2007 Training Camp Thread

[Bran]

Probably not too much in here that everyone didn't already know, but I'm bored, so...

From reginapats.ca

PATS ROOKIES TAKE TO THE ICE

Regina, Saskatchewan – Preparations are being made for the Pats upcoming season, as rookie camp kicks off with registration on Wednesday August 22nd at the Brandt Centre. The players will then hit the ice Thursday, August 23rd at the White City Arena, with the first team practicing at 9:00am.

The Pats will start rookie camp with 68 hopefuls in camp, with 41 of those players being from the province of Saskatchewan. The group which consists of players born in 1991 and 1992, feature 22 listed Pats players, including first round bantam draft picks Brett Miller (2006) and Dominick Favreau (2007). Rookie camp will run until Saturday, August 25th when the White City Arena will place host to the Pats rookie prospects game.

The veterans will take to the ice with main camp opening up on Saturday, August 25th. The main camp will conclude with the annual Blue and White game on August 29th in White City. The Pats will then board the bus and travel to Edmonton, to take part in a pre season tournament which runs from September 1-3. The Pats will face Kamloops, Prince George and Kelowna during the tune-up tournament.

…………………


2007-08 Regina Pats season tickets are currently on sale at the Pats Office, located at the west end of the Brandt Centre. Call 522-PATS to reserve your seat for the 90th season of Regina Pats hockey.

Regina Pats season ticket holders will be able to pick up their tickets starting Tuesday, September 4th at the Pats Office, located at the west end of the Brandt Centre.

The Regina Pats also want to remind fans to pick up their tickets for the CKRM Regina Pats “Face Off” Breakfast. Tickets can be purchased at the Pats office or by calling 522-PATS.



Rod's got a couple of pictures on his blog, too...not a whole lot of info about anything (not that there's much to tell at this point, anyway).

[nivek_wahs]

http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/sports/story.html?id=7932e7aa-aff7-4042-b2ae-8ca6b8129623


Coach, players look forward to playing hard, winning

Greg Harder, Leader-Post
Published: Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Training camp is still a day away, but Curtis Hunt is already in midseason form.

The head coach of the Regina Pats set the tone for the upcoming WHL season on Tuesday when he threw an eclipse in front of the waning days of summer, quickly halting any notion that the offseason seemed too short.

"Are you kidding?" Hunt said emphatically. "It was too long!"

Hunt clearly has a bitter taste left in his mouth over the manner in which his team ended the 2006-07 campaign -- a four-game sweep at the hands of the eventual WHL-champion Medicine Hat Tigers.

That said, the Pats' head coach likely won't have much more to say on the topic. With rookie workouts set to begin Thursday in White City, followed by main camp on Sunday, Hunt is ready to put all of his energy into the upcoming season.

In his mind, the bar has been raised from last year.

"I think it goes beyond a feeling; there's definitely an expectation," Hunt said during an informal media gathering at the Brandt Centre. "We've built and built and built. This is probably the most exciting year (of his four at the helm). The biggest thing that I think changes is the players' expectations are going to be higher than they've ever been.

"Everyone is looking forward at what we have and what we believe we're capable of. It's going to be a long process but we're excited. It's just a great time of year."

Even the players seem eager to toss aside their flip-flops and strap on a pair of blades.

"I think we have a lot to prove since last year's playoffs," offered veteran winger Brett Leffler.

"(Being swept) is not what we wanted. (The Tigers) are a great team, all the credit to them, but I think we can get better and we have more to show this year. There is a positive vibe around the room. This is the year to make a run for it, that's for sure."

Hope springs eternal for every team in the WHL -- and the Pats are no different. The WHL club hasn't captured an East Division title in 10 years, a streak the players are determined to break.

"We should be chasing that pennant for sure," said No. 1 goalie Linden Rowat. "Every year we always have high expectations and we have decent seasons and then all of a sudden it comes down to when it all matters and things don't go our way.

"This year we have to stay focused throughout the whole year and make sure that, when it comes to playoff time, everyone is going to be scared to play us in the first round."

Chemistry shouldn't be an issue for the Pats, whose coaching staff is back for the second straight year.

Hunt and assistant Terry Perkins will be charged with moulding a group that includes 21 players from last year's postseason roster.

"It's kind of like a family reunion," Rowat said after gathering in the dressing room with his teammates.

"You haven't seen the guys for three months and now they're all in the same room, doing the same things you did for nine months the previous year. You always have good times with them. We're close friends."

The Pats also have a solid on-ice foundation upon which to build. The club has tailored a winning record over the past two seasons (76-55-3-10) while also advancing past the first round of the playoffs last season for the first time since 1997-98.

"The biggest thing you have to guard against is complacency," added Hunt.

"We've had some success. The reality is, it wasn't good enough.

"In the end, we want to put a product on the ice that's entertaining but, let's face it, it's all about winning. That's our objective, to be in that top group and to hopefully get ourselves in a position to hang something from the rafters."


© The Leader-Post (Regina) 2007

[nivek_wahs]

http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/sports/story.html?id=9b330b6f-539c-4c19-9e4b-476deb701a48


Camp means competing for spots
Greg Harder, Leader-Post
Published: Wednesday, August 22, 2007

There will be a noticeable lack of job openings in Regina Pats training camp, but that doesn't mean a shortage of competition.

At least, it better not.

"The interesting thing is we have what we feel is a tremendous amount of depth on our team," noted head coach Curtis Hunt. "If guys don't understand that coming in and make sure they're at the level they need to be -- plus, plus -- we might have some disappointed people."

The Pats, who begin a three-day rookie camp Thursday in White City, are expected to open main camp on the weekend with as many as 21 players -- including three rookie callups -- who were part of last year's postseason roster.

Although a handful of those players will be pushed for their spots, the number of returnees should provide a level of comfort to the Pats' brass. In fact, this year's training camp may be more about fighting for roles than fighting for jobs.

The most obvious example is up the middle, where the Pats' roster includes a wealth of possibilities but no obvious replacements for graduating centres Kyle Ross and Garrett Festerling, the WHL team's top two scorers from last season.

Although GM Brent Parker is still on the lookout for a proven scorer up the middle, Hunt believes the team can fill that void from within.

"You look for more out of different players as years go by," said the head coach. "We had a huge blow a year ago with Petr Kalus not coming back. Two years ago, same thing. We had holes all over. Brent had to go out and get (Denis) Tolpeko and (Matt) Robinson. The great thing is, we come into this year where we don't have to look for anything."

The competition at centre has a host of possibilities, including returnees Levi Lind and Kirt Hill, plus veteran wingers like Mike Reich, Kaspars Saulietis and Jordan Eberle, all of whom can play centre. Another unknown element is Czech centre Rudolf Cerveny, the team's top pick (37th overall) in this summer's CHL import draft.

In the end, the cream will have to rise to the top.

"I think we're very comfortable with our position on defence and we're very comfortable with our position in goal," noted Hunt. "The biggest thing is in the centre position. There is going to be lots of jostling and lots of opportunities for players. It's important they understand that."

Another question facing the Pats involves the losses of Ross and Festerling, as well as captain Kyle Deck. With Craig Schira the lone returning letter-wearer, the team's leadership group will undergo a wholesale change.

"Ross and Festerling are great players, Deck too," noted veteran winger Brett Leffler. "We're going to have to fill their shoes somehow, somewhere. But I don't think it's going to be a big deal. They'll fill themselves."

Leffler is an obvious heir apparent, along with Schira, Michael MacAngus, Logan Pyett and Colten Teubert. Leffler and Teubert are both being groomed as possible future captains.

"With the group we have, I think we have some tremendous leaders," said Hunt. "We ran the same captain for three years and I think Kyle did an admirable job. The timing is good that they graduate and we pass the torch. We're going to be watching that closely. We'll see if one of those players steps up and makes himself a captain."




© The Leader-Post (Regina) 2007

[Triton]

Can someone tell me how Curtis Kulchar is doing and if he has a shot at making the team.

[Some_Arrogant_Jerk]

I'd say his chances are pretty good, even if there are only 2 spots open on D. He is probably our top prospect on D, and the few games he played, he looked good to me.

I think it will be him and Pym that take the two remaining spots.

[nivek_wahs]

http://www.reginapats.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1019


Rookies get education on life with team

Greg Harder, The Leader-Post
Published: Thursday, August 23, 2007

It's back-to-school time for the Regina Pats.

The WHL club opens rookie camp today at White City arena, where 68 youngsters are expected to receive a crash course on life in the WHL.

"That's what it's all about, giving them an opportunity to meet some of the older guys and getting experience in terms of how things are done," offered Pats GM Brent Parker.

"Even watching the vets skate, those are all a big part of understanding. We always tell them, 'It's a starting point.' If you think you're in good shape and you get here and say, 'Wow, a lot of guys are in better shape,' there's your starting point. You understand where you have to be and where you have to go to have success at this level."

The Pats' rookie roster -- 22 16-year-olds and 46 15-year-olds -- includes a mixture of players who have been drafted or listed by the Pats. The majority, however, are simply invited to take part on a tryout basis.

No more than a small handful of the 16-year-olds from rookie camp will have a chance to crack Regina's lineup this season. Some of the early favourites include forwards Brett Miller of North Battleford and Garrett Mitchell of Regina, as well as defenceman Alex Pym of Winnipeg. Those players were Regina's first-, second- and third-round picks, respectively, in the 2006 WHL bantam draft.

The 15-year-olds in camp won't be eligible for full-time WHL duty until next season.

The Pats' coaches will guide the rookies through a series of practices and scrimmages, as well as off-ice orientation, over the next three days. Rookie camp concludes Saturday with a Prospects Game, after which approximately a dozen players will be invited to take part in main camp, beginning later that day in White City.

"A big part of it is being with their peer group and to have that chance to compete at that age," noted Parker. "It gives you a better feel for where they're at (in their development). The second-year guys maybe not as much because you want to see them with the older guys too and see if they can handle that grind of playing with the older players."

The Pats are pleased with the response they received after sending out letters of invitation to rookie camp earlier this summer. It can be a tough sell, since some players are invited to camps by multiple teams.

Regina, however, has become a more appealing destination over the past two seasons due to the club's recent taste of success and reputation as a team on the rise.

"I think we've seen over the last couple years that it has become a little easier in our recruiting," added Parker. "People want to be a part of things here now. We certainly haven't had the struggles we had for a few years. It was a real challenge for the better part of three or four years. It has reversed a little bit in terms of our fortunes. We really didn't have too many issues (this season)."

- - -

SCHEDULE

Regina Pats

Rookie Camp Schedule

(At White City arena)

Today

9 a.m.-10:15 a.m. -- Red practice.

10:30 a.m.-11:45a.m. -- Blue practice.

Noon-1:15 p.m. -- White practice.

1:30 p.m.-2:45 p.m. -- Vets ice.

6 p.m.-6:45 p.m. -- Red vs. White scrimmage.

7 p.m.-7:45p.m. -- Red vs. Blue scrimmage.

8 p.m.-8:45 p.m. -- White vs. Blue scrimmage.

Friday

9 a.m.-9:45 p.m. -- White vs. Red scrimmage.

10 a.m.-10:45 p.m. -- White vs. Blue scrimmage.

11 a.m.-11:45 a.m. -- Red vs. Blue scrimmage.

12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. -- Goalie session.

