Regina Pats Releases and Reassignments

Players Released

F - Chase Brakel
F - Daylon Creasy
F - Nakehko Lamothe
F - Clay Lang 
F - Braydon MacDonald
F - Lane Olsen 
F - Hayden Schwarz

 

D - Sean Buchanan 
D - Tom Dakers 
D - Cole Jones 
D - Ryan Krushen 
D - Taylor Leicht
D - Liam Watson
D - Sean Whelan

 

G - Nathan Warren

G – Anthony Hamill

Players Reassigned

F - Drew Litwin

 

D - Brady Pouteau
D - Jared Freadrich

 

G - Kurtis Chapman
G - Patrick Gora

Regina Pats Training Camp Day 4 Recap

 

 

Team Blue and Team White skated in the first scrimmage of the day. White started goaltender Nick Schneider while Blue went with Dawson MacAuley.

 

Dmitry Sinitsyn made his camp debut on Saturday. He had some troubles getting to Canada from Russia but was able to get here and looked pretty good in his first time on the ice. 

 

Team Blue got on the board first as Carson Samoridny took a slap shot from the right side and beat the goaltender on the short side. Then we had a fight in the frame as Tom Dakers dropped the gloves with Nakehko Lamothe. The first period ended with Blue up 1-0.

 

In the second period MacAuley stayed in goal for Blue while White went with Anthony Hamill. Team White tied the game as Connor Gay made a move to the backhand and it was 1-1. Then on the same shift Connor Gay did it again with the backhand move to give White the 2-1 lead. At the 12 minute mark of the second Dawson MacAuley was replaced by Kurtis Chapman in goal. Blue would tie it at 2's as Carson Samoridny got his second of the game from Sam Steel. Then Tye Hand dropped the gloves with Dexter Bricker just before the second ended.

 

In the 3rd, Chapman stayed in goal for Blue while Beukeboom started for Team White. Very early Hand and Bricker went for round two with another fight. There was another dust up at the end of the period as Hand fought for the third time, this time with Marc McCoy. There were no goals in the third and the game ended in a 2-2 tie.

 

Connor Gay for the second day in a row was one of the best players on the ice. He has come in looking like a guy ready to be an impact player and his off season work really seems to be paying off. I was also impressed with Adam Brooks in the morning scrimmage. He looks like hes gotten stronger and the kid can skate. Both Chapman and Beukeboom pitched shutouts in goal in their time in the game.

 

I talked with Dmitry Sinitsyn and Connor Gay after the first scrimmage. 

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The second scrimmage of the day saw Team Blue back on the ice against Team Red. Partick Gora started in goal for Red while Blue went with Kurtis Chapman. Red scored the games first goal as Jack Rodewald took a pass from Chandler Stephenson and buried to make it 1-0. That was ll the scoring in the opening frame.

In the second Nathan Warren come into the net for Red while Chapman stayed in for Blue. Red made it 2-0 as Bryar Ortynski scored on a pass from Jack Rodewald. There was a fight early in the frame as Kendall Fransoo and Braydon MacDonald went toe to toe. It was a good tilt with both players landing some punches. Dawson MacAuley entered the goal for Team Blue at the 7 minute mark. Red then took the 3-0 lead as Rodewald buried his second of the game with Sean Whalen picking up the assist. Blue battled back late in the period starting with Trent Ouellette who forced a turnover and made a nice move for the goal. It was 3-1 and then Blue made it 3-2, this time Patrick D'Amico finished a loose puck top shelf and that was how the period ended.

In the 3rd MacAuley stayed in goal for Team Blue while Teagan Sacher got the nod for Team Red. Rodewald completed the ahttrick in the early parts of the third to make it 4-2 Team Red. Then Blue got id back after Dmitry Sinitsyn made a nice play and Samoridny hammered a one timer past Sacher making it 4-3. Blue pulled their goaltender late in the game but couldn't find the equalizer and it ended 4-3. Jack Rodewald looked great in this one with 3 goals and an assist.

I talked with Dryden Hunt and Maximilliam Kammerer after the session.

