The Pats continued to lock up the hockey operations department today, announcing contract extensions for assistant coaches Malcolm Cameron and Josh Dixon. The one year extensions bring Cameron and Dixon in line with the deals of General Manager Chad Lang and Head Coach Pat Conacher with all of the contracts coming up for renewal during the 2014 off-season.
A common thread for the organization when it comes to these extensions is 'continuity'. Team President Brent Parker mentioned it when talking about signing Lang's extension, and Lang spoke about it when dealing with Dixon and Cameron. The coaching staff and general manager are all on the same page now for contract length and the idea is it gives them the confidence and freedom to work as a more cohesive unit.
Thursday, 23 August 2012
Wednesday, 15 August 2012
Long, Long Distance Phone Call with Morgan Klimchuk
Admittedly, getting a hold of Pats Forward Morgan Klimchuk after Team Canada's U18 team took care of Sweden 7-5 in Piestany, Slovakia ran into a couple hitches. Mainly because of my lack of understanding when it comes to phoning different countries. It's not exactly something I do on a regular basis, though I'm guessing it will happen a little more often in the future. When I finally figured out what I was doing wrong, I had a good chat with Morgan. The audio of that conversation is available in its entirety at ReginaPats.com.
Canada picked up its second win at the annual Ivan Hlinka Tournament with the victory over Sweden. It was also the game Klimchuk picked up his first goal of the tournament. On his first shift of the game no less. "The hard work payed off for me, I was going to the net and managed to put one home," says Klimchuk, "I'm just trying to do whatever I can to contribute and today that was by scoring a goal."
Klimchuk's early goal actually put the Canadians up two-nothing before the game was two minutes old. Possible number one overall pick, Nathan MacKinnon, led off the scoring only 32 seconds into the contest. Klimchuk hasn't exactly been in the conversation for being the top pick at next summer's NHL draft, but he's among the prospects getting a good look for the first round. This week's tournament gives him a chance to play alongside many of those highly touted prospects.
Canada picked up its second win at the annual Ivan Hlinka Tournament with the victory over Sweden. It was also the game Klimchuk picked up his first goal of the tournament. On his first shift of the game no less. "The hard work payed off for me, I was going to the net and managed to put one home," says Klimchuk, "I'm just trying to do whatever I can to contribute and today that was by scoring a goal."
Klimchuk's early goal actually put the Canadians up two-nothing before the game was two minutes old. Possible number one overall pick, Nathan MacKinnon, led off the scoring only 32 seconds into the contest. Klimchuk hasn't exactly been in the conversation for being the top pick at next summer's NHL draft, but he's among the prospects getting a good look for the first round. This week's tournament gives him a chance to play alongside many of those highly touted prospects.
Tuesday, 14 August 2012
Pats Extend Lang Through 2013-14
The Pats announced this morning that General Manager Chad Lang's contract will be extended through the 2013-14 season.
The extension comes after Lang has done some pretty good work with the Pats since arriving two years ago. In the last couple seasons Lang restructured the coaching staff, changed up the scouting department and overhauled the on ice product.
Bringing in Pat Conacher as head coach along with Josh Dixon and Malcolm Cameron as assistants before last season was a big step forward for the club that showed impressive results in only one season with the team returning to the post season after a three year absence.
While not immediately evident, some of the fruits of Dale McMullin's labour should be showing up soon as prospects step through the ranks to become every day Pats. Speaking of prospects, they'll be on display come Training Camp which opens August 30th (registration) and gets into full swing the next day.
Getting back to Lang, the list players he brought in the last couple years have been impressive. Guys like Lane Scheidl, Martin Marincin and Colton Jobke have all been impact players for Regina. He also had to deal with a tough situation last year in what to do with Jordan Weal at the deadline. Lang decided to keep Weal and go for it with the Marincin acquisition and if a few things go the Pats way, maybe we're talking about them going on a bit of a run in last year's playoffs.
With all of that, Lang earned the right to continue on and know well in advance he'll be back for a further season. It will be interesting to see, now that this Pats team definitely has his stamp on it, where Lang goes from here.
For more Pats news head over to ReginaPats.com and remember season tickets are on sale now so check out the website for more info or call 522-5604.
-D
The extension comes after Lang has done some pretty good work with the Pats since arriving two years ago. In the last couple seasons Lang restructured the coaching staff, changed up the scouting department and overhauled the on ice product.
Bringing in Pat Conacher as head coach along with Josh Dixon and Malcolm Cameron as assistants before last season was a big step forward for the club that showed impressive results in only one season with the team returning to the post season after a three year absence.
While not immediately evident, some of the fruits of Dale McMullin's labour should be showing up soon as prospects step through the ranks to become every day Pats. Speaking of prospects, they'll be on display come Training Camp which opens August 30th (registration) and gets into full swing the next day.