1:30 p.m.-2:45 p.m. -- Vets ice.

6 p.m.-6:45 p.m. -- Blue vs. White scrimmage.

7 p.m.-7:45 p.m. -- Blue vs. Red scrimmage.

8 p.m.-8:45 p.m. -- White vs. Red scrimmage.

Saturday

10 a.m. to noon -- Rookie Prospects Game.

[nivek_wahs]

ROOKIE ROSTER

Regina Pats

Rookie Camp Roster Ht. Wt. Age Hometown

Goalies
Dylan Chartrand 5'10 137 15 Hodgeville
Matt Hewitt 5'3 110 15 Coquitlam, B.C.
Josh Kirkham 5'6 131 15 Quesnel, B.C.
Jeff Magee 5'9 150 16 Calgary
Jordy Richter 5'10 140 15 Regina
Luc Sanders 5'9 155 15 Winnipeg
James Sawatzky 5'10 130 15 Regina
Derek Tendler 5'11 218 15 Regina
Austin Vargo 5'10 160 15 Kipling

Defencemen
Jordan Black 5'11 170 16 Regina
Conrad Chouinard 6'1 150 15 Lumsden
Ryan Clarke 6'3 175 15 Medicine Hat
Jordan Daniels 6'2 175 15 Leask
Dryden Dow 5'6 130 15 Calgary
Kelly English N/A N/A 15 Regina
Aaron Enns 6'3 185 16 Cuathiaski Cove, B.C.
Shamas Graham 5'9 160 15 Spruce Grove, Alta.
Jens Johnson 5'9 160 15 Regina
Brenden Kotyk 6'3 220 16 Regina
Bram Lerat 5'10 150 15 Regina
Trammell Lynes 6'1 175 16 Edmonton
Koltyn Miller 6'0 160 16 Redvers
John Neibrandt 6'3 165 15 Yorkton
Alex Pym 6'1 180 16 Winnipeg
David Roper 5'11 165 16 Calgary
Andrew Semple 5'9 160 16 Regina
Justin Slobozian 5'11 165 15 Dauphin, MB
Adam Smith 6'0 170 15 Kelowna
Byron Sorensen 5'11 155 16 Kyle
Travis Sparrow 6'2 180 16 Vanscoy
Brad Swampy 5'10 150 15 Opaskwayak, MB
Teran Teubert 5'6 157 15 Surrey, B.C.
Sean Wallace 5'7 145 16 Calgary

Forwards
Landon Buch 5'7 145 15 Regina
Matt Cundall 5'6 125 15 Estevan
Marcus Dahl 5'6 135 15 Edmonton
Sean Delwo 5'9 162 16 Regina
Dustin Eberle 5'7 135 15 Calgary
Dominick Favreau 5'9 160 15 Martensville
Michael Ferland 5'11 183 15 Brandon
Lucas Froese 5'10 155 15 Grunthal, MB
Graham Hood 6'0 180 15 Martensville
Paul Hordos 5'9 147 15 Raymore
Dallas Hubick 5'7 155 15 Regina
Josh Jelinski 5'7 155 15 Avonlea
Linden Lang 5'11 150 15 Francis
Matthew Marantz 5'11 162 16 Calgary
Mitchell McNish 6'1 170 16 Regina
Brett Miller 6'2 195 16 North Battleford
Kenton Miller 5'9 153 16 Redvers
Garrett Mitchell 5'11 175 16 Regina
Kyle Mulder 5'11 165 16 Winnipeg
Nathan Murray 5'10 155 15 White City
Zach Oleynik 5'11 170 15 Regina
Blake O'Neil 5'7 138 16 Regina
Ryan Ostertag 5'10 155 15 Regina
Tyler Paslawski 6'0 155 15 Choiceland
Dillan Pollock 6'2 190 15 Regina
John Reimer 6'0 190 15 Winkler, MB
Andrew Rieder 5'11 155 15 Regina
Michael Schell 5'11 160 15 Maple Ridge, B.C.
Devon Snackleton 6'4 185 15 Kipling
Riley Storzuk 5'11 175 15 Wynyard
Brent Struble 5'10 150 16 Wawota
Kyle Trimp 6'1 160 15 Regina
Zaine Walker 5'10 140 15 Saltcoats
Jordan Weal 5'8 140 15 Vancouver
Turner Yeroschak 5'10 175 16 Souris, MB

[Triton]

Defencemen
Jordan Black 5'11 170 16 Regina
Conrad Chouinard 6'1 150 15 Lumsden
Ryan Clarke 6'3 175 15 Medicine Hat
Jordan Daniels 6'2 175 15 Leask
Dryden Dow 5'6 130 15 Calgary
Kelly English N/A N/A 15 Regina
Aaron Enns 6'3 185 16 Cuathiaski Cove, B.C.
Shamas Graham 5'9 160 15 Spruce Grove, Alta.
Jens Johnson 5'9 160 15 Regina
Brenden Kotyk 6'3 220 16 Regina
Bram Lerat 5'10 150 15 Regina
Trammell Lynes 6'1 175 16 Edmonton
Koltyn Miller 6'0 160 16 Redvers
John Neibrandt 6'3 165 15 Yorkton
Alex Pym 6'1 180 16 Winnipeg
David Roper 5'11 165 16 Calgary
Andrew Semple 5'9 160 16 Regina
Justin Slobozian 5'11 165 15 Dauphin, MB
Adam Smith 6'0 170 15 Kelowna
Byron Sorensen 5'11 155 16 Kyle
Travis Sparrow 6'2 180 16 Vanscoy
Brad Swampy 5'10 150 15 Opaskwayak, MB
Teran Teubert 5'6 157 15 Surrey, B.C.
Sean Wallace 5'7 145 16 Calgary

Where's Kulchar?

[nivek_wahs]

Where's Kulchar?Seeing that Kulchar was born in 1990 I would believe that he is already headed for main camp.

[nivek_wahs]

Training camp note... from Gregg Drinan's blog (http://gdrinnan.blogspot.com/)


Here is an update, as near as I can figure, on WHL teams and their import players with training camps opening this week:


REGINA: Latvian LW Kaspars Saulietis, acquired from Kelowna last season, and Czech C Rudolf Cerveny, the 37th pick in the 2007 import draft, will be in camp.No mention of Marco Insam... hmm.

[Triton]

Training camp note... from Gregg Drinan's blog (http://gdrinnan.blogspot.com/)

No mention of Marco Insam... hmm.

Marco is expected to return to the Notre Dame Hounds.

[nivek_wahs]

I am posting from my cell phone... so I cant post links. But according to the Leader Post Justin Scott has been released by the team. Leaving the Pats with three potential overagers.

[Bran]

reginapats.com

PATS ROOKIE CAMP DAY 1


Regina, Saskatchewan – Today, sixty- eight Regina Pat hopefuls hit the ice at the Emerald Park Arena. The players were split into three different teams that will stay together until Saturday’s Rookie Prospect Game.


The three teams started out with practices this morning and then moved to scrimmages for tonight and all of tomorrow. A list of Fridays action is listed below.

Friday August 24th

9:00am – 9:45am - White vs Red - Scrimmage
10:00am – 10:45am - White vs Blue - Scrimmage
11:00pm – 11:45am - Red vs Blue - Scrimmage

12:15pm – 1:15pm - Goalie Session

6:00pm – 6:45pm - Blue vs White - Scrimmage
7:00pm – 7:45pm - Blue vs Red - Scrimmage
8:00pm – 8:45pm - White vs Red - Scrimmage

News & Notes

A familiar face was out skating with the Regina Pats today, as former Pats Captain Garth Murray was out skating with the team before he attends the Montreal Canadians training camp this fall. Murray played for the Pats from 1998-2002, having his best season in 2001-02 when he collected 33 goals and 30 assists in just 62 games.
…………………

[Bran]

I am posting from my cell phone... so I cant post links. But according to the Leader Post Justin Scott has been released by the team. Leaving the Pats with three potential overagers.


Good luck to Justin! I always liked him...wasn't necessarily the most productive player but he always worked hard. Kinda hard to justify keeping him as a 20 year old though, especially with Lind around.

leaderpost.com

Greg Harder, The Leader-Post
Published: Friday, August 24, 2007
-- And then there were three.
Veteran Justin Scott has cleared waivers and been released by the Regina Pats, leaving wingers Troy Ofukany, Kaspars Saulietis and Myles Stoesz as the WHL club's lone returning 20-year-olds heading into main camp on Saturday.
Scott, a four-year veteran, has also played for the Moose Jaw Warriors and Red Deer Rebels.
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The Pats acquired the Yorkton native from Red Deer in the summer of 2006. He recorded four goals and 10 assists in 61 games with Regina last season while serving as a checking-line centre.
Scott is free to join any team in the WHL -- or accept an assignment to the junior A ranks.
"In fairness to him, we didn't see where he'd fit in our plans," Parker said of the personable Scott, a respected leader in the dressing room. "We wanted to give him an opportunity to try and catch on somewhere as soon as possible."
Although the Pats are now down to the league-mandated three 20-year-olds, the competition isn't necessarily over. Stoesz is under contract with the NHL's Atlanta Thrashers and may earn a job in their organization this season, leaving Regina with a hole to fill.
As well, Saulietis will have to fend off a challenge from rookie imports Rudolf Cerveny of the Czech Republic and Marco Insam of Italy. Teams can only carry two Europeans.
Cerveny and Insam are both in Regina and have been cleared to join the team. Saulietis, however, is still awaiting the final OK after his paperwork was apparently hung up in transit.
"We don't envision it being an issue," said Parker. "It was a combination of Canada Post and Latvian Post, I guess."
The deadline for teams to declare three overagers is Oct. 11.
- - -
Oh brother.
The Pats' rookie camp roster includes defenceman Teran Teubert and centre Dustin Eberle, the 15-year-old siblings of Colten Teubert and Jordan Eberle.
The younger Teubert, who wasn't selected in last year's WHL bantam draft, has been brought in on a tryout basis. At 5-foot-9 and 157 pounds, he's considerably smaller than his 17-year-old brother Colten, the Pats' 6-foot-4, 190-pound blue-chip defenceman.
"He's a later developing kid than Colten was," said Parker. "When your brother was a first-overall pick in the bantam draft and a projected high NHL pick, I'm sure he gets sick of hearing, 'Oh, you're Colten's brother.' He'd like to establish a little bit on his own. He'll get the opportunity to do that."
Dustin Eberle was selected by Regina in the 12th round of the 2007 draft. Like his brother, who led the Pats in scoring as a rookie last season, Dustin is small in stature but makes up for it in skill.
"He's a guy we saw for a bit and thought he got better and better all year," said Parker. "He's going to want to establish his own name too."
The Teuberts arrived in Regina on Wednesday after a three-day trek from their home near Vancouver, stopping to visit relatives in Kelowna and Calgary along the way.
"He's excited to be here," Colten said of his brother. "He's staying at my billets, kind of living the (WHL) life. He's just coming here for fun and to see what it's like."
The same for Eberle.
"I know he's excited to be going to a WHL camp, especially since we're both from Regina," said Jordan, whose family now resides in Calgary. "He can see all his old buddies. It's a little easier for him knowing I played for the team last year. I think it'll help him a bit."
- - -
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EXTRAS: The Pats' rookie roster also includes RW Ryan Ostertag, 15, who's the grandson of legendary player/coach/GM Bill Hicke ... D Logan Pyett is the only veteran expected to be absent from the opening day of main camp. He's in Moscow for the Canada-Russia Super Series ... At least five Pats are slated to join NHL rookie camps early next month: Pyett (Detroit), Stoesz (Atlanta), D Nick Ross (Phoenix), G Linden Rowat (L.A.) and RW Brett Leffler (Washington) ... List player Shawn Ostrow, 17, a small but skilled forward in whom the Pats took a flyer, will be a no-show for main camp. The Calgary native is expected to pursue an NCAA scholarship ... Former Pats captain Garth Murray skated with the vets on Thursday. He's preparing to join the camp of the Montreal Canadiens.