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The third and final scrimmage of the day was between Team White and Team Red. Teagan Sacher started in goal for Team Red and Adam Beukeboom for Team White. Chandler Sephenson opened the scoring for Team Red on a nice shot that beat Beukeboom 5 hole. Dryden Hunt made it 2-0 Red as he tucked a puck home from the side of the net. Chandler Stephenson got his second of the game on a pass from Rykr Cole that made it 3-0. Team White got one back as Daylon Creasy scored is first of training camp and it was 3-1 after 1.

In the second Adam Beukeboom stayed in goal for Team White while Nathan Warren came in for Team Red. Dyson Stevenson and Marc McCoy dropped the gloves early in the frame. At the 12 minute mark Beukeboom was replaced in goal by Nick Schneider. Red made it 4-1 as Adam Berg was the beneficiary of a stong play by Jack Rodewald who stole a puck using his body and fed him in front. Thats how the second ended.

The third period saw Patrick Gora start in goal for Team Red while Schneider stayed in for White. Chase Brakel scored for Team White on a backhand that went off  skate and in. It was then 4-2 Red. Then Dryden Hunt made it 5-2 as he finished a nice pass from Colton Kroeker for his second of the game. Dyson Stevenson then dropped the gloves for the second time this time with Dane Schioler. The game ended in a 5-2 Red win.

I talked with Head Coach Malcolm Cameron, Forward Adam Brooks and Defenseman Colby Williams after the scrimmage.

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Embed Music - Upload Audio Files - COLBY WILLIAMS

The Annual Prairie Mobile Blue and White game is Sunday morning at 11AM at the Cooperators Centre. A total of 42 players will make it to that game meaning the team will cut 24 players this evening.

Regina Pats Training Camp Day 3 Recap

Main Camp got under way with Team White taking on Team Red in the first scrimmage.

The team brought forward 21 players from rookie camp. The cuts made were as follows. Forwards Koal Roberts, Keelan Saworski and Riley Woods. Defensemen Mark Edmands, Chase Goods, Lyall Mitchell, and Sam MacBean. Goalies Mitchel Adamyk and Troy Martyniuk. Second round pick defenseman Liam Schioler left camp early to head back to school in Minnesota.

Team White consists of Forwards Dexter Bricker, Adam Brooks, Daylon Creasy, Jacob Elmer, Connor Gay, Nakehko Lamothe, Geordie Maguire, Marc McCoy, Dane Schioler, Luc Smith, Austin Wagner and Chase Brakel. The defensemen are Darian Henry, James Hilsendager, Cole Jones, Brendan Kallis, Ryan Krushen, Tyler Leicht, Brady Pouteau and Colby Williams. The goalies are Adam Beukeboom, Anthony Hamill and Nick Schneider.

Team Red consists of forwards Adam Berg, Rykr Cole, Dryden Hunt, Maximillian Kammerere, Colton Kroeker, Drew Litwin, Bryar Ortynski, Jack Rodewald, Chandler Stephenson, Dyson Stevenson and Lane Olsen. The defensemen are Kyle Burroughs, Luke Fenske, Kendall Fransoo, Rob Fulton, Chase Harrison, Liam Watson, Sean Whalen and Stephen Hak. The goalies are Patrick Gora, Teagan Sacher and Nathan Warren.

Beukeboom started in goal for Team White while Teagan Sacher got the nod for Team Red.

The goals started early with Austin Wagner tipping in a beauty goal from Connor Gay for Team White to make it 1-0. Shortly after Red responded as Max Kammerer scored on a breakaway to make it 1-1. Then the first of training camp as Kyle Burroughs dropped the gloves with Dexter Bricker. Red took the lead shortly after as Dryden Hunt scored off a faceoff play from Dyson Stevenson and it was 2-1. That was the score after 1.

In the second frame the goalies were Nathan Warren for Team Red and Anthony Hamill for White.

Team White tied is at 2's as Austin Wagner scored his second of the scrimmage, again on a tip off the stick of Connor Gay who picked up his second helper. Dyson Stevenson gave Red the lead 3-2 as he beat Hamill with a backhand move. White responded again this time Dane Schioler getting the goal and we were tied at 3's. Then it was the Chandler Stephenson show as he picked up his first of two in the frame, cutting to the middle and firing off the post and it to give Red the 4-3 lead. Red made it 5-3 as Bryar Ortynski put the puck past Hamill. White got it to within one as Connor Gay scored on a rebound for his third point of the game and it was 5-4 Team Red. Chandler Stephenson restored the two goal lead on a beautiful rush up the left wing and snapped it into the top of the net for his second of the period which ended with Red leading 6-4.

