September - October 2018 Games

[chopper]

Lethbridge Hurricanes 8
Regina Pats 4

The Pats are now 0-3 to start the season and have 18 goals against (6.00 Goals Against/Game). I was hoping to get a fridge magnet schedule on fridge magnet night, but they were long gone 20 minutes before the game in a half full building. I guess I didn't show up early enough or they didn't hand out very many or some fans took 10. I'm not too sure what happened there. Either way, it's disappointing.

It's going to be a long year for this team. It may be a long many years for this team. Cole Dubinsky dressed for the first time this year. I can't believe he's still only 15. He moves around very well on the ice and isn't afraid to throw his weight around (although we already knew that). He should only get better from here on out, especially if he keeps growing and working hard. I like the way Ryker Evans skates with the puck when he has open ice. He's a very good skater. He just needs to keep growing. Sergei Alkhimov moves around the ice pretty good as well and definitely is not afraid to throw his weight around. Some of the other newer players look okay, but I thought those three looked the best or the ones that seem to have a lot of potential to grow their games over the next few years.

The Pats worked hard at times against the Hurricanes, but they made way too many defensive mistakes and Lethbridge is a team that will capitalize on their chances. Schioler got caught in the zone and Hyman couldn't get back in time. A couple of other defensemen didn't get the puck in the Hurricanes' zone when they should have (Creta and Hyman etc.. if I recall correctly) and got it taken on them. Cozens was left wide open in the slot on one of his goals. Too many penalties, too many men on the ice, the list goes on and on. I felt before the game that the Pats would look a bit thin on defense tonight, so it doesn't surprise me at all that it played out that way. They really missed Fleury, Pouteau and Gavlas tonight. Holmes, Leschyshyn and Henry look okay, but that's not good enough this year now that they are expected to be the #1 line. They need to dominate on the ice if they are going to lead / carry this team and it doesn't appear that they are going to be able to do that. At least, not against the top teams in the league.

As for the goaltending, of course it would have been nice if Max Paddock was able to stop more pucks, but it's difficult to criticize, when the players in front of him gave up so many breakaways / high quality scoring chances.

From a general point of view, the Pats had a lot of younger / smaller players out there, which made it tough because Lethbridge has skill and size. I didn't realize that their team would be that big this year. There's only 3 players on the Hurricanes under 6'ft tall and two of them are Jordy Bellerive and Calen Addison.

There are positives to take out of this game. The Pats did not give up, they played until the end even though they were outmatched. They went 3/5 on the power play and scored a short handed goal. They're going to the net and finding ways to score goals, which is what they want to do. So in a way, they were successful tonight in that respect. The game could have been a lot closer if they didn't make so many mistakes and take so many bad penalties. It's important to work hard, but it's equally as important to play cerebral hockey and not make bad mistakes or take bad / lazy penalties. The Pats cannot afford to beat themselves this year. They don't have the high end skill like they did two years ago to make up for such foolishness.

Good insights Reider…when you sift through all the BS, it still boils down to talent. Youthful talent is still talent. Sadly last night most of the unforced errors were by the veteran players. Taking 9 penalties a game is recipe for disaster against any team. Against an elite team it's "guaranteed lose night". Discipline has plagued the Pats for years now and if these first few games is any indication, the problem is still here. So many needless penalties last night.

Maybe the Pats should move out some of the many top heavy managers for everything they do. Instead they need a defence-corps coach and perhaps a strength coach. Better allocation of money.

[Pats7]

I am going to eat some crow. I told anyone that asked that the Pats weren't going to be as bad as some predicted. I knew that goal scoring would be a challenge, but combined with the defensive break downs.....it might be a very long season. The top line needs to produce on 5 on 5 to have a chance, but when they are always paired against other teams top lines...it makes it difficult. Thankfully we have had two great seasons to keep my sanity in check. Hopefully they can get in the win column soon.

[Reider]

Moose Jaw Warriors 2
Regina Pats 1

The Pats are now 0-4 to start the season and it appears that they will battle it out with Swift Current for last place in the division this year. They have a difficult time generating offense, take too many bad penalties and make too many mistakes in general. It's a bad combination for a young rebuilding team looking to make the playoffs.

The Pats went 0/2 on the power play, but they did have a couple of good scoring chances throughout the game. Riley Crane had a chance in front of the net in the second period and Nick Henry had at least one good scoring chance as well. Koby Morrisseau scored a nice goal on a beautiful pass from Sergei Alkhimov. And speaking of those two, I liked that line tonight (Dubinsky-Morrisseau-Alkhimov). Alkimov and Dubinsky both work hard, play physical and want the puck. They both have some skill as well. Morrisseau provides good size and strength in the middle. I think they should keep this line together for a while and see if they can further build upon tonight's performance. At the very least, I would like to see the Pats keep Dubinsky and Alkhimov on the same line.

