January 2019

[chopper]

Hey chopper, you are not wrong and I do not disagree with you, but the reason for my last post was because of one of your earlier statements:



Perhaps we will have to agree to disagree on this one, but even though regular season wins do not mean much come playoff time, they are a source of excitement (a high point) for fans and the team at the time of the victory, especially when they are notable. For instance, giving the Raiders their first home loss halfway through the season was definitely one high point for the fans and team at the time. As well as the other examples I provided.

It's interesting that you used the 2016-2017 team losing 20 games as an analogy that regular season games do not mean anything. Because that very same team won 52 regular season games games, but was unable to win a Championship. However, that team had even more high points and players to be excited about. That was one of the most exciting seasons in a very long time, despite that teams' 52 regular season wins not meaning much in the big picture (no Championships were won).

I know that this year is a down year and there does not appear to be any future superstar players or championship caliber teams in sight, but that is besides the point. I believe that there have been some high points this year, despite it being a losing season, so I listed some of them. If you don't think the examples I listed in my last post are high points for the team or fans in a down year, then so be it. We will just have to agree to disagree.

Were you not happy or excited as a fan when the Pats beat PA in PA? Or when the Pats beat a Lethbridge team that had Leschsyhyn and Henry on their roster? Or when the Pats came back to beat the Ice the other night, despite playing poorly to start the game?

The one thing I will say about the young players is that we have to be patient and not write them all off yet. Dubinsky was 15 when the season started and a lot of the other young players do not have a lot of experience in the league yet. This is a great year to just let them get as much ice-time as possible and we'll see how things turn out over the next couple of / few years. This is Austin Pratt's best year and he is 19. Jeff De Wit (as a 20 year old) is finally scoring goals, Adam Brooks didn't do much as a 15/16 year old either etc.. Riley Krane and Sergei Alkhimov have each scored more than 10 goals this year, so it would be great if they could produce more next year (20+ goals each would be huge). It would be great if Nijhoff could be a bigger producer next year as well. As a 17 year old this year, he produces at a rate of .30pts/g. I don't know what his ceiling is, but he should get better and produce more as he gets older. The young defensemen will have to take a step forward next year as well.

In terms of the rebuild overall, there's still a lot of work to be done and it's going to take a while. It would be great if the Pats could be competitive year after year like some of these other teams in the CHL (Portland, London etc..).

"This has been a tough season with almost no really high points or players to be really excited about". Almost doesn't mean none!!! I will outline the high points/players as I see them.
- John Paddock recovering enough high draft picks to start replenishing the cupboards
- Dean McNabb starting to gain confidence and be a factor. I watched him with the Pat C's and felt he was athletic enough to perhaps be a good WHL tender. I read many guffaws about his abilities. Could make next season interesting.
- Austin Pratt - I've already discussed him. Has the ability with the right situation to be a Kastelic type player and numbers to match.
- I have long spoken of Alkimhov who I feel will be a beast next season.
- Ryker Evans has Dawson Davidson traits and someone who will be a star in this league

There are a lot of mid range players who may step up or step back. The Pats have to look at the Import Draft and if they will select or not. They will be in a position very likely to pick somewhere in the top 10 or close. That could mean getting a top high end Import sniper. It's not very often that they will ever get to pick that high up in the Import Draft. I have to believe the Pats are not anywhere satisfied with how they started the season or how they will finish. I am thinking they will do what is required to make the playoffs next season.

Winning the occasional game against a good team isn't that big a deal to me. It doesn't justify what we are enduring. I've seen far too much not making playoffs and poor direction that an occasional win doesn't put me over the moon. Every team does that and it doesn't define anything. Swift Current has beat Edmonton, MJ, PA, Brandon, Saskatoon, etc etc. If that's the criteria used for high points and excitement then the bar might be pretty low since every lowly team does that. When Kootenay beat us a couple years back both they and their fans may have been thrilled for about 10 minutes, but it didn't define the quality of their team or where they were going.They were last then and they still are.