In the third frame Team White had Nick Schneider in goal and Team Red went with Patrick Gora.

Austin Wagner completed the hattrick with a shorthanded goal on a breakaway. He shot top corner over the blocking hand of Gora to get Team White within one at 6-5. Red got it back to a two goal lead as Max Kammerer got his second on a weak weak shot from the point that somehow got through and into the back of the net making it 7-5. Then it was 8-5 Red as Kendall Fransoo scored on a slapshot from the point that deflected off a body in front and into the net. Then Dryden Hunt scored his second of the game from Chandler Stephenson and Dyson Stevenson making it 9-5. Hunt then completed the hattrick on a beautiful pass in front from Dyson Stevenson to make it 10-5 and that was the final score.

Chandler Stephenson led the way with a 5 point scrimmage, 2 goals and 3 assists. Dryden Hunt and Austin Wagner both posted hattricks while Dyson Stevenson had a goal and 4 assists and Connor Gay had a goal and 2 helpers.

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One of the newcomers to the Blue and White is forward Geordie Maguire who hails from Winnipeg MB. Maguire was acquired at the Bantam Draft from the Brandon Wheat Kings. Maguire was the Manitobe Midget scoring leader two seasons ago but didn't quite find his touch as a rookie last year. I had a chance to talk with him after his first scrimmage in camp.

Listen Music - Free Audio - GEORDIE MAGUIRE

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The second scrimmage of the day saw Team Blue skate for the first time against Team White.

Blue consists of Forwards Braden Christoffer, Patrick D'Amico, Morgan Klimchuk, Jared McAmmond, Braydon MacDonald, Clay Lang, Trent Ouellette, Carson Samoridny, Sam Steel, Hayden Schwarz, Brady Third and Rylee Zimmer. The Defensemen are Sean Buchanan, Tom Dakers, Tye Hand, Griffin Mumby, Kade Pilton, Brady Reagan and Jared Freadrich. The Goalies Kurtis Chapman and Dawson MacAuley.

Adam Beukeboom started the scrimmage in goal for Team White while Dawson MacAuley started for Team Blue.

The first period started physically with a number of big hits and two almost fights. Team Blue got on the board first as Rylee Zimmer won a draw in his own zone and then took a pass off the left wings boards and wired it home to make it 1-0. White tied it at 1's as Connor Gay beat a defenseman 1 on 1 and fired it home for his first of the game and second of the day. Blue retook the lead as Braden Christoffer took a pass and beat the goaltender with 10 seconds left in the frame to make it 2-1 and that was how the first period ended. Both Beukeboom and MacAuley looked solid in the first.

In the second Team White went with Anthony Hamill in goal while Dawson MacAuley stayed in for Team Blue who has just two goalies on their team.

Period two got underway with a fight as Dane Schioler dropped the gloves with Hayden Schwarz. It was a good tilt. Team Blue made it 3-1 as Carson Samoridny finished a great feed from Sam Steel who lost a draw but came forward and passed it straight accross. Blue kept it coming as Jared McAmmond banged home a rebound to make it 4-1. It was 5-1 in the second when Klimchuk fed Griffin Mumby at the point and his shot found its way to the net and in. At the 12 minute mark Dawson MacAuley was replaced by Kurtis Chapman in goal. MacAuley gave up just one goal in a period and a half of work. Team White got to within 3 as Luc Smith tipped a shot in front past Chapman and it was 5-2. That's how the period ended.

In the third Team White went with Nick Schneider in goal while Blue stayed with Chapman.

Team White got to within 2 as Austin Wagner scored on a nice pass from Connor Gay making it 5-3. Then Team Blue made it 6-3 as Patrck D'Amico was the beneficiary of a great pass from Sam Steel and potted his first. Marc McCoy scored a buzzer beater for Team White to make it 6-4 Blue and that's how the game ended.

I talked with both Braden Christoffer and Carson Samoridny after the scrimmage.