Getting back to Lang, the list players he brought in the last couple years have been impressive. Guys like Lane Scheidl, Martin Marincin and Colton Jobke have all been impact players for Regina. He also had to deal with a tough situation last year in what to do with Jordan Weal at the deadline. Lang decided to keep Weal and go for it with the Marincin acquisition and if a few things go the Pats way, maybe we're talking about them going on a bit of a run in last year's playoffs.
With all of that, Lang earned the right to continue on and know well in advance he'll be back for a further season. It will be interesting to see, now that this Pats team definitely has his stamp on it, where Lang goes from here.
For more Pats news head over to ReginaPats.com and remember season tickets are on sale now so check out the website for more info or call 522-5604.
-D
Tuesday, 7 August 2012
Klimchuk Makes U18 Team
Good news for Pats forward Morgan Klimchuk on Monday as he got through the final round of cuts to make Hockey Canada's National Summer Under-18 team.
Klimchuk grabbed a spot on the 22-man roster in a camp of 40 of the top players around the country. Team Canada heads to Slovakia and the Czech Republic for the Memorial of Ivan Hlinka Tournament coming up August 13th and running through August 18th.
It has been a good month for Klimchuk as he was mentioned on the Central Scouting Service's "A-List" at the beginning of July, labeling him as a player to watch for the upcoming NHL Draft. A strong summer is always key for a draft eligible player and heading to the Ivan Hlinka tournament will give Klimchuk a chance to build momentum heading into Pats Training Camp at the end of August and into the pre-season.
Expectations are high for the Calgary native after he totaled 36 points (18G, 18A) in his first full WHL campaign. Along with Chandler Stephenson, Klimchuk will have to handle a lot more offensive responsibility and pressure, not to mention high draft expectations through the year.
The Ivan Hlinka Tournament represents a great opportunity for Klimchuk to start off what could be a very special year for the Pats forward. It will be great to see him don the Maple Leaf in search of a Gold Medal.
For more on Morgan Klimchuk joining team Canada's Summer U18 team, check out ReginaPats.com.
-D
Klimchuk grabbed a spot on the 22-man roster in a camp of 40 of the top players around the country. Team Canada heads to Slovakia and the Czech Republic for the Memorial of Ivan Hlinka Tournament coming up August 13th and running through August 18th.It has been a good month for Klimchuk as he was mentioned on the Central Scouting Service's "A-List" at the beginning of July, labeling him as a player to watch for the upcoming NHL Draft. A strong summer is always key for a draft eligible player and heading to the Ivan Hlinka tournament will give Klimchuk a chance to build momentum heading into Pats Training Camp at the end of August and into the pre-season.
Expectations are high for the Calgary native after he totaled 36 points (18G, 18A) in his first full WHL campaign. Along with Chandler Stephenson, Klimchuk will have to handle a lot more offensive responsibility and pressure, not to mention high draft expectations through the year.
The Ivan Hlinka Tournament represents a great opportunity for Klimchuk to start off what could be a very special year for the Pats forward. It will be great to see him don the Maple Leaf in search of a Gold Medal.
For more on Morgan Klimchuk joining team Canada's Summer U18 team, check out ReginaPats.com.
-D
Wednesday, 11 July 2012
Pats to Retire Jordan Eberle's #7 Jersey
At the Centre Ice Celebration, a gala ahead of tomorrow's Eberle and Friends Golf Classic, the Pats announced they'll retire Jordan Eberle's jersey this upcoming season. The big date is October 9th when the Pats welcome the Portland Winterhawks to the Brandt Centre.
Eberle becomes just the ninth player in Pats history to have the honour of seeing his number in the rafters and when you look at the numbers, it's hard to argue what the now Edmonton Oiler meant to the franchise. He sits thirteenth on the team's all time scoring list having lead the Pats in scoring three years during his WHL career. In his final year of junior, Eberle was named the WHL and CHL Player of the Year in a season where he totaled 56 goals and 50 assists.
Despite being named the Pats' MVP twice in his tenure, Eberle's junior years will likely be remembered more for his contributions while wearing a Team Canada jersey. Only Eric Lindros holds more career points at the World Junior Championships than Eberle (and Brayden Schenn, both have 26 points) and his last second goal at the 2009 World Juniors in Ottawa will be on highlight reels for a very long time.
Taken 22nd overall by the Oilers in the 2008 Draft, Eberle is quickly translating his success at the junior level to the pro game. His sophomore season in the big leagues saw him total 76 points in 78 games, capping off the season as a finalist for the Lady Byng Trophy.
What Eberle has accomplished within the glass at such a young age (22) is impressive to say the least. However, it was what he does away from the rink that caught the eye of Pats President, Brent Parker. "For me it was the class with which he conducted himself off the ice and in our community that separates him from others and truly makes him one of the best Pats of all time," Parker commented in tonight's release.
It's fitting, then, that the announcement came at an event where Eberle is taking time to give back to the community through Thursday's golf tournament in support of the Regina Hospitals Foundation.