I agree that it's too bad we can't have an organization that has sustained success. Like Portland even with sanctions, London, Kelowna, Acadie-Bathurst, and even Everett who has 18 seasons in a row in the playoffs, Three pennants in five years, two of their first round picks walking out on them last year, and always doing it with a goalie, coaching and a bunch of unknown players. I think we've been conditioned and fed BS that after a good season or two. we have to expect two or three crappy ones is an inevitable result. It's not true!!

[chopper]

It was nice to watch the game on SportsNet 1 in that they had some interesting story lines. Young Brayden Tracey has turned into quite a player. I watched him earlier this year and certainly didn't see what he's turned in to. Playing with Langin and Alemedia doesn't hurt. To hear he's only rated at 75 of North American skaters even though he's the highest scoring rookie in the CHL, is puzzling. He is a shining case for not rushing kids in that he was sent back to Midget AAA as a 16 year old in Calgary to hone his skills and it paid off. Adam Beckman did the same thing in Saskatoon and they are both having dynamite years. The Pats have a few decent prospects in that category and hopefully they aren't rushed even though there is a shortage of talent. Stanick, Wotton, and Sanders are some who fall into that area.

The Pats were incredibly flat in the first period and if not for Paddock it could have got ugly quick. The Pats found their legs somewhat in the second but had a tough 2 minutes at the end of the second period. They got caught with too many inexperienced rookies on the ice in the final minute and a half and that was the game. Didn't look close to the team that played Calgary Friday night. Struch was pretty disappointed probably because even without top end talent they usually work hard. That didn't happen today. I liked Alkimhov and Evans again but I say that a lot.

I think a lot of people thought that MJ would drop off more than they have considering the great last year they had. Although young they are fast, talented with great speed. Even after Langin and Brook are gone it appears that Damon Hunt and Tracey are going to be there to fill in. Having a young forward do what Tracey or Beckman has done would put the Pats in a great spot to pull out of their predicament. Let's hope that's not that far off.

[Reider]

The Moose Jaw Warriors definitely haven't fallen off as much as some people thought they would and they've been without Ryan Peckford since November. Brayden Tracey is having an incredible rookie season as a 17 year old. For comparisons sake, at 1.23pts/g, Tracey is producing at a higher rate than Sam Steel and Adam Brooks did as 17 year olds. Perhaps you are on to something chopper and teams might be better off letting some players further develop in Midget AAA before playing in the WHL. Another thing to note is that Tracey was drafted 21st overall in 2016, which shows that teams don't necessarily have to have the first overall draft pick to get an impact player. Drafting the right player and developing him properly is also a part of it.

It's going to take a while for the Pats to be at the top of the standings again, but I think the best way to get there is to first of all draft the right players and develop them properly, not unlike what Moose Jaw has done with Tracey. Of course, as you mentioned, drafting a (veteran) import sniper could help the team as early as next season. I think the Pats still have some assets that they could sell next year, unless they are in the playoff picture, which could make decisions more difficult (or not). With the Rockets hosting the Memorial Cup, I expect the trade market to be strong next year, so the Pats should be looking to sell unless they somehow get off to a hot start. Also, it would be great if the Pats could recruit quality American players. Lastly, it wouldn't hurt if they could find the next Nick Henry in Junior A somewhere, either.

In the short term, I am hoping that the Pats have a strong bantam draft and some of their young players take a noticeable step forward next year.

[chopper]

The Moose Jaw Warriors definitely haven't fallen off as much as some people thought they would and they've been without Ryan Peckford since November. Brayden Tracey is having an incredible rookie season as a 17 year old. For comparisons sake, at 1.23pts/g, Tracey is producing at a higher rate than Sam Steel and Adam Brooks did as 17 year olds. Perhaps you are on to something chopper and teams might be better off letting some players further develop in Midget AAA before playing in the WHL. Another thing to note is that Tracey was drafted 21st overall in 2016, which shows that teams don't necessarily have to have the first overall draft pick to get an impact player. Drafting the right player and developing him properly is also a part of it.

