The Regina Pats, a storied franchise in the Western Hockey League (WHL), are embarking on their 96th season with renewed optimism and a focus on growth. As the oldest continuously operating major junior hockey franchise in the world, the Pats have a rich history, including four Memorial Cup championships and a legacy of developing NHL talent.
A Season of Rebuilding and Hope
After missing the playoffs for the past two seasons, the Regina Pats are aiming to take the next step in their rebuilding process. Last season saw the team finish with a 16-44-5-3 record, the second-lowest in the WHL. However, this challenging season yielded a significant reward: the Pats won the 2025 WHL Draft Lottery.
With the first overall pick, the Pats selected Regina native Maddox Schultz, a highly touted forward who led the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League (SMAAAHL) in goals, assists, and points last season. Schultz is only the third player in franchise history to be chosen first overall, joining Connor Bedard (2020) and Colten Teubert (2005). The Pats further bolstered their prospect pool by acquiring the third overall pick in a trade with Kelowna, selecting forward Liam Pue. Both Schultz and Pue are set to make their WHL debuts this season, bringing excitement and promise to the Queen City.
Opening Games and Roster Adjustments
The Pats opened their 2025-26 season on the road against the Swift Current Broncos on September 19, 2025. Unfortunately, they dropped their season opener to the Swift Current Broncos, falling 4-3. However, the team bounced back with a 4-2 victory over the Broncos on October 4, 2025. Key goals were scored by Keets Fawcett, Ellis Mieyette, Zachary Lansard, and Julien Maze. Goaltender Marek Schlenker earned his first win of the season, stopping 30 of 32 shots. The Pats then faced the Medicine Hat Tigers and the Prince Albert Raiders, with a home opener against the Raiders on September 26. The Pats made a strong push in the second and third periods but came up just short in a 6-4 loss to the Prince Albert Raiders.
General Manager Dale Derkatch has been actively shaping the roster, making several trades to acquire draft picks and address specific needs. The team traded Zach Pantelakis, Ashton Brown, and Cameron Kuzma, while acquiring goaltender Marek Schlenker to provide depth in net.
Leadership and Key Players
The Regina Pats have named 20-year-old defenseman Ephram McNutt as their captain for the 2025-26 season. McNutt's leadership will be crucial in guiding the young team through the challenges of the WHL season. Other key players to watch include overage goaltender Kelton Pyne, whose performance in net will be a significant factor in the team's success. Ellis Mieyette, a 19-year-old forward who had 51 points in 48 games in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), is also expected to contribute offensively.
Looking Ahead
The Regina Pats face a challenging but promising season ahead. With a blend of young talent and veteran leadership, the team aims to improve on last season's record and compete for a playoff spot. The development of young stars like Maddox Schultz and Liam Pue will be crucial to the team's long-term success, and the guidance of captain Ephram McNutt and key players like Kelton Pyne and Ellis Mieyette will be essential in navigating the ups and downs of the WHL season.
The Pats continue their season with home games against the Vancouver Giants and Kamloops Blazers on October 11 and 13, respectively. As the team progresses, fans can anticipate thrilling hockey and the development of a team poised to contend in the WHL for years to come.