More on Justin Scott (and a bit of other TC stuff) from Rod's blog...

So Long Scottie
The Regina Pats released 20-year old centre Justin Scott on Thursday to get down to the league-mandated limit of three overages. That leaves Troy Ofukany, Kaspars Saulities and Myles Stoesz as the Pats 20's.

I'll miss Justin, the Yorkton product. He's been in the 'Dub since he was 16 and has been through the wars. I guarantee it was tough for the Pats to deliver him the news. Some players come and go and I barely get to know them but Scottie was a favourite of mine and I'll forever be in his debt for his heroics in lower east-side Vancouver last year.

On that Project First Goal WHL/RCMP tour last November where six Pats, undercover law enforcement personnel and I spent a night on the drug-ravaged streets of east Vancouver, Justin saved me from an ugly incident. We were filming the venture for a school educational video and when a girl junkie fell towards me with an HIV- and Hep C-infected syringe needle, Scottie knocked me out of the way because my whole body froze while filming the scene. Never been that scared in my life.

Thanks again Justin, and good luck..

-

The Pats have five players headed to NHL training camps in the coming weeks ... They are Myles Stoesz (Atlanta), Logan Pyett (Detroit), Linden Rowat (L.A.), Brett Leffler (Washington), and Nick Ross (Phoenix).

-

This is the beautiful thing about working for a private owner in sports. When you want a question answered, you go directly to one guy -- GM Brent Parker.

'Is Pats camp in White City or Emerald Park?' I asked in a text message Thursday.

The answer was a clear-cut 'White City'.

And so it shall be.

Complaints from Emerald Park residents can be directed to 522-PATS.

-

Regina Pats broadcasts will be heard on 106.9 FM in and around the Brandt Centre this season..


Heh...Brent says White City but the Pats website says Emerald Park.

[nivek_wahs]

http://www.reginapats.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1024


Pats might attract Rider-like enthusiasm

The Regina Pats are facing a formidable opponent: The Saskatchewan Roughriders.


At this stage, the Pats customarily compete with the Green and White for media coverage and the attention of the public. This year is not a departure from convention, except in one respect.


The Riders boast the Canadian Football League's best record. They are 6-2 for the first time since 1976, when the Pats were still housed in prehistoric Exhibition Stadium.


Given the Riders' fortunes of late, they have dominated local sporting-related chatter. It does not matter that the Riders' players are dispersed throughout North America in the midst of a bye week. Sports fans cannot get enough of the resurgent Riders, or so it seems.


Meanwhile, the Pats are poised to open main training camp - a precursor to what should be a successful season - but the idle Roughriders still occupy centre stage. Pats general manager Brent Parker hopes the Rider Pride is contagious.


"I think the buzz in the city right now is great,'' Parker says. "We see what (Riders GM) Eric Tillman and (head coach) Kent Austin are preaching and it's a good teaching tool for us, because it's the same thing we're teaching. The difference is that you're dealing with teenagers instead of professionals. Dealing with teenagers has its unique set of challenges.


"With what the Riders are doing, you can't help but get caught up in it. We'd like nothing more than when they're done at the end of November, to pick up the mantle and take it until the end of May when they get started again.
"However, we will stop short of wearing green jerseys all the time. We'll just wear them on St. Patrick's Day.''


By then, the Pats would like to be in the WHL's upper echelon. If that goal is attained, perhaps they will create a level of excitement that approaches the current infatuation with the Riders.


On paper - and, admittedly, it is always precarious to preface a thought with those two words - the Pats stack up well against most of their peers.
Linden Rowat will be the No. 1 goaltender. No concerns there.


Rowat will be supported by one of the WHL's top defences, which is led by Logan Pyett, Craig Schira and sure-fire 2008 first-rounder Colten Teubert.
Regina does not have an abundance of firepower up front, but its principal offensive threat - 17-year-old Jordan Eberle - is a once-in-a-generation gem.
Curtis Hunt is a respected head coach, as evidenced by his world junior credentials.


So why shouldn't this team be capable of enlivening the Regina sports community during the 2007-08 season?


"We've got a long season yet,'' Parker notes. "We're excited about the group and confident that the guys can lead us to where we want to go, but we still have a lot of learning to do.''


With that in mind, the Pats' brass would like to instill a mindset espoused by the Roughriders' hierarchy.


Austin, in particular, has preached the importance of patience, perspective, attention to detail, and constant improvement. Parker and Hunt have certainly taken notice.


Hunt is a noted outside-the-box thinker. As an example, he picked the brain of a football coach - the University of Regina Rams' Frank McCrystal - early in his tenure as the Moose Jaw Warriors' bench boss.

[nivek_wahs]

Marco is expected to return to the Notre Dame Hounds.Well I guess Insam is in town and is at camp... I gues we'll see how it goes for him.
As well, Saulietis will have to fend off a challenge from rookie imports Rudolf Cerveny of the Czech Republic and Marco Insam of Italy. Teams can only carry two Europeans.

http://www.reginapats.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1023

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http://www.reginapats.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1025
PATS ROOKIE CAMP DAY 2

Regina, Saskatchewan – Today, training camp resumed for the Regina Pats rookies as a full day of scrimmages continue at the White City Arena. The players are getting ready for cut down day as some players will be released tonight leading up to tomorrows Rookie Prospect Game.

The Rookie Prospect Game will feature the Regina Pats top 40 young players. The game will be played at the White City Arena, Saturday August 25th at 10am, and will lead up to Main Camp registration which will start at 3pm at the Brandt Centre. A schedule of tomorrow’s activities can be found below:

Saturday August 25/07

10:00am-12pm - Rookie Camp Prospect Game @ White City

3:00pm - Registration @ Brandt Centre
In the Pats Dressing Room

6:00pm – 7:15pm - Red Practice @ White City
7:45pm – 9:00pm - White Practice @ White City

News & Notes

Through the first day of camp, Sean Delwo and Jordan Weal (’07 Bantam Draft, 4th round pick) are leading the rookies each scoring two goals and adding one assist. Riley Storzuk (’07 Bantam Draft, 9th round pick) has also had a strong start to the camp scoring one goal and adding two assists, while Garrett Mitchell (’06 Bantam Draft, 2nd round pick) has added three assists to start off the week. The Pats lost one hopeful in day one of rookie camp as defensemen Adam Smith (’07 Bantam Draft, 8th round pick) was sidelined with a dislocated knee cap

[patsdude114]

was at the scrimmage when Adam Smith got hurt........



he went for a open ice hit just as team red was coming up to the red line he hit the kid and all u heard was was Adam Smith yell in pain, he was in pain before he even hit the ice couldnt move his right leg at all trainer had his hand inside his pant leg and went down to his knee and Adam let out another huge holler in pain......Nick Ross and Jared Jagow helped the kid off the ice as the trainer held his knee in place cuz any movement sent him into pain

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http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/sports/story.html?id=f9b1e795-3bb5-4918-97b0-be0484e3dccc&p=2


Trying to follow his grandfather's footsteps

Rob Vanstone, The Leader-Post
Published: Saturday, August 25, 2007

EMERALD PARK -- One of the Regina Pats' richest traditions was celebrated during the WHL team's rookie camp.

The roster of 15- and 16-year-old prospects included Ryan Ostertag -- the proud grandson of Pats legend Bill Hicke.

"He taught me everything I know,'' Ostertag said after Friday morning's scrimmage at the Emerald Park Communiskate. "I pretty much give him every credit possible.

"It started off when I learned to skate. He was always there for me. He taught me how to shoot, how to skate, whatever . . .''

The grandfatherly influence has been noted.

"He's built a lot like Billy,'' Pats general manager Brent Parker said of Ostertag. "He's not really big, but he can skate.''

Hicke -- a former Pats player, coach, general manager and owner -- died of cancer on July 18, 2005 at age 67.

In the 1950s, the 5-foot-8 Hicke starred for the Pats before going on to join the Montreal Canadiens, with whom he began a 14-year pro hockey career. He eventually became part of the Pats' ownership group.

The Pats have retired Hicke's jersey, No. 17, which hangs from the rafters at the Brandt Centre.

For the past two Hockey Regina seasons, Ryan and younger brother Dylan have worn No. 17 in their grandfather's honour.

Ryan Ostertag spent last season with the bantam tier I Canucks. The 5-foot-10, 155-pound right winger had 22 goals and 23 assists in 42 games.

Ostertag's steady improvement throughout the 2006-07 season attracted the attention of Parker and head scout Todd Ripplinger. They extended a rookie-camp invitation late last season.

"Ripper felt the same way that I did -- that he got better all year,'' Parker said. "It didn't put him in a draftable position, but he is a legitimate camp invitee.

"The other side is a nice aspect to it, but he didn't get invited to camp just because of who he's related to.''

That point is underlined by the fact that Ostertag also received invitations from the Medicine Hat Tigers -- the defending WHL champion -- and several SJHL teams.

Upon choosing Regina, Ostertag realized that there would be some additional scrutiny due to the family history.

"There is a little pressure on you once you think about it, but I just go out there and do my best,'' said Ostertag, who turns 15 on Sept. 20.

One spectator has been playing particular attention to Ostertag at rookie camp. His mother, Lisa Hicke-Ostertag, sat in the front row Friday morning, accompanied by 12-year-old Dylan.

"I think I was more excited about it than Ryan was, just because he is putting the Pats crest on his chest,'' Hicke-Ostertag said. "Also, it's very hard because I'd like my dad to be here and see him wear that jersey. I know he's watching him because he would have been so proud.

"Ryan and Dylan were his 'bestest friends' and it's a very proud moment for us.''

Ryan is actually a third-generation rookie-camp attendee. Hicke's son, Danny, was at rookie camp in the 1980s.

As well, Ostertag made the final-40 cutdown for tryouts with the midget AAA Regina Pat Canadians. The Pat Canadians' training camp is to begin Sept. 4.

So what happens if Ostertag's hockey career keeps progressing? What if he ends up emulating his famous grandfather by playing for the Pats?

"That would be pretty neat,'' Parker reflected. "We might have take a number out of the rafters for that.''

CAMP SCHEDULE

REGINA PATS TRAINING CAMP

At Emerald Park Communiskate

Today

Red practice: 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

White practice: 7:45 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday

Red practice: 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

White practice: 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Red vs. White scrimmage: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Monday

White practice: 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Red practice: 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Red vs. White scrimmage: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday

Red vs. White scrimmage: 10 a.m. to noon.

Wednesday

Blue morning skate: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

White morning skate: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Blue and White intrasquad game: 7 p.m. to approximately 10 p.m.