It's going to take a while for the Pats to be at the top of the standings again, but I think the best way to get there is to first of all draft the right players and develop them properly, not unlike what Moose Jaw has done with Tracey. Of course, as you mentioned, drafting a (veteran) import sniper could help the team as early as next season. I think the Pats still have some assets that they could sell next year, unless they are in the playoff picture, which could make decisions more difficult (or not). With the Rockets hosting the Memorial Cup, I expect the trade market to be strong next year, so the Pats should be looking to sell unless they somehow get off to a hot start. Also, it would be great if the Pats could recruit quality American players. Lastly, it wouldn't hurt if they could find the next Nick Henry in Junior A somewhere, either.

In the short term, I am hoping that the Pats have a strong bantam draft and some of their young players take a noticeable step forward next year.

It was astonishing to read about Tracey's PPG at 1.23., above where Steel and Brooks were at. I think we both recognize that a 16 year old season in Midget AAA made him a much more WHL ready player. I think the same can be said for Beckman in Spokane. Considering Tracey was a 1st round pick, he showed some maturity and intelligence to accept what the GM was saying. Play a lot in midget or play very little in MJ as a 16. It may have hurt his ego a bit then but look at him now. It also shows clearly that it's more important to at least have a pick in the 1st round regardless of where it is. A few years back the Winterhawks picked Cody Glass in the lower half of the draft so you never know.

I think the Pats have to follow a similar model with their young guys. We don't have many higher picks but we have some sleepers I think. Getting Sloan Stanick was a good get by Paddock. As a 15 year old rookie in Midget AAA he has 41 pts in 48 games which is very strong. Sanders 17 in the CSSHL has 34 pts in 33 games this season, a real find may be Josh Paulhus 16 from Saskatoon; he has 49 pts in 44 games in Midget AAA. Jake Snashall 16 has 44 pts in 32 games (1.3 PPG) however the only concern is that he is playing Minor Midget but that may not be that big a concern. Stanick was a lower pick trade, Paulhus and Sanders were list, and Snashall a draft pick 4th round I think. If even a couple of that bunch materialize I think the Pats would be pleased. Adam Grenier 15 out in Burnaby is also putting up some good numbers in the CSSHL. Bringing in a 16 year old who doesn't play that much during games is no good. They are far better off in Midget AAA. Going to a Midget aged draft would be another helpful thing.

I only mention the Import Draft in that the Pats haven't had many opportunities to pick real high in that draft. If the Pats are in the bottom 10 in the CHL they could be looking at a very elite player, perhaps even a drafted player. If they were able to find a big time sniper their dynamics and rebuild would altogether change. I know that a trade would have to happen but one has to look at the opportunity. It would be horrible to see a player the Pats could have had go to a OHL/Quebec team and score 30-40 goals next season.

I too believe it's imperative to get a couple USA kids perhaps like Bohlsen/Panowyk/ETC. We do have a great player in the likes of Henry but it may take some doing. Cater Savoie is lighting it up as a rookie in the AJHL but he too is committed to the NCAA. It's up to Paddock to do the sell job needed to get him here. What a boost it would be if we could ever get Savoie and add a top Import sniper. That would be mind boggling. Then have Pratt replicate what Kastelic and Langin have done this year. They could flip the standings. Unfortunately it's a lot of if and buts.

[Reider]

Adam Beckman is certainly an incredible story as well. 26G, 24A (50Pts, 0.88pts/g) in 57 games, as a 17 year old rookie, after being drafted in the 5th round (96th overall) in 2016. It gets me thinking about what the Pats are doing. I know it's a major rebuild season, which provides a great opportunity for the young players to play in the WHL, but should the Pats have perhaps let Cole Dubinsky play in Midget this year? I"m not sure that there is a right answer and it's still too early to even know as it's his 16 year old season this year, but the Beckman / Tracey seasons sure are incredible. Dubinsky showed well last year when he was called up, but when the season started this year he was still 15 and he is a smaller player. The Pats acquired Justyn Gurney then released him to the BCHL (Surrey), so it's not like the Pats didn't have a body to put on the ice. Gurney is now back in the WHL playing for the Everett Silvertips. If not Gurney, the Pats could have acquired another player.