I did not like Moose Jaw's first goal (banked in off of Max Paddock), but I thought Nikita Sedov did a great job breaking up the 2 on 1 with approximately 3:40 left in the second period. Also, I did not like Logan Nijhoff's tripping penalty by Moose Jaw's net, when the Pats were already on the penalty kill. That was incredibly foolish. Those are the types of penalties that the Pats cannot afford to take this year.

Sometimes I think Aaron Hyman just needs to put a wrist or snap shot on net instead of waiting too long by winding up for a big slap shot. It's not like he can shoot the puck like Connor Hobbs or anything. Trading off that much time for a small increase in MPH is sometimes not worth it and he needs to figure that out.

Max kept that Pats in the game until the end and he was awarded the second star of the game for his efforts. He robbed Ryan Peckford in the second period.

After the Pats gave up 18 goals in the first 3 games, it was nice to see the opponent held to 2 goals. I guess that's a positive.

The Pats' next game is against the Broncos in Swift Current. If the Pats are going to win a game sometime soon, this is probably going to be their best opportunity.

[Fight Guy]

A couple things to talk about...

- Bryce Platt has officially been released and will report to the Estevan Bruins. This leaves the Pats with four overage defensemen. There has been some player movement in Montreal recently and it may open up space for Fluery to sign and possibly play in the AHL. Would be nice if he still gets sent back, but if not, good for him. If he does come back, I would imagine one of him or Hyman would be traded once Pouteau returns. Whatever does happen though, I can see the Pats making an eventual trade for an overage forward. Maybe not till later on when the top 19 year olds get traded to help fill the void, but they won't carry three o/a defensemen all season. **Fleury just signed**

As for the rest of the defense, it's a little rough to watch right now, but we've been spoiled for a few years now. I have low expectations right now and am not going to panic four games into the season. So far though, super impressed with Ryker Evans. He's so composed for a 17 and is so strong on his feet. Still a little small, but hasn't really mattered yet. Disappointing so far... Jonas Harkins. I like his physical side and all, but he has been struggling with the speed of the game. Personally, I can't see him sticking around a whole lot longer. Would probably depend a bit on how Zonneveld looks this weekend. I would think he plays tomorrow in Swift Current, but with Gavlas being back for Saturday, they both will probably get the scratch.

Also, with Platt being gone, this leaves the Pats with 13 forwards. I like this as the Pats are keeping the younger core for the season. I could see some movement in the 18 year old group at some point, but they are all adequate for now.


- Next thing... Ty Smilanic's commitment to the University of Denver has reportedly been rescinded. All this really means is he is no longer committed to a college. This could be a good sign for the Pats in the future as he maybe more committed to going pro than going to school and made it more clear, or it could mean he is interested in better schools and is being allowed to explore those options. Or... something more happened that caused this to happen. I'm gonna hope it's more along the lines of the first theory, but either way, I still don't think he's a possible option for a couple years.


- I'm confident the Pats WON'T make history tomorrow night when they face Swift Current. Just don't see the Pats falling to the devastated Broncos line-up. The Broncos could very well have a strong grasp on bottom spot in the league early in the season.

Prince Albert is gonna be gooooood. They will make some trades at some point yet and probably get even stronger.

[chopper]

A couple things to talk about...

- Bryce Platt has officially been released and will report to the Estevan Bruins. This leaves the Pats with four overage defensemen. There has been some player movement in Montreal recently and it may open up space for Fluery to sign and possibly play in the AHL. Would be nice if he still gets sent back, but if not, good for him. If he does come back, I would imagine one of him or Hyman would be traded once Pouteau returns. Whatever does happen though, I can see the Pats making an eventual trade for an overage forward. Maybe not till later on when the top 19 year olds get traded to help fill the void, but they won't carry three o/a defensemen all season. **Fleury just signed**

As for the rest of the defense, it's a little rough to watch right now, but we've been spoiled for a few years now. I have low expectations right now and am not going to panic four games into the season. So far though, super impressed with Ryker Evans. He's so composed for a 17 and is so strong on his feet. Still a little small, but hasn't really mattered yet. Disappointing so far... Jonas Harkins. I like his physical side and all, but he has been struggling with the speed of the game. Personally, I can't see him sticking around a whole lot longer. Would probably depend a bit on how Zonneveld looks this weekend. I would think he plays tomorrow in Swift Current, but with Gavlas being back for Saturday, they both will probably get the scratch.