Listen Music - Audio Hosting - BRADEN CHRISTOFFER

Play Music - Upload Audio Files - CARSON SAMORIDNY

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After a goalie session Team Blue and Team Red faced off in the final scrimmage of the day. Both teams were coming off wins over Team White on Day 1.

Team Blue started Kurtis Chapman in goal while Red went with Nathan Warren.

Team Blue got on the board first as Trent Ouellette set up Jared McAmmond for his second goal of he day and it was 1-0. That was all the scoring for the opening frame. Sam Steel was good again and I liked Ouellettes game in this one. Both goaltenders looked solid. Dryden Hunt also brought his A game again and came close to getting is fourth goal of the day.

In the second Patrick Gora came into the net for Team Red while Team Blue stayed with Chapman. The goals started coming in this second frame and it started with Chandler Stephenson who snapped a shot into the top of the net for Team Red and it was 1-1. Patrick D'Amico scored next for Team Blue on a pass from Sam Steel and that made it 2-1. Then we saw another fight as Robbie Fulton and Jared McAmmond dropped the gloves in what was a short fight that went to the ice quickly. Team Blue made it 3-1 as Trent Ouellette put home his first of the day from Braydon MacDonald. Team Red then got another from Chandler Stephenson who shot top corner, off the post and it for his second of the game, Rykr Cole and Max Kammerer with the assists and it was 3-2 Blue. After that goal Dawson MacAuley entered the net for Team Blue. Team Red then tied the game on a nice tip in front from Colton Kroeker making it 3-3. Blue retook the lead shortly after on a weak backhand shot from Rylee Zimmer that got through the 5 hole making it 4-3. Then we saw our second fight of the frame. Sam Steel was skating across the blue line and took a big hit from Kendall Fransoo. Patrick D'Amico stepped in and dropped the gloves with Fransoo and landed some good punches. A good fight. Blue would then make it 5-3 as Hayden Schwarz scored from Ouellette and Dakers and that was how the period ended. Ouellette another good period.

In the third, Teagan Sacher started in goal for Team Red while MacAuley stayed in for Team Blue. Team Red got within a goal as Dyson Stevenson got a gift in front and put it home, Chandler Stephenson and Dryden Hunt with the assists and it was 5-4 Blue. Then Jack Rodewald tied it at 5's on a snap shot shot from the right circle that got through MacAuley. Rodewald looked fast and dangerous all game long. Patrick D'Amico also came to play in this one. 5-5 was the score after the 3rd period. Teagan Sacher pitched a shutout in goal in his period of work for Team Red.

I talked with forward Patrick D'Amico after the final scrimmage.

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Training camp continues Saturday morning with a scrimmage at 10AM. Scrimmages continue at 3PM and 8PM.

Regina Pats Rookie Camp Concludes on Day 3

Day 3 of training camp got underway Friday morning as the rookies scrimmaged for the last time by themselves. It was the final audition for the guys looking to continue their week into main camp with the veterans. Team Grey got on the board first as Rykr Cole took a pass on the right side and snapped it top corner over the shoulder of the goaltender on the right side. Clay Lang then made it 2-0 Grey with a slap shot from the slot. That's how it sat after the first of the two 30 minute periods.

Team Red got to within one with just over 2 minutes left as Adam Berg scored on a rebound to make it 2-1 Grey. That's how the game would end.

Rykr Cole was impressive in the last rookie scrimmage as were the goaltenders.

I talked with both Head Coach Malcolm Cameron and GM Chad Lang following the end of Rookie Camp.

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A total of 24 of the rookies will be carried forward into main camp which gets underway at noon today with a scrimmage at the Cooperators Centre. The vets and rookies who made it will be split into three teams.

