all three into the lineup, the Pats are expected to explore more seasoned options like Ty McLean and Connor Gay, a pair of 17-year-olds who were among the top scorers in the Saskatchewan midget AAA ranks last season. The small but scrappy McLean has been touted as a potential fan favourite since he was selected in the fifth round of the 2010 bantam draft. Gay is among the Pats’ most promising list pickups, joined by the likes of Patrick D’Amico (Manitoba junior A), Tristan Reimer (Alberta midget AAA), Henry Hardarson (Phoenix under-18) and Braden Christoffer (Alberta junior A).

The Pats have also invited a handful of players to camp who have previous WHL experience, including Matt Hughesman, 18, Cody Nelson, 18, and Austin Daae, 19. Hughesman and Nelson both spent most of last season in the Manitoba junior A ranks while Daae played for the WHL’s Prince George Cougars.

“We believe we have a good nucleus up front,” said Lang. “Yet we strongly believe there are guys in those younger age groups who are going to have opportunities to compete for spots and maybe challenge some of our older guys.”
on September 01, 2012 by Kevin Shaw |  

Pats Camp Day 1 Wrap-up

Courtesy Daniel Fink:
For Immediate Release
August 31, 2012

Pats 2012 Training Camp Day 1
Evening Summary

Session Summary:

Scrimmage One (Red 4 vs Grey 3)
The first scrimmage of the 2012 Regina Pats Training Camp featured the ’96-’97 born players in camp.  Team Grey jumped out to the early advantage, leading 3-1 heading into the third period.  Team Red battled back, though, and evened the score in the final minute of play.  The late equalizer set the stage for Ross Heidt to score the only goal of the shootout and pick up the win for Red.

Who Stood Out?
Adam Brooks ('96) had two points for team Red in the opening Red vs. Grey scrimmage to continue his momentum from a strong morning.

Team Grey’s Liam Finlay (’97) was out to show he can compete even with a 5'5", 130 lbs frame.  He scored once and was close twice more.  The shifty forward frustrated defenders slipping away from impending body checks with ease.

Scrimmage Two (Blue 4 vs White 3)
When the ’92-’95 born players stepped on the ice, it didn’t take long for the puck to find the back of the net.  Team Blue jumped out to an early 2-0 lead and fought off two Team White comebacks to hold on for the 4-3 victory.

Who Stood Out?
Like Adam Brooks, Emil Sylvegard (’93) continued to have a strong day.  He was buzzing around the net all game and picked up Team White’s first marker.  His creative passing opened up plenty of opportunities for teammates.

Cole Hamblin (’93) made his considerable presence felt in the Blue/White scrimmage.  Hamblin threw his 238 pounds around the rink like a wrecking crew.  He also helped out with a rocket of a goal put Blue up 3-2 in the second period.

Quotes from the Rink
Head Scout Dale McMullin on Finlay.  “I think Liam is a guy with a boatload of skill.  He thinks the game and has a fast set of hands.  He’s a kid who, over time, has to put on a little more weight and a few inches and I think he can play the game.” {Audio Attached}

Morgan Klimchuk on coming into his draft year.  “If you play within the systems here, and if you do that you’ll have your own success, your own personal success.  That’s all I’m trying to do is just make sure the team is doing what the team is doing what the team needs to do.  Then I can kind of worry about myself.” {Audio Attached}

Tomorrow’s Schedule:
Early Session
Team Red vs. Team Grey: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
All Goalies: 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Team Blue vs. Team White: 12:30- 2:30
Evening Session
Team Red vs. Team Grey: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Team Blue vs. Team White: 7:45 p.m. – 9:45 p.m.

Scrimmage Scoring Summaries:


Scrimmage One (Red 4 vs Grey 3)
1st Period
1 - Grey(1) - C. Stevely, B. Kallis 9:30
2 - Red(1) - C. Kroeker, A. Brooks 17:30
3 - Grey(2) - L. Finlay, Z. Sylvestre 19:30

2nd Period
4 - Grey(3) - K. Westeringh, Unassisted 4:00

3rd Period
5 - Red(2) - A. Brooks, E. Donald 4:30
6 - Red(3) - C. Burston, Unassisted 19:16

Shootout
7 - Red (4) - R. Heidt

Scrimmage Two (Blue 4 vs White 3)
1st Period
1 - Blue(1) - D. Stevenson, Unassisted 2:29
2 - Blue(2) - B. Christoffer, M. Gamblin 4:30
3 - White(1) - E. Sylvegard, S. Whelan 14:35

2nd Period
4 - White(2) - D. Hunt, Unassisted 7:40
5 - Blue (3) - C. Hamblin 19:35

3rd Period
6 - White(3) - L. Scheidl, Unassisted 0:55
7 - Blue(4) - K. Bear, B. Underwood 1:45
on September 01, 2012 by Kevin Shaw |