If the Pats want to keep the group they have and see what happens next year and perhaps make a couple of trades at the deadline next year, then they can do that. However, if they are serious about making a playoff push, they'll need to seriously consider drafting an import sniper for sure. That won't guarantee them anything, but I think it'll give them a better chance, than going into next year without making any changes. Pratt is having a productive 19 year old season, both goaltenders will be 19 next year and the young players will all be a year older next year. Injecting a high end import sniper into the line up would certainly change the team dynamics for the better and it certainly wouldn't hurt the confidence or development of the young players to make the playoffs, if it were to happen. Even if the Pats didn't end up making the playoffs, the increased competitiveness of the team wouldn't hurt the confidence or development of the younger players.

Kolle, Crane, and Alkhimov all have more than 10 goals each this year. They will all be a year older next year and could increase production. Nijhoff is developing into a good 200 foot player and has 17 points so far this year. He's another one that I think could increase production next year. Wright and Massier have both shown flashes of speed / skill / ability to put the puck in the net lately. It would be great if they could break out next year. Duncan Pierce and Koby Morrisseau will both be 19 next year. The Pats will need those guys to produce. Getting Carter Savoie wouldn't hurt either.

[chopper]

It's uncanny you mention Dubinsky. He's a player that came to my mind immediately as someone who would have benefitted from another year in Midget AAA. He was injured, then played some, was a healthy scratch some, had a suspension and has again sat out. I believe when he wasn't scoring he tried to be a little too truculent which in turn lead to him playing a bit too chippy for his own good. He could have stayed at home and played a lighter schedule in Midget AAA. In addition to working on his obvious skills and shot, he could have spent a lot of time in the weight room getting stronger and better conditioned. I feel he would have got a lot more out of the year in Midget than he did here. How he comes to next camp i.e. condition, strength, work ethic and mindset, will determine if he reaches the next level or a level he should be at. After all if Tracey a 1st round pick can be sent back to Midget AAA, it would have been OK for Dubinsky.

You're right that it could go either way next season for the Pats. If the dominoes fall right for them they could compete for a playoff spot, likely as a wildcard. They will have to find some offence and someone who can run a PP and score a big goal in a tight game. Also a player who can play well 3 on 3 and in the shootout. Most importantly is that the goaltending out of the gate has to be much better than it was this season. I feel it was one of the primary reasons the Pats got into the hole far too quickly. The nagging issue of discipline has been and continues to be an issue. It most certainly has to be fixed. If those things happen then along with their work ethic, they could be dangerous. If these things don't happen and they decide to go with what they got, it will likely be a very dissatisfying season. It will lead to sell-off moves at the deadline. It also could possibly put management and coaching in a precarious position.

[chopper]

While the bright spots are a bit hard find, I thought the 4th line if you will played quite well. Dubinsky showed some glimpses of what he might do down the road considering he's only 16. I have liked Alkhimov for a while now. He too is still learning but he has a motor that rarely ever quits. The lack of high end offensive talent really shows up on the PP and sometimes gets us in trouble. Max had a solid game tonight but after him, it thins out pretty fast.

I sat with an ex-WHLer and ex-Pro player friend of mine tonight. His message to me is that he doesn't feel the Pats have progressed enough since the beginning of the season. He pointed out we were still losing early before all the trades. That the early mistakes by the young guys are still the happening the same way, even though they have a season under their belt. The team game and player positioning in the various aspects of the game wasn't up to snuff. We worked together so I have a good respect for him and his hockey knowledge. I wonder what people feel about where we're at, and have we progressed enough?

Wiener Wednesday coming up and awards next Friday. 50/50 jackpot starts out at $27,000 that night. Somebody will take home close to 20K!!

[adventureseeker]

Brutal that the team couldn't even score against a Broncos team that had not won since early January. Injuries to key players play a part but there have been few positive notes to end the season.