Regina Pats Training Camp Day 2 Recap

 

 

Day 2 of Pats training camp went on Thursday with the 97 and 98's taking part in two scrimmages. In the early game Team Red which consisted of Forwards, Austin Wagner, Rylee Zimmer, Jacob Elmer, Adam Berg, Sam Steel, Brady Third, Nick Stockert, Riley Woods, Chase Brakel, Defensemen James Hilsendager, Mitchell Lyall, Brady Pouteau, Robbie Fulton, Mark Edmands, Ryan Krushen, Goalies, Nick Schneider and Mitchel Adamyk got on the board first as the Steel line with Third and Berg put the puck in the net. Team Grey which consisted of Forwards, Jared McAmmond, Colton Kroeker, Luc Smith, Koal Roberts, Rykr Cole, Drew Litwin, Clay Lang, Keelan Saworski, Defensemen Liam Schioler, Brady Reagan, Brenden Kallis, Jared Freadrich, Chase Goods, Sam MacBean, Goalies, Kurtis Chapman and Troy Martyniuk responded with 2 goals in the first period. Jared McAmmond scored on a slap shot and then Drew Litwin picked up a marker of his own. Team Red would tie it at 2/s as Chase Brakel tipped a puck into the net. Rykr Cole then gave Grey the lead on a great end to end rush to make it 3-2. Both teams would get another goal as Steel scored for Team Red and Kroeker potted for Team Grey. Thats how the game would finish with Grey winning 4-3.  Some players took part in a shootout afterwards.

 

I was really impressed with Liam Schioler on the back end. He played a good physical game and shut down the other team in the early session. He looks to be a really goo talent. I was also impressed with Colton Kroeker who scored a very nice goal and looked dangerous all scrimmage long. Rylee Zimmer looked good along with Sam Steel. A very good first scrimmage for the rookies. Fast paced and some really good hockey. The thing that strikes me the most is the sheer size of the rookies on the ice. There are some good and big players coming up in this system.

 

I talked with Kroeker and Reagan after the first session. Here is that audio.

 

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Team Grey and Team Red tangled again later in the afternoon. Team Red got on the board first as Adam Berg scored on a breakaway. Team Grey evened the score at 1's as Liam Schioler scored on a shot from the left faceoff circle. That's how the first period ended. In the second Team Red retook the lead as Sam Steel sent a beautiful pass in front to Chase Brakel who scored his second of the day. 2-1 Red. That's how the game ended.

Jared McAmmond has really stood out through the first day of scrimmages. A big body at 6 feet and 190 pounds. Seems like a guy that can play both ways and contribute.

I talked with Rykr Cole and Jared McAmmond after the second session.

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On the evening the 96 to 93 aged players skated for the first time in training camp. The returning players were split into two different teams and took part in practices. The first to go was Team White (seen below).

It was a good paced practice to start things off. Team White consisted of Forwards, Dexter Bricker, Daylon Creasy, Connor Gay, Dryden Hunt, Marc McCoy, Jesse Miller, Trent Ouellette, Jack Rodewald, Dane Schioler, Chandler Stephenson, Braden Christoffer, Lane Olsen, Defenseman, Sean Buchanan, Kyle Burroughs, Kendall Fransoo, Tye Hand, Chase Harrison, Kade Pilton, Liam Watson, Sean Whalen, Goalies Adam Beukeboom, Dawson McAuley and Nathan Warren.

Team Blue hit the ice next (seen above). Forwards Parick D'Amico, Maximillian Kammerer, Morgan Klimchuk, Nakeho Lamothe, Braydon MacDonald, Geordie Maguie, Kyler Nachtigall, Bryar Ortynski, Carson Samoridny, Hayden Schwarz, Dyson Stevenson (did not skate), Adam Brooks, Defensemen, Tom Dakers, Luke Fenske, Stephen Hak, Darian Henry, Cole Jones, Tyler Leicht, Griffin Mumby, Dmitry Sinitsyn (did not skate), Colby Williams, Goaltenders, Teagan Sacher, Patrick Gora and Anthony Hamill.

The goaltending battle has started at camp with all three 19 year olds, Teagan Sacher, Dawson MacAuley and Adam Beukeboom vying for the starting position.

Sacher was the backup last season while Beukeboom was the backup 2 years ago. MacAuley was acquired from the Calgary Hitmen at the Bantam Draft in June. Here are interviews with all 3 and their thoughts on what they need to do the job.

Music Hosting - Audio File Hosting - DAWSON MACAULEY

Upload Music Files - Play Audio - ADAM BEUKEBOOM

Download Music - Embed Audio Files - TEAGAN SACHER

The Pats continue training camp Friday morning with the rookies scrimmaging at 9 AM. The Vets will scrimmage at noon for the first time at the Cooperators Centre.