REGINA PATS CAMP ROSTER

GOALTENDERS

NAME HT WT HOMETOWN AGE 2006-07 TEAM

Linden Rowat 6-2 181 Cochrane, Alta. 18 Pats

Jeff Bosch 6-1 175 Martensville 17 Saskatoon Blazers midget AAA

DEFENCEMEN

NAME HT WT HOMETOWN AGE 2006-07 TEAM

Dru Cotterill 6-2 195 Stoney Plain, Alta. 17 Saskatoon Blazers midget AAA

Matt Delahey 6-3 202 Moose Jaw. 18 Pats

Spencer Fraipont 6-4 201 Kelowna, B.C. 19 Pats

Jared Friesen 6-1 182 Steinbach, Man. 17 Eastman midget AAA

Curtis Kulchar 6-1 185 Martensville 17 Prince Albert Mintos midget AAA

Logan Pyett 5-11 198 Balgonie 19 Pats

Nick Ross 6-1 194 Lethbridge, Alta. 18 Pats

Craig Schira 6-0 196 Spritwood 19 Pats

Colten Teubert 6-4 181 White Rock, B.C. 17 Pats

Matt MacDermott 6-0 190 Calgary 19 Alberni Valley Bulldogs junior A

FORWARDS

NAME HT WT HOMETOWN AGE 2006-07 TEAM

Rudolf Cerveny 6-0 180 Czech Republic 18 Ceska Budejovice

Jordan Eberle 5-11 170 Calgary 17 Pats

Josh Elder 6-5 214 Saskatoon 19 Pats

Dieter Gillanders 6-2 200 Kyle 17 Yorkton midget AAA

Cody Gross 6-0 177 Winnipeg 18 Prince Albert (WHL)

Kirt Hil 5-11 175 Winnipeg 19 Pats

Marco Insam 6-2 200 Milano, Italy 18 Notre Dame midget AAA

Jared Jagow 5-11 180 Rosetown 19 Pats

Brett Leffler 6-1 197 Wynyard 18 Pats

Levi Lind 6-3 202 Saskatoon 19 Pats

Michael MacAngus 6-1 193 Edmonton 19 Pats

Troy Ofukany 6-0 195 Kamloops 20 Pats

Mike Reich 5-11 185 Craik 19 Pats

Mike Rosloot 6-0 185 Regina 18 Pat Canadians midget AAA

Kent Sauter 6-1 180 Kenosee Lake 18 Nipawin (SJHL)

Kaspars Saulietis 6-4 190 Riga, Latvia 20 Pats

Myles Stoesz 6-2 208 Steinbach, Man. 20 Pats

Matt Strueby 6-1 175 Regina, Sask. 18 Pat Canadians midget AAA

NOTE: Roster excludes players who have been carried over from rookie camp.




© The Leader-Post (Regina) 2007

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http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/sports/story.html?id=0d734018-2ccf-4e17-be71-544acfa5dd4e


Not every loss is a bad thing

Rob Vanstone, Leader-Post
Published: Saturday, August 25, 2007

Curtis Hunt has finally found a loss he can stomach.

The Regina Pats head coach lost 28 pounds during the offseason, which ended Wednesday when the WHL team began rookie camp. Main camp begins today at the Emerald Park Communiskate.

"I feel great,'' Hunt said. "I get up in the morning and I feel energized. It's all about discipline in the end. You break those habits and it empowers you.

"Eating is such an easy thing to fall back on. You can go 'Ahhh, we're losing games,' and eat a bag of chips or whatever. What it does is it brings back the feeling that, 'I'm in control here.' It's just about discipline.''

Hunt hopes the discipline that applies to his dietary habits -- he avoided bread, potatoes and pasta over a four-month period -- will serve as an example for the players.

"I do believe we're role models as a coaching staff,'' Hunt said. "Terry (Perkins, assistant coach) and Greg (Mayer, trainer) work out relentlessly here. I don't ever seem to think I have the time to work out.

"At least it's not my little part of a fat slob telling you you've got to be in shape anymore. At least I look the part.''

What prompted Hunt to alter his eating habits?

"Forty,'' said the Pats' fourth-year bench boss, who turned 40 on Jan. 28. "You know what? You get to that age ...

"My wife's great. (Kim Hunt) has always stayed fit and she is smart about her diet. I'm not that smart all the time -- with my diet, at least. After a while, you just make a decision. I've had my pants let out and you get your clothes re-fit and then you say, 'What am I doing?' ''

Twenty-eight pounds later ...

"He lost it. I found it,'' Pats general manager Brent Parker lamented.

"He did better with his offseason training program than I did.''

That said, Parker still reduced his frame by 10 pounds. In other words, the Pats' hockey hierarchy has lost a combined 38 pounds.

"I like it when you put it that way,'' Parker said. "It's much better.

"I had the disadvantage of being at the ballpark during the summer -- hot dogs, hamburgers, extra-large bag of sunflower seeds ...''

Even so, the general manager can hardly be termed extra-large. Now that he is 10 pounds lighter, how much does he weigh?

"When I get to the number I want to be at, I'll tell you what it is,'' Parker said with a chuckle. "Then I've got some wiggle room -- not jiggle room.''




© The Leader-Post (Regina) 2007

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http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/sports/story.html?id=96c9c62e-1f40-4ea1-895f-8793853cb72f


Coach looking for fresh approach

Rob Vanstone, Leader-Post
Published: Saturday, August 25, 2007

Curtis Hunt does not want his new look to pertain strictly to appearance.

The Regina Pats head coach, who has lost 28 pounds, also plans to alter the WHL team's training-camp regimen.

As the fourth-year head coach of a veteran-laden team, Hunt knows that most of the Pats' players have heard his message. Hence the need for a fresh approach.

"In terms of the players now, I guess we've graduated the last from the pre-Curtis Hunt era as head coach,'' Hunt said. "Everybody knows what I'm all about.''

That includes Hockey Canada. Hunt is preparing to serve as an assistant coach with Canada's world junior team for the second consecutive year.

But Hunt recognizes that he cannot rest on his laurels or reputation. Alterations are made at every training camp.

"That's so it doesn't get redundant or old,'' Hunt said. "Every year we try to come up with a new slogan or a new something that will define us as a group.

"We haven't unveiled that yet and I won't today, but we do have some different ideas in terms of how we want to play and how we want to be known as throughout the league and by our fans as well. When you come to this building or when the Pats are coming to town, you know the kind of game you're going to get.

"We have a direction that we've started. I want to talk about it, but it's not fair to the kids. It keeps it fresh and it gives them a focus and it gives them kind of a point in the sky to reach for.''

The Pats are ready for main camp following Friday's conclusion of rookie camp. Sessions will be held daily at the Emerald Park Communiskate.

Camp is to conclude Wednesday with the annual Blue and White intrasquad game, which is set for 7 p.m., in Emerald Park.

NOTES: Sean Delwo (from Regina) and Jordan Weal (North Vancouver) were among the Pats' leading scorers at rookie camp. Delwo, a 16-year-old left winger, had 90 points (including 55 goals) in 47 games with the midget tier I Regina Rangers last season. Weal, a speedy centre who played bantam hockey for the Notre Dame Hounds in 2006-07, had 196 points -- including 82 goals -- in 55 games ... Defenceman Adam Smith, who is from Kelowna, suffered a dislocated kneecap at rookie camp. Smith was the Pats' eighth-round selection in the 2007 bantam draft.




© The Leader-Post (Regina) 2007

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http://www.reginapats.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1027


PATS ROOKIE CAMP DAY 3

Regina, Saskatchewan – Today marks the end of rookie camp, which raps up with the Rookie Prospects Game at 10am. The game which will be played at the White City Arena, will feature the Regina Pats top 40 young players and will include many of their Bantam Draft picks from the past two seasons.

The main camp will kick off with registration at the Brandt Centre at 3:00pm. Team Red will then start things off when they hit the ice at 6:00pm, followed by team White at 7:45pm. (All ice times are at the White City Arena)

Saturday August 25/07

10:00am-12pm - Rookie Camp Prospect Game @ White City

3:00pm - Registration @ Brandt Centre
In the Pats Dressing Room

6:00pm – 7:15pm - Red Practice @ White City
7:45pm – 9:00pm - White Practice @ White City


News & Notes

Through the first two days of camp, Jordan Weal (’07 Bantam Draft, 4th round pick) is leading the rookies with seven goals and adding three assist. Sean Delwo is continuing his strong camp contributing 4 goals and 3 assists for 7 points, while Garrett Mitchell (’06 Bantam Draft, 2nd round pick), Brett Miller (’06 Bantam Draft, 1st round pick) and Zach Oleynik all are sitting with 6 points after day two of rookie camp.

Top Scores in Rookie Camp

Last Name First Name G A PTS
Weal Jordan 7 3 10
Delwo Sean 4 3 7
Mitchell Garrett 2 4 6
Miller Brett 3 3 6
Oleynik Zach 4 2 6
Hood Graham 2 3 5
Marantz Matthew 2 3 5
Hubick Dallas 2 2 4
Storzuk Riley 1 2 3
Froese Lucas 1 2 3
Yeroschak Turner 2 1 3
Shackleton Devon 1 2 3
McNish Mitchell 2 0 2
Struble Brent 1 1 2
Dow Dryden 2 0 2
Miller Kenton 2 0 2
Pym Alex 1 1 2
Rieder Andrew 1 1 2
Dahl Marcus 1 1 2
Cundall Matthew 1 1 2
Mulder Kyle 2 0 2

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http://www.reginapats.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1028


PATS MAIN CAMP DAY 1

Regina, Saskatchewan – The Regina Pat veterans hit the ice for the first time yesterday when the 2007-08 Main Camp opened up at White City. The Pats added 20 rookies to Main Camp, after the Rookie Prospects Game took place at the White City Arena.

A list of the 20 rookies that made the Main Camp roster:


Aaron Enns Kenton Miller
Koltyn Miller Garrett Mitchell
Alex Pym Kyle Mulder
Justin Slobozian Andrew Reider
Byron Sorensen Brent Struble
Travis Sparrow Jordan Weal
Dominick Favreau Damien Ketlo
Graham Hood Spence Laycock
Matt Marantz Derek Tendler
Brett Miller Austin Vargo


Dates & Times for Main Camp:
Sunday August 26/07

7:00pm – 9:00pm - Red vs White Scrimmage

Monday August 27/07

9:30am – 10:45am - White Practice
11:15am – 12:30pm - Red Practice

6:30pm – 8:30pm - Red vs White Scrimmage

[nivek_wahs]

http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/sports/story.html?id=8de27a55-1807-47b4-aa3b-0f2ceadab980


Pats' plans falling into place

Greg Harder, Leader-Post
Published: Monday, August 27, 2007

EMERALD PARK -- The pieces of the Regina Pats' future are falling into place.

The WHL club is close to receiving formal commitments from each of its top four picks in the 2007 WHL bantam draft: Centre Dominick Favreau (first round, 13th overall), left-winger Graham Hood (second round, 23rd overall), defenceman Justin Slobozian (third round, 49th overall) and centre Jordan Weal (four round, 79th overall).

Pats GM Brent Parker said he hopes to make an announcement within the next "day or two."

"It prevents you from chasing them all winter and it allows them to make plans moving forward," Parker said. "We really felt our (2007) draft as a whole was good and, that top four, we'd like to get them all locked up and get them on education agreements."