Also, with Platt being gone, this leaves the Pats with 13 forwards. I like this as the Pats are keeping the younger core for the season. I could see some movement in the 18 year old group at some point, but they are all adequate for now.


- Next thing... Ty Smilanic's commitment to the University of Denver has reportedly been rescinded. All this really means is he is no longer committed to a college. This could be a good sign for the Pats in the future as he maybe more committed to going pro than going to school and made it more clear, or it could mean he is interested in better schools and is being allowed to explore those options. Or... something more happened that caused this to happen. I'm gonna hope it's more along the lines of the first theory, but either way, I still don't think he's a possible option for a couple years.


- I'm confident the Pats WON'T make history tomorrow night when they face Swift Current. Just don't see the Pats falling to the devastated Broncos line-up. The Broncos could very well have a strong grasp on bottom spot in the league early in the season.

Prince Albert is gonna be gooooood. They will make some trades at some point yet and probably get even stronger.

That was some very good information…thank you! I pretty much agree with all you've said about your assessment of the Pats, defence in particular. It's very apparent that Ryker Evans is a talented kid. Incredible skater and thinker (can't teach that). If he develops he will conceivably be anchoring the PP by next season. Sedov will be a good one as well. Man oh man if they could somehow slide Smilanic into that mix right now, how great would that be down the road. Hugely inexperienced but hugely talented. In a couple years it would be an incredible d-corps. If they could sign and add Smilanic, along with Evans and Sedov sets the team up nicely. Zonneveld could be added at mid season or for sure next. Makai Mitchell and Jack Johnson are a couple of other USA based youngsters who are highly thought of and not far away. McGinley and Zonneveld are a couple of good Canadian kids.

The forwards are another thing especially since Carter Savoie has committed to the U of Denver. How nice would t have been to add a dangler like him. Outside of him Kaden Bohlsen is the most talented forward but I doubt we will ever pry him out of the states. With cupboards being so bare of high end Canadian talent, getting that USA pipeline would be a Godsend. It would shorten up the rebuild thats for sure. The USA pipeline will help us immensely if we can ever get it fully on stream, especially some high end forwards.

PA is a good team this year and they just got better. Noah Gregor was returned as a 20 year old and last night he had 2 points in his first game back. A lot of people didn't understand last year why they added Cody McDonald and Pachal, but now it's completely apparent. They convinced a disgruntled Max Martin to come there when he wouldn't go to PG. Nachbaur who was a late pick has emerged, Fonstad took time to get going but is now quite a player. Miller is showing signs of emerging. Maybe a bit of the Adam Brooks model. Brandon is also undefeated and Saskatoon will be very good as well. This season PA, Saskatoon and Brandon may duke it out in a very weak East Division. Regina, MJ and SC are very weak but give the edge to MJ who seem to have considerable young talent at their disposal. This years East Division is in no way as tough last years, especially after Jan 10th. PA added a lot and Saskatoon barely missed stride. They had 77 points and missed the playoffs. It was an exceptionally strong East Division. Things have to be brought into perspective. The thing the Pats do have is a few talented 19 year olds that they can use a currency to add draft picks and/or prospects. They really need to restock the cupboards with draft picks. As it stands they don't pick until the 5th round in next years draft.

I don't know what the Pats will do come Friday. It's hard to say when two bad teams meet in the basement bowl. Right now Brockman is moving out what he doesn't want and building up slowly but surely. With his GM/coaching abilities, he won't be down for long. His work in Humboldt and Saskatoon is proof of that.

This year may try our patience to the extremes. May need a Bacardi when we get back from the games.

[Some_Arrogant_Jerk]

Whatever does happen though, I can see the Pats making an eventual trade for an overage forward. Maybe not till later on when the top 19 year olds get traded to help fill the void, but they won't carry three o/a defensemen all season. **Fleury just signed**

Good for Fleury. He is ready for the pros.

I'd like to see paddock talk to the thunderbirds about an OA swap. They have three OA forwards to our three OA D, and didn t replace strand and ottenbriet from last year. Their top guy this year Tyszka is also out for awhile with a pretty serious injury. They're pretty bare back there.