Regina Pats Training Camp Day 1 Recap

The Regina Pats opened training camp on Wednesday night as the 97 and 98 age groups took to the ice for two separate practice sessions. Team red skated first at 7 o'clock taking part in some drills to get things going.

Austin Wagner was among the first players to skate. As a 16 year old he is looking to crack the roster for his season. He says he thought it was a good start to the week. "I'm really excited. Its good to be back to try and get a spot on the team. So I'm working hard and trying to make it"

Here is the full interview with Wagner.

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Wagner has put on 20 pounds in the off season and looks to be physically ready. He is one of three signed 97 born forward prospects. The others are Rykr Cole and Rylee Zimmer.

Team Gray took to the ice for he second practice session. Brady Reagan and Liam Schioler were among the players skating in the later session.

Schioler was the Pats 2nd round pick in the last Bantam Draft and after missing rookie camp it was the first time we got a chance to see him play.

Schioler says he was happy to take part in his first practice with the club. "It feels great, it was a bit challenging at first with nerves kicking in but I think I got rid of them eventually as it went on."

Here is the full interview with Schioler.

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Training camp continues Thursday morning at 10 o'clock when the rookies will scrimmage at the Cooperators Centre. The veterans will report at 2 o'clock in the afternoon with their first session going at 5:45PM.

Pats Training Camp Starts Tonight

Regina, Saskatchewan – This evening marks the beginning of the 2013 edition of the Regina Pats Training Camp.  Nearly 90 players will be on the ice at the Cooperators Centre this week to showcase their talents and vie for spots on the 2013-14 Regina Pats Roster.

"I think that the young guys coming into camp, whether they were young guys with our club last year or guys that are going to compete for spots this year, we believe that that's the group we want to continue to build around,” commented Pats Senior VP and General Manager Chad Lang.

Young players will be the focus this evening as the 1997-98 born age groups will skate starting at 7 p.m. with the group broken up into two on-ice sessions.

“I want to make sure (the players) put in the work this summer,” said Pats Head Coach Malcolm Cameron. “There are no guaranteed spots on this hockey club.  There are 24 jobs ready to be won and there will be 90 guys competing for those jobs so there’s a lot of wide open stuff if guys have put in the work this summer.”

Camp continues tomorrow starting at 10 a.m. with the first scrimmage of the week and runs through Sunday when Camp will conclude with the annual Prairie Mobile Blue and White Game at 11 a.m.  Entry to the intrasquad game is just $2 with the proceeds going to the Regina Pats Education Fund.

The Neutral Zone Store Kiosk will be open 4-6 p.m. this evening in the main lobby of the Cooperators Centre for fans to gear up for the 2013-14 season.  In addition to this evening, the Kiosk will also be open for business 1-3 p.m. on Thursday and 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. for the Prairie Mobile Blue and White Game Sunday.

Daniel Fink
Director of Media and Communications
Regina Pats Hockey Club

Pats Sign Prospect Sam Steel

  Here is the audio from todays news conference with Sam Steel and Chad Lang
Embed Music Files - Upload Audio Files - Sam Steel Embed Music Files - Embed Audio - Chad Lang









Regina, Saskatchewan – Regina Pats Senior VP and General Manager Chad Lang announced today the hockey club signed their 2^nd Overall pick from the 2013 Bantam Draft, Sam Steel, to a Standard WHL Player Agreement.

Steel captained the Sherwood Park Bantam AAA Flyers in the 2012-13 season.  He led the team in scoring totaling 104 points (52G, 52A) in 31 games through the AMBHL season.  The 5’10”, 157 lbs forward took home some hardware as well this year being named the AMBHL North’s Top Forward and Most Sportsmanlike Player.  Steel rounded out his season by winning the Alberta Cup in Camrose while leading the tournament in scoring with 15 points (tied for 3^rd all-time).

“Sam may be the most dynamic player to come out of the 2013 Bantam Draft,” commented Chad Lang.  “His skill-set and vision on the ice translate into Sam being a tremendous all-around player who makes those around him better.  In a short time, Sam has already proven his determination to compete at the highest level and find success.  We are excited to add him as an important part of our organization going forward.”

