Brook could dress for Pats in month

Jakob Brook is on the road to recovery.

The 17-year-old forward — acquired last week from the Prince Albert Raiders — is slated to travel to Regina this weekend and officially join the Pats when they return from the West Coast.

Brook underwent successful surgery on Thursday in Saskatoon to repair torn knee cartilage. The damaged portion of the meniscus was removed and no further issues were reported.

“It went good,” said GM John Paddock.

That’s big news for the Pats, who have every reason to believe their prized acquisition will return before season’s end.

In fact, Brook told the Leader-post earlier this week that he’s determined to do so.

The 6-foot-2, 184-pounder is recovering from a similar injury to the one suffered last summer by Pats rookie Drew Englot, who had surgery in August and returned in time for Regina’s last two pre-season games in mid-september.

Brook is expected to be out four to six weeks.

“That’s the time frame,” Paddock said. “In my heart I hope it’s four weeks. That means the middle of February. I just know his goal is to play. Six weeks puts us to about the first of March. Who knows, though. If there’s any risk, then he won’t play.”

Brook is expected to report Monday to the Brandt Centre, where he’ll commence treatment under the guidance of athletic therapist Greg Mayer.

Brook will also begin the process of getting acclimated to his new team.

“Until you’re able to play it’s not a real visible thing but (it’s important) for us internally,” Paddock said. “He’s sort of the showpiece player that we were able to acquire (for veteran goalie Max Paddock).

Just to have him around will be good for us.”

The Pats expect a smooth transition.

“He’s good friends with Drew so that’s a good step,” Paddock noted.

“That’s two big pieces for us down the road. It just seems like a good fit. Hopefully he makes a quick recovery.”

The Pats will return home after concluding their U.S. Division trip on Saturday night against the Spokane Chiefs. Regina has been playing short-handed due to injuries, prompting the team to call up 15-year-old defenceman Layton Feist from Okanagan Hockey Academy and 17-year-old forward Josh Paulhus from the SJHL’S Humboldt Broncos.

Another prospect on the radar is 16-year-old forward Easton Armstrong, who signed a standard WHL player agreement with Regina on Wednesday. The California native is expected to compete for a roster spot next season, but the Pats hope to get a look at him even sooner.

“I’m not 100 per cent sure when,” Paddock said. “But our plan is for him to get in a game or two this year.”

Armstrong is the second-leading scorer with the Los Angeles Jr. Kings, notching 12 goals and 21 points in 16 games. The team’s top scorer is Ean Somoza (14 goals and 29 points in 16 games). Regina acquired Somoza’s WHL rights from the Everett Silvertips on Jan. 4 in the Ty Kolle deal.

The Pats have some work to do to recruit the highly touted American prospect. Paddock said he doesn’t yet have a read on the situation one way or the other, but the lines of communication are open.

“We’ve talked to him quite a bit,” said the Pats’ GM. “We’ll go to see him play at some point. At this stage that’s all it is, just communication.”