All four players took part in rookie camp and have been invited to the team's main camp, which started Saturday.

"They've all had good camps," said Parker. "Dominick and Graham squeezed their sticks a little bit early in camp. I think they were pressing a bit. Brett Leffler talked to Dominick a little bit. He went through it himself (being a first-round pick in 2004). He told him, 'Hey, I didn't score a goal my first year at rookie camp. Yeah, everybody is looking at you but just go out and relax and play and don't try to carry that burden of being the first pick.' It's great when your leaders do those kind of things."

Parker said Slobozian has also had "a real good camp." Weal, meanwhile, was the talk of the rookie workouts, recording one goal and two assists in Saturday's prospects game.

In the first two days of rookie camp, the North Vancouver product led all rookies with seven als and three assists.

"Jordan has been dominant," said Parker. "He's a special player and tremendously skilled. He did the things we thought he might do when he got here."

A product of Athol Murray College of Notre Dame, the 5-foot-8, 140-pounder had 82 goals and 114 assists for 196 points in 55 games last season with the bantam AAA Notre Dame Hounds.

- - -

The Pats invited 20 players -- four goalies, six D-men and 10 forwards -- from rookie camp to their main camp. They are: D Aaron Enns, 16; D Koltyn Miller, 16; D Alex Pym, 16; Slobozian, 15; D Byron Sorenson, 16; D Travis Sparrow, 16; Favreau, 15; Hood, 15; C Matt Marantz, 16; RW Brett Miller, 16; C Kenton Miller, 16; RW Garrett Mitchell, 16; RW Kyle Mulder, 16; C Andrew Rieder, 15; LW Brent Struble, 16; Weal, 15; G Damien Ketlo, 16; G Spence Laycock, 16; G Derek Tendler, 15; and, G Austin Vargo, 15.

Those additions brought the Pats' main-camp roster up to 48 players: Six goalies, 14 D-men and 28 forwards. The seven 15-year-olds aren't eligible for full-time WHL duty until 2008-09.

- - -

Weal's effort helped Team Blue beat Team White 7-4 in the rookie prospects game.

Struble added two goals and one assist for the Blue squad, which also got goals from Rieder, Lucas Froese, Dallas Hubick and Mitchell McNish. Marantz, Kyle Mulder, Alex Pym and Nathan Murray replied for Team White.




© The Leader-Post (Regina) 2007

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http://www.reginapats.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1031


Pats Sign Top 4 Picks


Regina, Saskatchewan – Today, the Regina Pats announced that they have signed their top four Bantam Draft Picks from the 2007 Bantam Draft. The list of signed players includes 1st round pick Dominick Favreau, 2nd round pick Graham Hood, 3rd round pick Justin Slobzian and Jordan Weal who was selected in the 4th round.



“We are very excited to get commitments from these four young men. All of them possess tremendous talent and have the ability to be top end WHL players. We look forward to watching them perform at the Brandt Centre in the coming years.” commented Pats General Manager Brent Parker.



-30-This is good news for the future of the club.

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http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/sports/story.html?id=0e72a62d-f783-4605-b486-1897e7e1dc18


Pats sign dynamic duo

Greg Harder, The Leader-Post
Published: Tuesday, August 28, 2007

EMERALD PARK -- Dominick Favreau and Graham Hood might seem like an odd couple, but the Regina Pats believe they go together like toast and butter.

The inseparable duo were together again on Monday afternoon when the Pats announced the signing of their top four prospects from the 2007 WHL bantam draft: Favreau (first round, 13th overall), Hood (second round, 23rd overall), defenceman Justin Slobozian (third round, 49th overall) and centre Jordan Weal (fourth round, 79th overall).

Favreau and Hood have been teammates -- and occasional linemates -- for most of their lives in the Martensville minor hockey system. They'll be reunited this season with the midget AAA Beardy's Blackhawks before getting a full-time shot with the Pats in 2008-09.

"I don't know if we'll get sick of each other," Hood, a 6-foot-0, 180-pound left winger, said with a smile. "We pretty much do everything together. We're good friends. It's a good experience for both of us."

Given their history, it came as no surprise when the Pats selected Favreau in the first round, then traded up in the second round to grab Hood.

Their diverse styles proved to be an effective complement in the Saskatoon bantam ranks last season. Favreau, a small but shifty playmaking centre, recorded 43 goals and 101 points in 54 games. Hood, a power forward who can finish, contributed 61 goals, 114 points and 120 penalty minutes in 51 games.

As an added bonus, they're equally productive off the ice.

"We've been buddies for a while now," said Favreau, a 5-foot-9, 160-pounder. "We're trying to play together as long as we can. It'll be good playing here next year -- the next few years. It's definitely awesome being together for this long."

Favreau and Hood expressed relief after committing to the Pats, who worked diligently to get them in the fold. GM Brent Parker and director of scouting Todd Ripplinger believe both players -- plus Slobozian and Weal -- can become franchise cornerstones.

As reported in Monday's Leader-Post, the sides were in the final phase of contract negotiations on the weekend. The deals were officially consummated Monday morning.

"We really felt all along that we had four first-round picks when we drafted these guys," said Parker. "We had them all rated very high. They have a tremendous amount of potential. It's nice that Todd and I won't have to chase them all over Western Canada this winter trying to make sure they're committed."

The chase, as it turns out, was short lived.

"I've wanted to play in the WHL for many years," said Favreau. "Regina is close to home and it looks like a great place to play."

Favreau, Hood, Slobozian and Weal all took part in rookie camp before they were invited to join the veterans for main camp. After getting a first-hand look at the youngsters, the team's faith was solidified -- and vice-versa.

"Throughout the year they've communicated well with me and my parents and they made me feel welcome as soon as I got here," said Slobozian, conducting his first interview as a member of the Pats. "It's definitely nothing I've ever done before. It's different being under the spotlight and having people taking your picture with the Pats jersey on and getting all this attention. It's a good feeling, though."




© The Leader-Post (Regina) 2007

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http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/sports/story.html?id=3708e0f9-fd1c-4158-9e51-de36ef67c06b


Weal signs a deal to play for Pats

Greg Harder, The Leader-Post
Published: Tuesday, August 28, 2007

EMERALD PARK -- Jordan Weal didn't have any trouble closing the distance between himself and the Regina Pats.

The North Vancouver product concluded negotiations with the Pats on Monday, formally committing to an education contract which will see him join the WHL club when his junior eligibility begins in 2008-09.

"I talked it over with my family," explained the dynamic 15-year-old centre, who could have explored offers from the junior A ranks and the NCAA. "There were lots of options. We decided we should just go for it because the WHL is a really good option and (the Pats) were committing to us. They like the way I play so we thought it was the best option."

The Pats have steered clear of B.C.-based players in recent years due to past recruiting issues. The most recent example was Kyle St. Denis -- another small but dynamic offensive player -- who refused to commit to Regina and was eventually traded to the Kelowna Rockets.

An exception to the rule was defenceman Colten Teubert, whom the Pats signed, sealed and delivered before they selected him first overall in the 2005 bantam draft.

Weal, it turns out, is another unique case.

"It's not hard (coming here) because I have relatives who live in Regina," explained Weal, who attended Athol Murray College of Notre Dame last season, recording 82 goals and 196 points in 55 games with the bantam AAA Hounds.

"Since I went to Notre Dame, I have the experience (of playing halfway across the country). Both my parents grew up in Saskatchewan (they're from Assiniboia) so I have lots of family here. It doesn't matter."

Weal has already made himself right at home. The 5-foot-8, 140-pounder was a standout in rookie camp, leading all players with eight goals and five assists.

"It gave me some confidence going into main camp," he said. "(It made him think) 'I can do this; the next step is right there.' "

The Pats believe they stole Weal by picking him in the fourth round (79th overall) of the 2007 bantam draft. His size, evidently, scared teams off, but the Pats were optimistic he was talented enough to conquer those shortcomings.

So far, they're right.

"He's a special player," said GM Brent Parker.

Weal's signing was announced Monday along with centre Dominick Favreau, left-winger Graham Hood and defenceman Justin Slobozian, whom Regina picked in the first, second and third rounds, respectively.

As a group, those four players could provide the backbone of the team in another two to three years.

"It's great that there's four guys," added Weal. "If one guy is having trouble, the other guys can help him out because they're going through the same situation. We're all in this together."

EXTRAS: Former Pats head coach Doug Sauter, the long-time bench boss of the Central Hockey League's Oklahoma City Blazers, has been an observer at training camp this week. His son Kent, an 18-year-old left winger who spent last season with the SJHL's Nipawin Hawks, scored two goals in Sunday's scrimmage ... Sauter's cheering section also included family friend Brad Hornung, a veteran scout who was paralyzed from the neck down while playing for Doug Sauter's Pats in the 1986-87 season ... The Pats made a pair of roster moves Monday, re-assigning 15-year-old goalies Derek Tendler of Regina and Austin Vargo of Kipling to the midget AAA ranks. Tendler is headed for the Regina Pat Canadians while Vargo is joining Notre Dame.




© The Leader-Post (Regina) 2007

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PATS MAKE ROSTER MOVES

Regina, Saskatchewan ---- This afternoon the Regina Pats announced that they have re-assigned four players. Defensemen Travis Sparrow has been assigned to the Moose Jaw Midget AAA Warriors, Mike Rosloot was assigned to the Battleford Stars of Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, while Dieter Gillanders was assigned to the Notre Dame Hounds of the SJHL. Ian Clark was assigned to the Waywayseecappo Wolverines of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.

The roster moves leave the Pats with fourty-four players listed on the main-camp roster as the team prepares for the Annual Blue & White Intersquad Game on Wednesday, August 29th at the White City Arena. Game time on Wednesday is 7:00PM. Tickets for the game $5.00 with the proceeds going to the Prairie Storm Minor Hockey.

News & Notes

The Pats have two players that will not be taking part in the Blue & White due to injury. Veteran Kirt Hill is out 7-10 days with a shoulder injury, while rookie Kenton Miller is out 7-10 days with a concussion. Logan Pyett, is another player that will not be playing at this year’s annual Blue & White Game. Pyett is currently in Russia, playing for Team Canada at the Canada/Russia Super Series.

…………………

Regina Pats season ticket holders will be able to pick up their tickets starting Tuesday, September 4th at the Pats Office, located at the west end of the Brandt Centre.

[nivek_wahs]

REGINA PATS CAMP ROSTER
As of August 28th, 2007

GOALTENDERS
NAME HT WT AGE HOMETOWN
Jeff Bosch 6-1 175 17 Martensville
*Damian Ketlo 5'11 156 16 Fort Fraser, B.C.
*Spencer Laycock 5'11 180 16 Battleford
Linden Rowat 6-2 181 18 Cochrane, Alta.

DEFENCEMEN
NAME HT WT AGE HOMETOWN
Dru Cotterill 6-2 195 17 Stoney Plain, Alta.
Matt Delahey 6-3 202 18 Moose Jaw
*Aaron Enns 6'3 185 16 Cuathiaski Cove, B.C
Spencer Fraipont 6-4 201 19 Kelowna, B.C.
Jared Friesen 6-1 182 17 Steinbach, Man.
Curtis Kulchar 6-1 185 17 Martensville
Matt MacDermott 6-0 190 19 Calgary
*Koltyn Miller 6'0 160 16 Redvers
Logan Pyett 5-11 198 19 Balgonie
*Alex Pym 6'1 180 16 Winnipeg
Nick Ross 6-1 194 18 Lethbridge, Alta.
Craig Schira 6-0 196 19 Spiritwood
*Justin Slobozian 5'11 165 15 Dauphin, MB
*Byron Sorensen 5'11 155 16 Kyle
Colten Teubert 6-4 181 17 White Rock, B.C.