Perhaps something involving hyman and a bit could net one of Volcan or Andrusiak. Either could provide offence on the wing and positive experience for this young club

- Next thing... Ty Smilanic's commitment to the University of Denver has reportedly been rescinded. All this really means is he is no longer committed to a college. This could be a good sign for the Pats in the future as he maybe more committed to going pro than going to school and made it more clear, or it could mean he is interested in better schools and is being allowed to explore those options. Or... something more happened that caused this to happen. I'm gonna hope it's more along the lines of the first theory, but either way, I still don't think he's a possible option for a couple years.


- I'm confident the Pats WON'T make history tomorrow night when they face Swift Current. Just don't see the Pats falling to the devastated Broncos line-up. The Broncos could very well have a strong grasp on bottom spot in the league early in the season.

Make no mistake, the pats are not a strong club this year, but on paper the Broncos look way worse. I feel we should bounce back with a win, but only if we take them seriously,

And we should do anything necessary to court smilanic to play here next year. He would be a first liner this year, nevermind next. I'm not sure why he rescinded his commitment to college; Denver is one of the better ones, but it means the door isn't closed on seeing him here, for now. A solid rebuild season this year would go a long way in being a viable option for him the next.

[SectionNDeserter]

I'd like to see paddock talk to the thunderbirds about an OA swap. Perhaps something involving hyman and a bit could net one of Volcan or Andrusiak. Either could provide offence on the wing and positive experience for this young club

I bet you would! A 70-80 point forward for a fringe defenseman. I don't think Regina has the 'a bit' to make that trade work.

[chopper]

Good for Fleury. He is ready for the pros.

I'd like to see paddock talk to the thunderbirds about an OA swap. They have three OA forwards to our three OA D, and didn t replace strand and ottenbriet from last year. Their top guy this year Tyszka is also out for awhile with a pretty serious injury. They're pretty bare back there.

Perhaps something involving hyman and a bit could net one of Volcan or Andrusiak. Either could provide offence on the wing and positive experience for this young club



Make no mistake, the pats are not a strong club this year, but on paper the Broncos look way worse. I feel we should bounce back with a win, but only if we take them seriously,

And we should do anything necessary to court smilanic to play here next year. He would be a first liner this year, nevermind next. I'm not sure why he rescinded his commitment to college; Denver is one of the better ones, but it means the door isn't closed on seeing him here, for now. A solid rebuild season this year would go a long way in being a viable option for him the next.

I completely agree with this thought. Fleury was bound to be signed and it's surprising it took this long. Dependent on how he plays at the AHL/ECHL/available spots/injuries/ etc, it is not outside the possibility he could be returned. Many guys start out at the AHL level but are moved to the CHL at some point. It happens often so you never know. It however isn't something a team should bank on. The Austin Wagner/Jesse Gabriel situations last season are a cases in point.

They appear to be starting the season with three OA d-men. It's good in the sense that it gives each of the three young guys (Evans, Sedov, Gavlas) a battle proven veteran to mentor them at least until Jan 10. Pouteau, Schioler and Hyman have all been in long playoff runs and are battle tested and proven including Memorial Cups. Not many d-men can say that or have that valuable experience. In Hyman's case he's been through all that and participated in two Memorial Cups. Seattle gave up a 3rd round pick to get him and wanted a 2nd round pick for him, so the managers know his worth. To the right club he would have significant value. I don't know what player(s) he could get back but it would be noteworthy plus you might think Paddock wants to make room for another rookie d-man. Particularly Smilanic if they can land him.

I'm sure Paddock is fielding offers for all of his OA d-men. The Pats still have younger guys like Creta, Harkins and Zonneveld. Zonneveld can't be moved but Creta and Harkins could be. In the right situation there could be a significant supplement in a trade. Creta is a good d-man with experience. A good OA forward would be a nice addition for leadership, especially on the road. Barring that a good un-drafted 19 year old forward would work too as it would give them a quality 20 year old for next year. Those may be valuable in a WHL Memorial Cup Host Year. It sure was last year.

It would be nice having four young guys back next season with a year under their belts. I hope they do everything they can to set the table so that Smilanic would sign and report, even at this stage. That would be a coup and would really accelerate the rebuild. Paddock will be eyeing the future with any trades he makes this year. He has some excellent 18/19 year olds which will allow him to restock the shelves quite well. We also have a couple young guys on the Central Scouting list and maybe more by the time seasons done. Combine that with a couple good signings and things can change quickly. Destiny turns on a dime!

[CrushKillDestroy]

I completely agree with this thought. Fleury was bound to be signed and it's surprising it took this long. Dependent on how he plays at the AHL/ECHL/available spots/injuries/ etc, it is not outside the possibility he could be returned. Many guys start out at the AHL level but are moved to the CHL at some point. It happens often so you never know. It however isn't something a team should bank on. The Austin Wagner/Jesse Gabriel situations last season are a cases in point.