[chopper]

Brutal that the team couldn't even score against a Broncos team that had not won since early January. Injuries to key players play a part but there have been few positive notes to end the season.

Welcome to the site adventureseeker! I see it's your first post and thanks for coming on board. New perspectives are always good and welcome. I hope a lot of the older contributors make their way back. There will be much to discuss once the season is officially over. We look forward to reading your thoughts and contributions.

As a season ticket holder I have sat through 33 games this year, a few in MJ, and countless games on-line. It's just as tough as the 05 season. Last nights game was horrible on so many levels. From no fire behind the bench to players checking out early it was myriad of issues. It gets old hearing "body-body-body" being yelled from the bench. I was hoping for so much more even from this player/coaching group considering they had a full season to elevate their game. There appears to be much greater issues than just the players on the ice.

[Reider]

Brandon Wheat Kings 4
Regina Pats 5

Nice win for the Pats last night at a sold out Brandt Center. It was the first sell out of the season, but the Pats were very close to selling out on March 8th vs the Warriors and they've had good fan support all year long. After what the ownership group has done over the last few years, I think fans are hopeful that this ownership group can build another contender. I still hold out hope that they can win Championships and not just build a contender. The Pats had 18 wins going into last nights game, which was their last home game of the season and there were no playoff implications for them. Brandon on the other hand needed to win in order to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Pats had their OA's to play for as well as their jobs for next year and of course for their first sold out crowd of the year.

Things were not looking good in the first period for the Pats. Brandon scored a couple of goals and the Pats were struggling to find the back of the net.. until the 2nd and 3rd periods, when it turned into the Alkhimov / Dubinsky show. The Pats scored two goals in the second and three in the third in a span of 1:31. Sergei Alkhimov scored two goals, while Dubinsky scored a goal and had an assist on Alkhimov's second goal. Schioler and Clayton scored the other two for the Pats.

I thought Dean McNabb played about as well as anybody could have expected him to and at times he stood on his head. On Brandon's first goal, Cole Reinhardt was open in the slot, received a pass, took a shot, which McNabb saved, then Reinhardt put in his own rebound. It's difficult to put this one on the goaltender. Brandon's second goal was in my opinion their nicest goal of the game. Reinhardt was essentially on the ice behind the net, passed it in front of the net to a wide open Burzan, who picked the corner. Once again, that's a tough play for McNabb to make. Brandon's third goal was deflected off of Austin Pratt and McNabb may have been screened on top of it. That's a tough one for any goaltender to make. On Brandon's 4th goal, a wide open Burzan got a rebound in front of the net and shot it into an empty net. Another tough one to make. McNabb made some good saves throughout the game, came out of his crease to stifle Baron Thompson's breakaway and then of course he shut the door on Ben McCartney's penalty shot after Cole Dubinsky put his glove on the puck in the crease.

What a game by Cole Dubinsky. It was not without mistakes, but what 16 year old is not going to make mistakes? He absolutely ran over Ty Thorpe (who is also in his 16 year old season), scored a nice power play goal from the outside and I"m not even going to say which former Pats player he reminded me of when he did that. Then he wins a puck battle in the corner, skates behind the Wheat Kings net and feeds a no-look, behind-the-back pass to Alkhimov for Alkhimov's second of the game. I noticed last year that Dubinsky was doing a lot of the little things right, so it's no surprise that he has elevated his game this year. The Pats have a special player in Cole Dubinsky and it's going to be great to see him make incredible plays for years to come. And we can't ignore the chemistry that Dubinsky and Sergei Alkhimov appear to be building. I know in games past there were instances where Dubinsky set up Alkhimov (remember the behind the back pass in Saskaoon?), but Alkhimov was unable to score. The Pats might want to consider putting those two on the same line next year.

Makai Mitchell went into the boards awkwardly in the second period I believe and didn't return. Hopefully he is okay.

Austin Pratt has been stuck at 24 goals for a few games now, hopefully he can score his 25th tonight.