As training camp opens, Pats face transition year
It’s time for the Regina Pats to turn the page.
After concluding a memorable centennial campaign by reaching the 2018 Memorial Cup final, the host Pats officially begin a new chapter on Saturday when they open main camp at the Brandt Centre.
The roster features 12 players who dressed in last season’s finale — a 3-0 loss to the QMJHL’S Acadie-bathurst Titan — and a total of 20 players who saw action with the WHL club last season.
Despite those numbers, there’s plenty of room for younger prospects to challenge for jobs as the Pats enter a transition year that’s expected to feature a mix of youth and experience.
There’s no competition at the top of this depth chart.
Former backup Max Paddock is the unchallenged starter after his standout showing at the Memorial Cup in Regina.
“He’s the No. 1 goalie,” said GM John Paddock. “There’s no reason to think he’s going to take a step back. He needs to improve, obviously, but we believe he’s a real key to the team.”
Veteran Kyle Dumba — Regina’s third-stringer last season — provides a nice insurance policy if Paddock were injured.
However, it’s tough to imagine the team carrying a 20-year-old backup. That opens the door for undrafted prospect Matthew Pesenti, who spent last season with the midget AAA Saskatoon Blazers. He’ll be challenged by fellow 17-year-old Carter Woodside, a former Prince Albert Minto who was acquired Monday from the Kootenay Ice.
“Adding Carter gives us depth that we didn’t have,” said Paddock. “He’ll be given a chance with Pesenti and possibly Dumba to be the backup. It creates competition.”
There’s a good chance the Pats will deploy three 20-year-old defencemen this season.
They have four: Cale Fleury, Brady Pouteau, Liam Schioler and Aaron Hyman. Pouteau is out until October due to off-season shoulder surgery and Fleury could turn pro if he signs with the Montreal Canadiens.
Either way, it’s a position of strength.
“They’re a key to our team being competitive,” Paddock said of the vets.
Russian rookie Nikita Sedov potentially rounds out the top four. He’s followed by Parker Gavlas, Marco Creta and Jonas Harkins, each of whom saw limited action last season. They could be pushed by a group of youngsters including Ryker Evans, 17 and Samuel Mcginley, 16.
“It’s going to be a strength but how is it going to work out?” said Paddock. “Marco and Parker and Jonas have to take steps. That’s more to be seen once we start camp.”
Regardless, Paddock believes there’s enough depth to avoid rushing a younger player.
“Ryker Evans is possibly ready and Mcginley is going to be a real good player,” said Paddock. “But is he ready as a 16-year-old? It’s hard for a 16-year-old defenceman to play in the league. It’s easier for a forward. It doesn’t mean he can or can’t. He’s going to be given lots of opportunities to see what he does. We’re not going to rush him. We want young players to play but we also want to be competitive this year as a team.”
Veterans Jake Leschyshyn and Nick Henry are proven players who will carry the load offensively. The Pats’ brass also believes that Robbie Holmes, Austin Pratt and Koby Morrisseau are capable of making a big jump to help round out the top six.
Another Russian rookie, Sergei Alkhimov, will be given a chance to join them.
“Leschyshyn and Henry are clearly top-six guys on anybody ’s team,” said Paddock. “Robbie Holmes can play in a lot of teams’ top six — top nine for sure. It remains to be seen but we’re encouraged by Austin Pratt’s commitment this summer. We’re encouraged by Koby’s commitment this summer. Those guys are two big keys for our team.”
Logan Nijhoff is one of the team’s most promising sophomores while top prospect Cole Dubinsky is expected to make the team despite an ankle injury that could keep him out until the regular season.
“We think Logan is going to develop into a good player,” said Paddock. “Dubinsky is going to be a 16-year-old but he showed (a lot) last year. He’s bigger and stronger. He should be able to play.”
The Pats have also pencilled in Garrett Wright and Carter Massier. Both are undrafted 17-year-olds who signed last season.
“We believe they can play,” said Paddock. “They’re going to compete for ice time right now. They have lots of things that we like — the skating (ability) and stuff. By the time they’ve played for three months, they’ll be used to the league. We think they’re going to be good players.”
The Pats also have some “good role guys” among their returnees to compete in the bottom six. Veteran Bryce Platt is in camp to fight for a 20-year-old spot while Scott Mahovlich has a chance to move up the lineup.
“We really like (Mahovlich) despite not scoring (last season),” added Paddock. “(Duncan) Pierce and (Riley) Krane are similar guys. They’re going to gets lots of opportunities to bring what they bring to the team. It’s potentially a morethan adequate mix to get it done.”