FORWARDS
NAME HT WT AGE HOMETOWN
Rudolf Cerveny 6-0 180 18 Czech Republic
Jordan Eberle 5-11 170 17 Calgary
Josh Elder 6-5 214 19 Saskatoon
*Dominick Favreau 5'9 160 15 Martensville
Cody Gross 6-0 177 18 Winnipeg
Kirt Hill 5-11 175 19 Winnipeg
*Graham Hood 6'0 180 15 Martensville
Marco Insam 6-2 200 18 Milano, Italy
Jared Jagow 5-11 180 19 Rosetown
Brett Leffler 6-1 197 18 Wynyard
Levi Lind 6-3 202 19 Saskatoon
Michael MacAngus 6-1 193 19 Edmonton
*Matthew Marantz 5'11 162 16 Calgary
*Brett Miller 6'2 195 16 North Battleford
*Garrett Mitchell 5'11 175 16 Regina
*Kyle Mulder 5'11 165 16 Winnipeg
Troy Ofukany 6-0 195 20 Kamloops
Mike Reich 5-11 185 19 Craik
*Andrew Rieder 5'11 155 15 Regina
Kaspars Saulietis 6-4 190 20 Riga, Latvia
Kent Sauter 6-1 180 18 Kenosee Lake
Myles Stoesz 6-2 208 20 Steinbach, Man.
*Brent Struble 5'10 150 16 Wawota
Matt Strueby 6-1 175 18 Regina, Sask.
*Jordan Weal 5'8 140 15 Vancouver

Notes:
* - denotes rookie camp invitee

Re-assigned August 27:
*Derek Tendler 5'11 218 15 Regina (to the Regina Pat Canadians midget AAA)
*Austin Vargo 5'10 160 15 Kipling (to Notre Dame midget AAA)

Re-assigned August 28:
*Travis Sparrow 6'2 180 16 Vanscoy (to Moose Jaw Warriors midget AAA)
Mike Rosloot 6-0 185 18 Regina (to Battlefords Stars SJHL)
Dieter Gillanders 6-2 200 17 Kyle (to Notre Dame Hounds SJHL)
Ian Clark 6-0 195 19 Saskatoon (to Waywayseecappo Wolverines MJHL)
*Kenton Miller 5'9 153 16 Redvers (to Regina Pat Canadians midget AAA)

[nivek_wahs]

http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/sports/story.html?id=05ba92b5-bdc3-4907-ae96-55db06c2ab23


Kulchar is a proven winner

Greg Harder, Leader-Post
Published: Wednesday, August 29, 2007

EMERALD PARK -- Curtis Kulchar is taking a pass on the hat trick.

After winning back-to-back Telus Cup national titles with the Prince Albert Mintos -- the first team in history to do so -- Kulchar has no intention of returning for a last hurrah in the midget AAA ranks.

Been there, done it all.

The 17-year-old defenceman is far more interested in expanding his resume at the next level, parlaying his championship experience into a full-time job with the WHL's Regina Pats.

"P.A. is a great city and I enjoyed the two years I was there but I definitely want to make the jump to the big club," said Kulchar, who is expected to see action in tonight's Blue & White intrasquad game (7 bells, Emerald Park arena). "I know if I play my game I should have a good shot at it. I just have to keep my head down, work hard and hope for the best."

Kulchar already possesses an intangible which the Pats covet -- he knows how to win.

"Confident-wise, it helps a lot having won (two championships) and played through the spring," said Kulchar, who scored a goal in last year's Telus Cup final -- a 3-2 double-overtime win over the Red Deer Rebels. "It's always a memory I'll have in my hip pocket. It's something to build on."

The Pats are counting on it.

"A championship is a championship -- once they've had that winning taste, it can't do anything but help you," said GM Brent Parker. "That's one of the reasons we sent him back at 16. He wasn't as big a part (of the Mintos) at 15 as he was last year with their team. It gave him an opportunity to play in more situations and continue to develop."

Kulchar is one of the leading candidates to claim a spot on the Pats' crowded blueline, which features six returnees and an opening for no more than two newcomers.

Dru Cotterill, 17, and Alex Pym, 16, are among the other rookies vying for a spot.

"There is definitely a very strong defensive core returning," noted Kulchar, a seventh-round pick in the 2005 WHL bantam draft. "There's the older guys like (Logan) Pyett and (Craig) Schira who've been around the league for quite a few years. They have lots to teach and I want to learn lots so it would be a good experience playing with those guys.

"It'll be a tough roster to crack but one I'd love to crack."

Kulchar got his first taste of the WHL last season, dressing for four games as an injury callup with the Pats. That experience has helped him feel more at ease during camp.

"It was great getting my feet wet," said the 6-foot-1, 185-pounder. "I went on a road trip with the guys so that was a really good experience. It's nice knowing some familiar faces in the dressing room."

The Martensville product brings solid credentials to the Pats' blueline competition. He was named a Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League all-star last season and played for Team Sask at the Canada Winter Games.

"He does a lot of things well and does a lot of little things," said Parker. "He's a guy who sometimes you have to watch for out there because you don't notice him if you don't. That's a real compliment."

Kulchar describes himself as a "defensive defenceman" but he also has some offensive abilities. Last season with the Mintos, he had six goals and 17 assists for 23 points in 41 games.

"You always want to try to improve every part of your game," said Kulchar. "Over the past few seasons I've really been working on the offensive part of the game. I'm a defenceman who moves the puck with a good, quick first pass more than rushing it, but it's something I've been working on."




© The Leader-Post (Regina) 2007

[nivek_wahs]

http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/sports/story.html?id=f7f0bb0b-9745-4c9d-b6ca-3a66b3738092


Pats will cut down before preseason

Greg Harder, Leader-Post
Published: Wednesday, August 29, 2007

EMERALD PARK -- The Regina Pats won't be bringing any excess baggage to a preseason tournament in Edmonton.

The WHL club has trimmed its training camp roster to 40, with the next significant round of cuts expected following tonight's Blue & White intrasquad game (7 p.m., Emerald Park arena).

The 30-or-so survivors will see their first live action this weekend in Edmonton, where Regina is slated to meet the Kamloops Blazers (Saturday), Prince George Cougars (Sunday) and Kelowna Rockets (Monday).

"We don't want to lug 50 guys to Edmonton but we do want to take enough to give everybody a chance to play at least two games on that trip," said head coach Curtis Hunt. "Then you get a real solid evaluation of where we're at and what role (players will have) and who's ready to step into what position."

The Pats are still carrying five 15-year-olds who won't be eligible for full-time duty in the WHL until next season. Their stay in camp will be brief, but some of them -- including first-round bantam pick Dominick Favreau -- are likely to see action in the preseason before joining their midget clubs.

"We are aware it's tough for them to play against 19 and 20-year-olds," noted Hunt. "We're not out to get anybody hurt but at the same time we want to give them an idea of how main camp works -- the pace, the competition -- so when they come back for the second year they have a better idea."

Overall, Hunt likes the idea of holding a smaller camp (the Prince Albert Raiders invited more than 80 players; Regina had 48). By only carrying players with a legitimate shot at making the team -- either this season or next -- the coaches can get a head start on moulding their lineup.

"We know we have tremendous depth; that's one of the things we're really excited about," added Hunt, whose roster includes 20 WHL veterans, plus five more rookies who played at least one game last season. "We want to get right to work in terms of talking about the kind of team we want to be, the kind of systems we want to play and certainly the expectations."

- - -

Next stop ...

After a three-year stay in Lumsden, the Pats moved this season's training camp east to Emerald Park's Communiskate Arena -- just a 10-minute trek from Regina.

The Pats held previous camps at Emerald Park in 2000-01 and 2001-02. The next two were staged at the Brandt Centre, which typically isn't available due to previous bookings.

"We'd like to move it around a little bit," said GM Brent Parker. "We're going to look at some of the other communities (in the future), whether it be Pilot Butte or Balgonie, even Pense."

There are financial benefits to hosting Pats training camp. Aside from the money generated by concessions, the team also donates gate revenue from its Blue & White game to local minor hockey.

"We certainly do a lot with Hockey Regina," noted Parker. "This gives us a chance to give a little bit back to those (smaller) communities."

From a practicality standpoint, it makes more sense for the Pats to hold training camp at their home rink. However, the Brandt Centre isn't available due to the Royal Red horse show and the upcoming Canadian Country Music Awards. Those scheduling conflicts will also prevent the team from staging a home exhibition game this season.

- - -

EXTRAS: The Pats re-assigned five players on Tuesday: D Travis Sparrow (Moose Jaw midget AAA), C Kenton Miller (Regina midget AAA), RW Mike Rosloot (Battlefords SJHL), C Dieter Gillanders (Notre Dame SJHL) and F Ian Clark (Waywayseecappo, Manitoba junior A) ... C Matt Strueby potted two goals, including the shootout winner, and added two assists in Tuesday's scrimmage, leading Team White to a 5-4 win. Michael MacAngus also scored twice while Kirt Hill added a single. Troy Ofukany, with two, Kaspars Saulietis and Colten Teubert replied for Team Red. Strueby, the top scorer in the Saskatchewan Midget AAA league last season, also had four goals in Sunday's intrasquad game ... In Monday's late scrimmage, Czech rookie Rudolf Cerveny scored twice for Team Red in a 7-4 win. Matt Marantz also had two goals while Saulietis, Kent Sauter and Kenton Miller added singles. Jordan Eberle had two in a losing cause. Marco Insam and Matt Delahey added one each ... The WHL preseason schedule commences tonight with the Moose Jaw Warriors visiting the Prince Albert Raiders.




© The Leader-Post (Regina) 2007

[nivek_wahs]

http://www.reginapats.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1037


PATS MAKE ROSTER MOVES AFTER BLUE & WHITE GAME

Regina, Saskatchewan ---- After Wednesday nights annual Blue & White game, the Pats re-assigned 10 players. Seven of the ten players will be headed to different Saskatchewan Midget AAA teams, while the other three players will be headed to Alberta and Manitoba.

Fifteen year old forwards, Dominick Favreau and Graham Hood have been re-assigned to Beardys of SMAAAHL. Three players will be re-assigned to the Regina Pat Canadians, those being 15 year old, forward Andrew Reider, 16 year old forward Brent Struble and 16 year old goalie Spencer Laycock. Also being re-assigned to SMAAAHL teams are a pair of 16 year old defensemen Koltyn Miller who will be rejoining the Tisdale Trojans and Byron Sorensen who will be re-assigned to the Saskatoon Blazers.

Other players being re-assigned after the Blue & White game include 16 year old defensemen, Aaron Enns. Enns will be playing next season with Calgary Edge Sports School. Another player being re-assigned to an Alberta based team is 16 year old forward Matt Marantz. Marantz will be playing next season in the Alberta Midget AAA Hockey League with the Calgary Royals. One player making their way east is 15 year old defensemen Justin Slobozian, he was re-assigned to the Parkland Rangers of the Manitoba Midget AAA Hockey League.