For more on Jordan Eberle's jersey retirement, make sure you head over to ReginaPats.com.
-D
Eberle becomes just the ninth player in Pats history to have the honour of seeing his number in the rafters and when you look at the numbers, it's hard to argue what the now Edmonton Oiler meant to the franchise. He sits thirteenth on the team's all time scoring list having lead the Pats in scoring three years during his WHL career. In his final year of junior, Eberle was named the WHL and CHL Player of the Year in a season where he totaled 56 goals and 50 assists.Despite being named the Pats' MVP twice in his tenure, Eberle's junior years will likely be remembered more for his contributions while wearing a Team Canada jersey. Only Eric Lindros holds more career points at the World Junior Championships than Eberle (and Brayden Schenn, both have 26 points) and his last second goal at the 2009 World Juniors in Ottawa will be on highlight reels for a very long time.
What Eberle has accomplished within the glass at such a young age (22) is impressive to say the least. However, it was what he does away from the rink that caught the eye of Pats President, Brent Parker. "For me it was the class with which he conducted himself off the ice and in our community that separates him from others and truly makes him one of the best Pats of all time," Parker commented in tonight's release.
It's fitting, then, that the announcement came at an event where Eberle is taking time to give back to the community through Thursday's golf tournament in support of the Regina Hospitals Foundation.
For more on Jordan Eberle's jersey retirement, make sure you head over to ReginaPats.com.
-D
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
Pats Select Sylvegard in Import Draft
Imagine my surprise when I walked into the office this morning and was told the Pats had already made their selection in the 2012 CHL Import Draft. The draft schedule gives each team ten minutes to make a pick and the Pats were slated to pick around noon today. This year's draft is rolling along, though with the second round of the sixty team draft almost complete.
The Pats used their 32nd overall pick to take Emil Sylvegard, a sizable Swede who comes in with previous CHL experience. Sylvegard suited up for the Drummondville Voltigeurs last season in the QMJHL and picked up 31 points in 65 games. Pats GM Chad Lang is confident that year of experience and familiarity with the North American game will lead Sylvegard to a breakout season in the WHL.
The Pats used their 32nd overall pick to take Emil Sylvegard, a sizable Swede who comes in with previous CHL experience. Sylvegard suited up for the Drummondville Voltigeurs last season in the QMJHL and picked up 31 points in 65 games. Pats GM Chad Lang is confident that year of experience and familiarity with the North American game will lead Sylvegard to a breakout season in the WHL.
Monday, 25 June 2012
Getting Settled
The blog has been pretty quiet since saying my goodbyes/thank you's to La Ronge and the SJHL. As I said in my previous post, it's my intent to continue writing this blog, but it may be a little sporadic for the first while as I get familiar with my new job and surroundings in Regina.
When it was all said and done one current Regina Pat and two prospects were drafted in Pittsburgh. Chandler Stephenson was taken 77th overall by the Capitals while Brady Skjei (28th-NYR, USA-U18) and
Rhett Holland (102nd-PHX, AJHL-Okotoks) were the two prospects selected. Pats GM Chad Lang hopes Skjei and Holland being drafted may help bring both defencemen into the Pats lineup next season.
This weekend I emptied and broke down my last moving box and got my new place set up just how I want it (which for me can be a bigger battle than it should be). That was followed by a busy couple days with the NHL Draft Friday and Saturday. As I don't yet have my internet and cable hooked up, this made following the draft a touch trickier than I would have liked, but my hefty data plan came in handy.
When it was all said and done one current Regina Pat and two prospects were drafted in Pittsburgh. Chandler Stephenson was taken 77th overall by the Capitals while Brady Skjei (28th-NYR, USA-U18) andRhett Holland (102nd-PHX, AJHL-Okotoks) were the two prospects selected. Pats GM Chad Lang hopes Skjei and Holland being drafted may help bring both defencemen into the Pats lineup next season.
The Pats did have a couple more players eligible for the draft in
Dominik Volek and Jack Rodewald who weren't selected. While that's obviously tough to go through for both guys, Lang is confident both will have opportunities through Free Agent tryouts this summer.
Dominik Volek and Jack Rodewald who weren't selected. While that's obviously tough to go through for both guys, Lang is confident both will have opportunities through Free Agent tryouts this summer.
Drafting remains the theme of the week when the CHL holds its 2012 Import Draft, Wednesday (27th). As it stands, the Pats hold the 32nd overall pick though with all the wheeling and dealing that goes on around the Import Draft, that could change. Last year, when Regina grabbed Volek ninth overall, around half of the picks changed hands.
Wednesday is a busy day with the 2012-13 WHL Regular Season Schedule coming out as well. Make sure to check out ReginaPats.com for Import Draft details as well as the schedule when Wednesday rolls around.
The new season's drawing ever closer (only about three months away now) make sure to get your 2012-13 Season Tickets. Call the Pats Office (306-522-7287) for more information.
-D
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