They appear to be starting the season with three OA d-men. It's good in the sense that it gives each of the three young guys (Evans, Sedov, Gavlas) a battle proven veteran to mentor them at least until Jan 10. Pouteau, Schioler and Hyman have all been in long playoff runs and are battle tested and proven including Memorial Cups. Not many d-men can say that or have that valuable experience. In Hyman's case he's been through all that and participated in two Memorial Cups. Seattle gave up a 3rd round pick to get him and wanted a 2nd round pick for him, so the managers know his worth. To the right club he would have significant value. I don't know what player(s) he could get back but it would be noteworthy plus you might think Paddock wants to make room for another rookie d-man. Particularly Smilanic if they can land him.

I'm sure Paddock is fielding offers for all of his OA d-men. The Pats still have younger guys like Creta, Harkins and Zonneveld. Zonneveld can't be moved but Creta and Harkins could be. In the right situation there could be a significant supplement in a trade. Creta is a good d-man with experience. A good OA forward would be a nice addition for leadership, especially on the road. Barring that a good un-drafted 19 year old forward would work too as it would give them a quality 20 year old for next year. Those may be valuable in a WHL Memorial Cup Host Year. It sure was last year.

It would be nice having four young guys back next season with a year under their belts. I hope they do everything they can to set the table so that Smilanic would sign and report, even at this stage. That would be a coup and would really accelerate the rebuild. Paddock will be eyeing the future with any trades he makes this year. He has some excellent 18/19 year olds which will allow him to restock the shelves quite well. We also have a couple young guys on the Central Scouting list and maybe more by the time seasons done. Combine that with a couple good signings and things can change quickly. Destiny turns on a dime!

Smilanic is not a defenseman.

[sandman]

I completely agree with this thought. Fleury was bound to be signed and it's surprising it took this long. Dependent on how he plays at the AHL/ECHL/available spots/injuries/ etc, it is not outside the possibility he could be returned. Many guys start out at the AHL level but are moved to the CHL at some point. It happens often so you never know. It however isn't something a team should bank on. The Austin Wagner/Jesse Gabriel situations last season are a cases in point.

They appear to be starting the season with three OA d-men. It's good in the sense that it gives each of the three young guys (Evans, Sedov, Gavlas) a battle proven veteran to mentor them at least until Jan 10. Pouteau, Schioler and Hyman have all been in long playoff runs and are battle tested and proven including Memorial Cups. Not many d-men can say that or have that valuable experience. In Hyman's case he's been through all that and participated in two Memorial Cups. Seattle gave up a 3rd round pick to get him and wanted a 2nd round pick for him, so the managers know his worth. To the right club he would have significant value. I don't know what player(s) he could get back but it would be noteworthy plus you might think Paddock wants to make room for another rookie d-man. Particularly Smilanic if they can land him.

I'm sure Paddock is fielding offers for all of his OA d-men. The Pats still have younger guys like Creta, Harkins and Zonneveld. Zonneveld can't be moved but Creta and Harkins could be. In the right situation there could be a significant supplement in a trade. Creta is a good d-man with experience. A good OA forward would be a nice addition for leadership, especially on the road. Barring that a good un-drafted 19 year old forward would work too as it would give them a quality 20 year old for next year. Those may be valuable in a WHL Memorial Cup Host Year. It sure was last year.

It would be nice having four young guys back next season with a year under their belts. I hope they do everything they can to set the table so that Smilanic would sign and report, even at this stage. That would be a coup and would really accelerate the rebuild. Paddock will be eyeing the future with any trades he makes this year. He has some excellent 18/19 year olds which will allow him to restock the shelves quite well. We also have a couple young guys on the Central Scouting list and maybe more by the time seasons done. Combine that with a couple good signings and things can change quickly. Destiny turns on a dime!

Can you help me out with your list of "excellent 18/19 year olds"? Besides Henry and Lesch, the depth drops off fast. Those 2 will bring a decent return but nothing close to the amount they traded away the last 2 seasons. Fleury would have brought a good return, but I understand if he returns another 2nd round pick goes to the Ice in 19 or 20 - 2 picks the Pats don't even have anymore.
I would suggest with the amount given away stacking the team the last 2 seasons, and with not much left to deal, it will be a few years of rebuilding at least. One thing that bugged me though, even as a Raider fan - is the way they never announced that Regina would be Memorial Cup host until after the trade deadline. With the Pats having such a good team that year, Paddock was kind of handcuffed. Had they known they could have built their team for last season.