…………………

News & Notes

Team White defeated Team Blue by a score of 3-2 Wednesday night in the Annual Blue and White Game, which was held at the Emerald Park Arena. Team White got goals from Jordan Weal, Craig Schira and Kyle Mulder in the victory, while Levi Lind and Jordan Eberle replied for Team Blue.

The Pats had two players that missed the Blue & White game due to injury. Veteran Kirt Hill is out 7-10 days with a shoulder injury, while rookie Kenton Miller is out 7-10 days with a concussion.

[nivek_wahs]

http://www.reginapats.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1038


Strueby hasn't missed a beat


Greg Harder, The Leader-Post
Published: Thursday, August 30, 2007


EMERALD PARK -- Matt Strueby is enjoying a net gain.

The 18-year-old centre added over 10 pounds during the offseason, but he hasn't lost the offensive touch which helped him lead the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League in scoring last season.

Strueby is picking up where he left off, lighting it up in his first full training camp with the WHL's Regina Pats. He has six goals and three assists after four intrasquad games, including a four-goal effort in the first scrimmage on the weekend.

"It's going well so far," the Regina native said with a smile following Wednesday's Blue & White game. "Everything seems to be going in for me. I'm working hard and it seems to be paying off."

The same goes for his offseason workouts.

Strueby spent the summer with Pats trainer Greg Mayer, helping the 6-foot-1 Strueby add some much-needed muscle to his lanky frame.

"He whipped me into shape," Strueby said with a laugh. "I put on about 10, 15 pounds. I was 160, 165 and now I'm 175. I'm a little bit beefier. I was getting pushed around quite a bit last year. This year is better."

It's tough to imagine Strueby getting much better than he was last season, when he was named the co-MVP in the Saskatchewan Midget AAA league, potting 36 goals in 43 games with the Regina Pat Canadians.

The Pats believe Strueby has the tools to continue his success at the WHL level. But first he needed to add some beef.

"Matt has been kind of a late developing kid, but he has the gift of being able to score," noted GM Brent Parker. "He has done it all the way up and now he has proven he can do it at this level. It's going to be another step now playing exhibition games and into the regular season. It's another level altogether."

With the loss of their top two scorers from last season -- Kyle Ross and Garrett Festerling -- the Pats are hoping Strueby can help fill the void.

He's already performing well on a potential top line with veterans Jordan Eberle and Michael MacAngus.

"They're awesome players," marvelled Strueby. "It would be a privilege to play with them all year."

Parker likes what he has seen so far from that trio.

"It takes a smart player to play with those two guys," the GM said of Strueby. "He has been very good. He has to play smart in his own end and that'll create offensive opportunities for him. I think the extra strength and muscle he has put on over the summer has certainly helped."

Strueby drew an assist on Eberle's goal during the Blue & White game. Levi Lind had the other goal for Team Blue in a losing cause.

Jordan Weal, a 15-year-old scoring sensation, had one goal and one assist for Team White. Craig Schira and Kyle Mulder had the other markers.

Linden Rowat kicked out 15 of 16 shots in 11/2 periods of work for the Blue side. Spencer Laycock allowed two goals on 16 shots in relief.

Jeff Bosch kicked out 12 of 13 for Team White, then gave way to Damien Ketlo, who stopped 16 of 17.

EXTRAS: Veteran C Kirt Hill missed the game with a shoulder injury. He's not expected to see action this weekend at the preseason tournament in Edmonton ... Also sitting out was enforcer Myles Stoesz, who's having some dental work done after taking a stick in the face ... The Pats reassigned 10 players following Wednesday's game: Laycock (Regina midget AAA), D Aaron Enns (Calgary high school), D Koltyn Miller (Tisdale midget AAA), D Justin Slobozian (Manitoba midget AAA), D Byron Sorenson (Saskatoon Blazers midget AAA), F Graham Hood (Beardy's midget AAA), F Andrew Rieder (Regina midget AAA), Dominick Favreau (Beardy's midget AAA), F Matt Marantz (Calgary midget AAA) and F Brent Struble (Regina midget AAA).

[nivek_wahs]

Did anyone make it to camp this year? I would like to hear/read peoples insights as to what they thought of camp. I was there for all of the scrimmages but was waiting for people to speak up first. I know that patsrock83 was there... Where is this post you claimed you were going to have? lol... I will post my training camp thoughts hopefully later today when I am not posting from my cell phone.

[Triton]

How has Kulchar looked and does it look like he could make the team or is there a log jam on the backend?

[witness]

The back end for the Pats is absolutely stacked! How did MacDermott wind up Pats property? Did we not trade him to Red Deer?

I was looking at the trade thread and saw the Bubnick trade a couple of years ago. Bubnick for Festerling and Pym. Wow! The trade that keeps on giving.

It is going to be difficult for Fraipont and MacDermott to make this squad at 19. With 3 17s (Cotterill, Friesen and Kulchar) and Pym (16) competing for the 6th and 7th defensemen. Do they keep 8? With my limited viewing, I think that Kulchar and Pym have the inside track.

If you haven't been to a game yet, go. Jordan Weal is worth the price of admission. This kid is only 15! Unreal skill, a bit on the small size. Eberle, MacAngus and Strueby have been good. I think that veterns Jagow, Reich, Saulietis and Lind are going to be in tough to keep their jobs.

Just my thoughts.

[sbtatter]

Pym looked solid and steady against the AAA Wheaties last year, how's he performing at camp?

[nivek_wahs]

I will post my thoughts later tonight as I have been really busy and haven't had much time to post in the last 3 days or so. But I will give my detailed thoughts later and edit this post so it doesn't exist.

Kevin

[Some_Arrogant_Jerk]

I will post my thoughts later tonight as I have been really busy and haven't had much time to post in the last 3 days or so. But I will give my detailed thoughts later and edit this post so it doesn't exist.

Kevin

I cant wait, being that there has been next to no information besides "....pats won 2-1....". An in-depth analysis would be very helpful. I heard that Elder and gross looked especially good in this tourny so far, and that Ketlo might give Bosch a run for back-up. Should be an interesting season either way.

So take your time with the big post, but dont hold back on the information/personal thoughts, etc.

[Big Ern]

I cant wait, being that there has been next to no information besides "....pats won 2-1....". An in-depth analysis would be very helpful. I heard that Elder and gross looked especially good in this tourny so far, and that Ketlo might give Bosch a run for back-up. Should be an interesting season either way.

So take your time with the big post, but dont hold back on the information/personal thoughts, etc.

I'm in Edmonton watching the Broncos. I didn't watch the Pats, but I do know that Jordan Eberle and Troy Ofukany scored the goals for Regina tonight.

[Some_Arrogant_Jerk]

I'm in Edmonton watching the Broncos. I didn't watch the Pats, but I do know that Jordan Eberle and Troy Ofukany scored the goals for Regina tonight.

Thanks, Big Ern. The bolded words are easier to remember, so double thanks. ;)

[HAF]

Anyone have tourney scores from sunday? I'm trying to tally the predictions score but cant find any scores from sunday edmonton tourney. Is the league too busy to post this crap or what?

[Triton]

Anyone have tourney scores from sunday? I'm trying to tally the predictions score but cant find any scores from sunday edmonton tourney. Is the league too busy to post this crap or what?

1 KEL 6 SC
1 PG 2 REG
5 KAM 1 EDM

4 TRI 4 VAN
1 SEA 3 SPO
3 CHI 1 EVE

[Some_Arrogant_Jerk]

Looks like PA fans were not kidding when they said Gross has some offensive talent. He has got to have 4 points or so in this tournament. Good trade parker.

[Big Ern]

The Pats just beat Kelowna 3-2. Scorers: Jordan Eberle, Garrett Mitchell, and Cody Gross.

Eberle took player of the game.

Man, why am I doing this. I don't like the Pats. HAHA.

Anyway, this facility is amazing..high speed wireless. I love it.

I saw Cody Gross score a goal. Some obvious idiot in a Pats jersey informed me the other two goals were scored by Mitchell and Eberle. Rod Pedersen reports on the blog that the second and third goal were scored by Jagow and Ross.

I don't know if that person was a true Pats fan. He assured me of who scored the goals. Obviously, he didn't know the goal scorers. So trust Roddy and read his blog on this one...my report is not official.

[nivek_wahs]

How has Kulchar looked and does it look like he could make the team or is there a log jam on the backend?I would have to say that after watching all of the scrimmages at Pats' camp that Kulchar is ready to step into the line-up. I have one thing to say... He's good, a couple times I thought he was Schira during scrimmages (that means something in my opinion). Now after reading that Fraipont is out 4-6 weeks I would almost guarantee that Kulchar will make the squad as the team's 6th defensman.

[nivek_wahs]

Pym looked solid and steady against the AAA Wheaties last year, how's he performing at camp?When I was at rookie camp, I saw this kid carry himself like an aged veteran and I thought to myself "that must be Pym" and I was correct. Out of the rookie camp defense he was by far the best. I think that he can make the team as a 16 year old because he's good. He is such a smooth skater and never seems to panic. I see him as being 7th d-man (the Pats' wouldn't miss a beat with him in the line-up).

[nivek_wahs]

Another article from the Leader-Post via the Pats website...

http://www.reginapats.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1039


Insam learned to hound the opposition


Greg Harder, The Leader-Post
Published: Friday, August 31, 2007


EMERALD PARK -- Marco Insam's path to the Regina Pats' doorstep took him down a road less travelled.

At age 15, the native of Milan, Italy, decided a change of scenery would behoove his dream of playing pro hockey. With the blessing of his father Adolf -- a former head coach of Italy's national team -- Marco packed his bags and ventured across the pond, enrolling in one of Canada's most prestigious hockey factories, Athol Murray College of Notre Dame in Wilcox.

"I wanted to learn English and play a good level of hockey," explains the 18-year-old winger, who's vying to become the lone Italian player in the WHL. "I wanted to have a new experience. In Italy the junior level is pretty bad. I could have gone to Germany but it's too close to home. It would be an experience but not like going to Canada. I wanted to play real hockey."

Upon his arrival at Notre Dame, Insam quickly discovered that his education wouldn't be limited to the ice.

"The first few months was hard for me to communicate with the other guys but after that I was speaking to everyone," said Insam, who graduated from Notre Dame this spring and now speaks fluent English. "I had three really good years there. It was hard to leave."

Fortunately, he didn't have to go far.

After a strong season with the Hounds' midget AAA program in 2006-07, Insam was selected by Regina in the second round (71st overall) of this summer's CHL import draft.

"I said, 'I can come right now if you want,' " he said with a laugh, recalling a post-draft conversation with Pats director of scouting Todd Ripplinger. "It was three, four in the morning. I was like, 'Yeah, I'll come for sure.' "

Insam's experience at Notre Dame has helped him develop from a raw European talent into a North American-style player. The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder, who possesses a lethal shot and a physical edge to his game, was among the Hounds' leading scorers last season with 32 goals and 55 points in 49 games. He also played for Italy on the B side of the world under-18 championship.

"I try to play like they do in Canada," he said. "After three years here, you get used to it. I can't just put my head down (and stickhandle)."

