Pats’ Wagner turning heads
Speedy winger rises in the ranks
After a slow start to his WHL career, Austin Wagner is enjoying life in the fast lane.
In the midst of a breakout season with the Regina Pats, Wagner’s stock is rising exponentially as he gains momentum toward the 2015 NHL draft, slated for June 26-27 in Sunrise, Fla.
Central Scouting kept the ball rolling on Tuesday when Wagner was rated 43rd among North American skaters. Based upon that projection, the speedy winger is a candidate to be selected in the second or third round of the draft.
That’s quite a jump after being graded a ‘C’ prospect (Rounds 4-6) when Central Scouting released its preliminary watch list in November.
Prior to that, he was essentially flying under the radar.
“It’s nice to know you’re getting noticed but it’s just rankings,” said Wagner, 17. “You don’t know what the scouts are thinking. You have to keep focused on the season and not let (the draft) get in your head too much. I can be happy about it but I can’t be over the top because I know I can be much better than I already am.”
Wagner has come a long way since being limited to a part-time role as a rookie in 2013-14, recording one goal and one assist in 42 games. The Calgary product looked like a different player upon his return this season, immediately catching the attention of Regina’s brass with a stellar training camp.
Wagner has carried that momentum into the regular season, notching 13 goals and 31 points in 43 games. Along the way, his blazing speed often makes him one of the most noticeable players on the ice — not to mention one of the most dangerous penalty killers in the league.
“I always knew what I could do as a player but I have developed for sure,” said the 6-foot-2, 180-pounder. “I can’t thank the coaches enough for that. I’m getting the icetime I need to develop. I’m getting the confidence from them and I also have a great linemate. I have Adam Brooks out there and he’s really helping me. Even Pavel Padakin and Braden Christoffer, all the guys I’ve played with, they’ve really helped me and contributed to my success.”
Wagner might deserve some credit as well.
“He has done a great job,” said Pats assistant coach Dave Struch, who called Wagner’s ranking “a very nice surprise.
“We knew he had the speed, he had the shot, the intelligence. He has really been a treat to work with. His hockey IQ has gotten so much better and that’s a big part of where he has shot up to in the Central Scouting (rankings).”
Wagner joined three other members of the Pats on the mid-season list: Forward Jesse Gabrielle (61st) and blueliners Connor Hobbs (100th) and Sergey Zborovskiy (197th).
Gabrielle and Hobbs are both newcomers who were acquired prior to the WHL trade deadline on Jan. 10. Ex- Pat Dryden Hunt — dealt to Medicine Hat for Hobbs — also made Tuesday’s list (No. 160) after being passed over in last year’s draft.
Wagner, meanwhile, is experiencing the pre-draft hype for the first time and he’s trying hard to not let it affect his game.
“My role is a power forward,” he said. “I use my speed. I can’t change my game. Scouts might be talking to me or other players on the team but I don’t think anybody is too worried about that right now. We’re more worried about winning.
“The team’s success is the most important thing. If the team is successful everybody gets noticed. That’s what everybody strives for.”