Chance to crack lineup wins over Pats prospect
The first trade of Sloan Stanick’s hockey career was actually a twofold experience.
The Regina Pats acquired Stanick’s WHL rights from the Everett Silvertips on Jan. 10 — along with a second-round bantam pick in 2020 and a sixth-rounder in 2022 — for veteran forward Robbie Holmes.
Ironically, the news broke about 10 minutes after Stanick’s twin brother Slade — a teammate with the midget AAA Yellowhead Chiefs — was informed that the MJHL’S Virden Oil Capitals had dealt his Junior A rights to the Dauphin Kings.
“It was a little different,” said the native of Rapid City, Man., who made his first appearance with the Pats during their spring prospects camp on the weekend.
“It was a little disappointing at first (to be traded). I didn’t really think that was going to happen, but I got talking to the general manager (John Paddock) and I’m really excited to be a part of the Regina Pats now. They’re a lot closer to home and it’s going to be a lot of fun playing here one day.”
If all goes well, he might not have to wait long.
Stanick, who turns 16 on Aug. 1, is eligible to earn a full-time gig in Regina this coming season.
While there are no guarantees, the Pats are optimistic he’ll be in the thick of the roster competition when training camp begins in late August.
“He has grown since I saw him play in January,” Paddock said of the five-foot-10, 160-pounder, who was selected in the seventh round of the 2018 WHL bantam draft.
“Our reports over the last couple years and last year (suggest) he’s going to be a guy who can play in the Western Hockey League. That went into it when we were talking trade with Everett. We project him as being a solid all-around player. I don’t think he’s going to be flashy or anything, but I think he’s going to find a way to be a solid contributor on the team.”
Stanick enjoyed a solid rookie campaign with Yellowhead last season, notching 21 goals and 41 points in 48 midget AAA games before adding three goals and five points in six playoff contests.
Asked to describe his game, Stanick called himself “a pass-first player” who reads the ice well and makes smart plays.
Like anyone his age, the off-season will be huge in terms of his physical development.
“I’m going to do everything I can this summer to get bigger, stronger and faster, come to fall camp (prepared to) work as hard as I can, and see what happens,” said Stanick, who is especially focused on improving his quickness.
“I need to get a lot faster so I can advance to the next level. I think I’m a strong skater (already). Just the first three strides I need to get a little more powerful.”
Stanick is already up to speed on the Pats, a team in the midst of a total roster overhaul after playing host to the 2018 Memorial Cup.
Regina went from an elite veteran team to one of the league’s youngest clubs last season — a trend that’s expected to continue in 2019-20.
“It’s a great organization to be a part of and they’re on a rebuild so I’ll be able to come here sooner than later, I think,” said Stanick, who practised with 20 other prospects at the Co-operators Centre on the weekend.
“There’s a lot of great kids out here, a lot of skilled players. They’re really fun to play with and I’m excited for the future.”