Insam's inspiration in hockey came from his father, who has coached Italy at the Olympics and the world championships. He currently guides the Milan Vipers pro team.

"I would watch the games (coached by his dad)," he recalled. "When I was four or five I started playing hockey and just liked it. I still like it."

Insam's background is rare in Italy, a country where hockey is well down the list of preferred pastimes.

"It's one of the smallest sports," he noted. "Just in the north part it's getting popular. Soccer and basketball are the main sports. I played soccer like all the kids do in Italy, but that's about it."

Insam said his friends back home are supportive of his desire to play elite hockey overseas. He's also motivated by the idea of helping blaze a trail for other foreign players at Notre Dame.

"There are many European guys there," he said. "If an Italian guy can make it, a German guy can make it too. It inspires other guys to keep going and never give up."

Insam has performed well in Pats camp, but his strong showing leaves the club with a slight dilemma -- albeit a good one. Since WHL teams can only carry two imports, head coach Curtis Hunt will have to choose between Insam, veteran Kaspars Saulietis of Latvia and Czech rookie Rudolf Cerveny.

"He's having a good camp; they all are," Hunt said. "Marco's time at Notre Dame is serving him very well, but I wouldn't say any one player is ahead of anyone else."

Insam is hoping to separate himself from the pack during this weekend's tournament in Edmonton. His performance in the exhibition season will ultimately determine whether he stays in Regina or explores his pro options back home in Italy.

Email to a friend

I'm pumped," he said of playing a live game with the Pats. "I'll give everything (to stay here) -- every practice, every game. It's tough competition but we'll see what happens. If I play my game I'll probably have a good chance."

[nivek_wahs]

Well now for my thoughts about Pats' camp... later than I wanted to post but better late than never... :P

I went looking for my notes from all of the scrimmages and I noticed that I am missing some stuff so I will just give an overview of all the players that I list. Other people can disagree all they want, this is my opinion and my opinion only.

GOALIES

1. Rowat
2. Bosch
3. Toss-up Ketlo and Laycock

Linden Rowat (89) – best goalie at camp and has embraced the starters’ job. Appears as though he has grown a bit and fills more of the net. Calm and collected in goal even when he is being challenged by the opposing forecheckers (a couple scrimmages got pretty intense). In my opinion Rowat has improved since last year and if you asked me what his weaknesses are at this point in time I would have to say that in camp there wasn't much to criticize.

Jeff Bosch (90) – had an up and down camp. One scrimmage he was amazing the next he was not so good. But over the last scrimmage and Blue/White game he stepped up his game and looked like he belonged as the Pats’ back-up (most likely successor?). Still has a lightning quick glove hand and seems to have command over his crease.

Damian Ketlo (91) – Had a good camp, but wasn’t overly amazing. Made some pretty sweet saves but has a tendency to let in a weak goal or two. Very acrobatic and will improve with time.

Spencer Laycock (91) – Had a good camp like Ketlo, but seemed to get rattled when he was faced with traffic in/near his crease. He did make a lot of quality stops and bailed his team out lots when there were defensive breakdowns. Doesn’t play the true “butterfly” and it leaves him vulnerable low along the ice but has impressive speed to make up for the weird stance (been re-assigned).

[nivek_wahs]

DEFENSEMEN

1. Pyett
2. Schira
3. Ross
4. Teubert
5. Delahey
6. Kulchar
7. Pym
8. Fraipont
9. MacDermott
10. Cotterill (see note)
?. Friesen (see note)

Logan Pyett (88) – As he didn’t attend Pats’ camp I don’t have too much to say about him other than what I have seen him do on TV for Canada. He is our #1 d-man by default.

Craig Schira (88) – After a rocky end of the 2006-07 season it appears as though the Schira of 2 seasons ago is back. He played amazing in the scrimmages he participated in. Hitting like a freight train, shooting the puck, rushing the puck you name it he did it (except fight).

Nick Ross (89) – Being drafted must have done something for Ross’ confidence, as it looks like he came into camp with a new attitude (not saying his attitude was bad, just can’t think of any other wording, lol) and looks like a first round selection. He hit and hit and hit during camp, I felt sorry for some of those rookies and even a few vets that he hammered… ouch! If he gets paired with Schira for this year look for the “bash brothers” to return.

Colten Teubert (90) – There seems to be a new Teubert in camp this year. Boy did he have a chip on his shoulder, hitting anyone and everyone, which made him stick out for the good. He was probably the best d-man at camp (this far down on the depth chart because of the 3 names above). I thought he was good last year, but this year look out this kid will be one to reckon with.

Matt Delahey (89) – The Pats’ resident shut down d-man had a solid camp. Looks like he added some muscle or power or something as he was manhandling players no matter their size. I still don’t see any offensive upside but on D… he is a rock.

Curtis Kulchar (90) – One of 2 rookies I see making the Pats’ blueline this year. Kulchar has looked like a seasoned veteran throughout all the scrimmages. He is very mobile and has good wheels. Is very similar to Schira in size and skating style; but not as physical. Lots of veteran savvy and poise.

Alex Pym (91) – During rookie camp he was a man amongst boys and was by far the best d-man out there. Then came main camp and looked like he fit right in. Very similar skating style to that of former Pat Kyle Deck. He has extremely good closing skills and very rarely were opponents able to get past him. Very poised for a 16 year old.

Spencer Fraipont (88) – I have always liked Fraipont. This year he has bee extremely physical and gave Leffler a run for his money in a tilt. The only reason I have Fraipont as being #8 is his age, the Pats have a ton of 19 year olds and I think that leaves him on the outside looking in. Now that he is injured... I don't see him sticking with the team.

Matt MacDermott (88) – Third times a charm? Sorry but there is just not enough room on the blueline for him. He has had a decent camp but the 2 youngsters outshone him.

Dru Cotterill (90) – I can’t give an assessment of Cotterill as I wasn’t sure as to who he was until the Blue/White game; and I find out he’s playing forward. But from watching the previous scrimmages he has been forward most of camp and looked like a good bang and crash type winger.

Jared Friesen (89) - Nothing to say as I have no idea as to who he is/was.

[nivek_wahs]

FORWARDS

1. Eberle
2. MacAngus
3. Ofukany
4. Leffler
5. Gross
6. Strueby
7. Saulietis
8. Cerveny
9. Jagow
10. Hill
11. Lind
12. Elder
13. Mitchell
14. Reich
15. Mulder
16. B. Miller
17. K. Miller
18. Sauter
19. Insam
20. Stoesz (Pro? Only reason for low rank)
21. Weal (can’t play full-time until 2008-09 otherwise would be in the top 10)

Jordan Eberle (90) – Pats’ best offensive threat looked extremely good in camp. He has added some size to his small-ish frame. The speed is still there, the shot is still there, has added some grit to his game. With the right centre he will again light it up.

Michael MacAngus (88) – Crash and banger will put up big numbers this year. Had a good camp. Kept up his physical game and crashed the net a lot. He and Eberle make an extremely good one-two punch.

Troy Ofukany (87) – Had an amazing camp. Looked like he has kicked his overall game up a notch. There were times that the opposition defencemen didn’t know what to do as Ofukany controlled the side and end walls. With him banging and crashing as much or more than last year; a full year in a Pats uniform will pay off for him.

Brett Leffler (89) – One of the best overall players in camp. Hit and hit some more. I still don’t know about his offensive upside but he will be there as he will make a living in front of the opposition goalies.

Cody Gross (89) – Looked very good on a line with Ofukany and Saulietis in the Blue/White game. Has speed to burn. Didn’t look out of place at either end of the rink. Will be counted on for some offense.

Matt Strueby (89) – Has been impressive all throughout camp. Skill is his game, has an impressive shot for such a lanky player. Over the summer he added 10 pounds to his frame so that he wouldn’t be pushed around as easily in the offensive zone. Could easily be the Pats #1 centre.

Kaspars Saulietis (87) – By far the top Import in the camp this year. He oozes skill, if he was to find the finish he could and would be a threat almost every time he has the puck. He still has the physical edge to him as well.

Rudolf Cerveny (89) – Looked like he fit into the North American style of play at times… others he looked completely lost. He has good hands and speed but doesn’t have a physical edge to him and doesn’t seem to like the defensive zone too much. Will learn.

Jared Jagow (88) – of the Pats’ checking 19-year-olds he looked the like the most solid. He showed some offensive flair and looks to have added some extra speed to his game.

Kirt Hill (88) – Was good in spurts. Probably one of if not the best Pats defensive forward, he needs to add the goal scoring aspect to his game to be more effective. No concerns in the defensive zone when Hill is on the ice.

Levi Lind (88) – I never know what to say about Lind; whether my initial expectations skewed my opinion of Lind, I’m not sure. Lind doesn’t appear to have improved much since last year. Did have a nice Blue and White game which may have secured him a spot on the Pats.

Josh Elder (88) – Looks exactly as he did last year. Big and sloth-like. For him to be effective he needs to be able to play the physical game but with his hand/wrist injury of last year I don’t know if he will ever be able to get back on track to be a “heavy” in the WHL. Did show signs of brilliance on a couple shifts in a couple scrimmages.

Garrett Mitchell (91) – A Garth Murray clone. Fast like the wind and is an amazing checker. The main question: is there going to be any offence from him? Eventually. Give him a year or 2 as a checking line forward and the goals will come.

Mike Reich (88) – Had a bad camp, did not look good at all in my opinion. I have no idea as to what the problem was but offensively looked lost and hardly ever came back on the back check. All I have to say is he did not look good at all.

Kyle Mulder (91) – in rookie camp was probably the top 16 year old. I had no expectations of him until I saw him play. I honestly can see him taking the spot of a 19 year old as a checking-line/defensive-specialist type with some offensive potential.

Brett Miller (91) – A larger version of Brett Leffler. A checker through and through. Wasn’t overly impressive at camp but didn’t make any glaring mistakes to make him look bad or anything like that. But I think my expectations for him were/are a little lofty. Will be a next year player, but depending on the 19 year old situation might stick.

Kenton Miller (91) – A surprise at camp. Looked extremely good. Fast and defensively responsible. But got a concussion before the Blue and White game (which is unfortunate) and couldn’t participate. With another year of midget AAA under his belt could make the Pats next year (re-assigned).

Kent Sauter (89) – I have him placed here just due to the fact that the Pats have so many checkers on their team I just don’t see him sticking. But he has improved his skating tremendously and may surprise (maybe knock a 19 out of their perch).

Marco Insam (89) – One thought: Not what I was expecting. In my opinion he was one of the weaker players in camp. I really have nothing good to say about him other than he is a big specimen of a hockey player (especially on the Pats). I think with time he could develop but is not flashy or anything along those lines... more of a grinder type player.

Myles Stoesz (87) – Pro opportunity came knocking which bumped him off the depth chart. If Myles is returned he will be a regular on the 3rd or 4th line just to add his physicality to the line-up. Before losing some chicklets (due to an errant stick) he was having a great camp. Man I never realized what kind of shot he had… Wow!

Jordan Weal (92) – This youngster is “The Real Deal” in a big way. He is just oozing skill and always knows what to do with the puck. For his lack of size he makes up with heart… checking and getting physical with the big boys. This kid WILL make the Pats as a full-timer when he is 16 (been re-assigned).

[VDubin'Patsfan]

Good stuff Nivek. Kepp it coming we need info. :thumb: