Newest Pats surprised but excited about trade
Ty Kolle and Jadon Joseph took different routes to the same destination.
The two newest members of the Regina Pats arrived at the Brandt Centre on Friday after being acquired 24 hours earlier from the Lethbridge Hurricanes. Joseph had spent his entire WHL career in Lethbridge while Kolle just recently joined the ’Canes following a trade from the Portland Winterhawks.
“It took us both kind of by surprise,” Kolle said before making his Pats debut on Friday night against the host Brandon Wheat Kings. “I only spent a month in Lethbridge but I got really close with the guys so it was a bit tough — but it’s the name of the game. I’ve already been though the process once. I’m kind of showing Jo the ropes on what it’s like getting traded.”
Joseph, 19, is headed for his best statistical WHL campaign, notching 10 goals and 19 points in 23 games. The third-year centre had nine goals and 32 points in 53 games last season before he added three goals and 12 points in 16 playoff contests, helping Lethbridge reach the Eastern Conference final for the second straight year.
“I didn’t see (the trade) coming but I see the opportunity that I have here and I’m pretty excited,” said the speedy centre, who’s listed at six-foot-one, 172 pounds. “The biggest thing I really want to bring is leadership. Whatever I can do, I’m going to help everybody here.”
Kolle benefited from a change of scenery after starting this season with Portland, where he recorded one assist in four games. The 18-year-old winger broke out following the trade to Lethbridge, compiling seven goals and 11 points in 17 contests.
“I was a third-, fourth-line guy (with Portland),” explained the five-foot-eight, 178-pounder. “Going to Lethbridge kind of flipped me around. They gave me some opportunity (to play a larger role). Then I talked to (GM) Pete (Anholt) and he said I was coming here. He said I’d get more opportunity. I didn’t think it could get any better than what I got in Lethbridge but from what I’ve been hearing, it is going to get better.”
After playing together at times with Lethbridge, Joseph and Kolle will start out on Regina’s No. 1 line alongside leading scorer Austin Pratt. His size and offensive prowess should complement the two newcomers.
“They’re smaller, hard-working guys,” said head coach Dave Struch, whose team plays home games Saturday against the Prince Albert Raiders and Sunday versus the Medicine Hat Tigers.
“They ’re going to be able to play a 200-foot game and their work ethic is phenomenal. Those are things that we pride ourselves on. I think they’re going to fit in really good with us. They know they’re going to get a real good opportunity to be top guys for us.”
Kolle and Joseph expressed excitement about stepping right into the roles vacated by the frontline players for whom they were traded: Jake Leschyshyn and Nick Henry.
No pressure.
“Those are pretty big shoes to fill,” admitted Kolle. “That’s what we’ve kind of been hearing is that’s what they want from us. But I feel good about it.”
So does Joseph.
“I’m always up to a challenge,” he added. “Those are great guys (the Pats) lost but hopefully Ty and I can fit right in.”