Pats see huge change in Pratt since off season
Austin Pratt seems to have gained a lot more than he lost in the off-season — and that’s saying something.
The 19-year-old power forward responded to a disappointing 201718 season by shedding between 25 and 30 pounds over the summer.
It was a stunning transformation that instantly caught the Regina Pats’ attention when he reported for camp and impressed them even more when the still-imposing sixfoot-three, 206-pounder put his new look to the test in the WHL pre-season.
“It’s very visible on the ice; he’s like a new player,” offered GM John Paddock, whose team plays its home opener Saturday night against the Prince Albert Raiders. “We didn’t have some guys in the lineup (during the exhibition schedule) but to me he usually looked like our best forward every night.”
Although Pratt still needs to prove himself in the regular season, he’s positioned to reward the faith of a team that had high hopes after acquiring him from the Red Deer Rebels midway through last season.
The Pats viewed Pratt as someone who would add size and skill to an already formidable squad that was preparing to host the 2018 Memorial Cup. Unfortunately for both parties, he struggled to gain a foothold in their lineup and ended up with just four assists in 21 regular-season games.
“I came in and I was a little out of shape — not the way I wanted to be,” recalled Pratt, who had 16 goals and 34 points in 70 games with Red Deer in 2016-17. “This team was so good last year that it was tough to get into a spot.
“It was tough, but I’m really happy I got traded here. It was an amazing experience getting to be around great players like Sam (Steel), (Josh) Mahura, (Cam) Hebig and learning from them and being around great hockey minds like Dave (Struch) and John and (Brad Herauf ), all of them. I learned a lot and it really helped me out for this year.”
Pratt also took the necessary steps to help himself — with some encouragement from the coaches.
“They told me if I have a good off-season and I come (back) in shape they’re going to give me every chance to play a lot,” said Pratt. “That’s all I focused on in the offseason.
“It was definitely a 24/7 job. I took a few days off to enjoy and be a kid but not too many. I stuck to a program and worked my butt off. I tried to learn a little more every day about my body, about my nutrition, about my sleep — everything.”
The results are obvious.
Pratt recorded a team-high three goals in five pre-season games and looked good doing it, appearing much quicker than his sluggish former self.
“He has been one of our best leaders to this point just by the visual of what he has done — the weight loss and the commitment (to do it),” noted Struch, Regina’s head coach.
“You see him on the ice, he’s a dominating force out there right now. He’s just learning how to use that size and his speed and the shot and his skill. As a young kid, he had all of that. He’s going to get a real good opportunity to use it all again. We’re looking forward to it.”
So is Pratt, who’s highly motivated to fulfil his potential.
“I looked at all the top guys (last season) and how much they played,” he added. “That’s what I wanted, so that’s why I worked so hard. I want the challenge of being one of the top players.”