The 2013 off-season was a busy one for the skilled centre.  After the May 2^nd WHL Bantam Draft, Steel attended the Pats Spring Development Camp at the end of May.  He was selected as one of three Canadian players to attend the 2013 IIHF Development Camp in Vierumaki, Finland in July.  Steel finished the summer by joining 41 of the top bantam players in Canada at the Allstate All-Canadians Mentorship Camp in Toronto and being named to Team Alberta’s short-list for the 2013 Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup.

“It’s amazing, I’m really looking forward to this,” said Sam Steel.  “I’m going to work my hardest to help this team and prove what I can do.”

Pats fans can get a look at Sam Steel and his fellow prospects in action this evening as Regina Pats Training Camp gets underway at the Cooperators Centre with the first on-ice session at 7:00 p.m.  The annual Blue and White Game wraps up Camp Sunday, September 1^st at 11 a.m.  Entry is just $2 at the door with the proceeds going towards the Pats Education Fund.

Daniel Fink

Director of Media and Communications
Regina Pats Hockey Club

VIGR Lifestyles Wednesday Thriller

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What a great day at the 16th annual Wickenheiser Golf Classic at the Wascana on Monday. I had the pleasure of golfing with former Pat and now Hershey Bear Garett Mitchell as well as Shae Paisley and Ted Mitchell from Prairie Mobile (seen below). We finished two shots off the win at 11 under. Couldnt have asked for better weather for a tournament.

 

 

 

Was really excited to see the Pats and CKRM sign a new broadcast agreement through the 2016 season. I have thouroughly enjoyed broadcasting the Pats for the last 2 years and I hope to be doing it for a long time. We will be carrying two pre season games thie year on September 5th and 10th against Prince Albert and Brandon.

 

The Regina Pats open training camp tonight at the Cooperators Centre. Rookies will register and then take part in two training sessions. The veterans will report on Thursday and practice for the first time in the evening. The Pats will have quite a bit of comeptition at camp this year. Head Coach Malcolm Cameron said on Monday that there are no guarantees and that everyone has to earn their spot on this team. I am very interested to watch the goaltending battle this week between Teagan Sacher, Dawson MacAuley and Adam Beukeboom who are all 19 as well as Patrick Gora who is a young guy who has put up good numbers in AAA. Tanner Burgardt will also be in the mix. GM Chad Lang said on Monday that he will go with the two guys that give the team the best chance to win which means we could see two 19 year olds with the team this year. I will also be watching who is going to step up on the back end and make this team. Kyle Burroughs, Luke Fenske, Colby Williams, Stephen Hak, Tye Hand, Griffin Mumby, Kade Pilton and Darian Henry are all returning. Add to the mix Dmitri Sinitsyn and 16 year olds Brady Reagan and Robbie Fulton... safe to say theres competition there.  Up front the top guys are set with Klimchuk and Stephenson likely playing on the top line. But who will play right wing with them? thats yet to be answered. will it be Dyson Stevenson? Thats a possibility. The forward group is pretty deep with Marc McCoy, Carson Samoridny, Trent Ouellette, and Braden Christoffer having pretty good seasons. Dryden Hunt is back and ready for a big year, seemingly back to 100 percent after two concussions last year. 17 year old returnees Adam Brooks and Bryar Ortynski are obviously in the mix there as well along with Connor Gay and Patrick D'Amico. The way I see it there are likely 2 or 3 forward spots up for grabs. Rykr Cole and Austin Wagner are likely the top 16 year olds looking to crack the roster up front. Should be an interesting next few days.

 

The Regina Thunder are looking to rebound this weekend in Saskatoon after losing to the Hilltops on Saturday at Mosaic Stadium. The rematch will take place at Gordie Howe Bowl, a hostile environment to say the least. The Thunder are 1 and 1 on the season while Saskatoon is 2 and 0 and atop the standings. Talking with the teams coaches and players last night at practice they said they struggled off the start of the game but battled hard until the end. The defense struggled with some tackling and the offense wasn't able to put the ball into the endzone. This weeks focus will be on some fundamentals and finishing drives. Head Coach Scott MacAullay told me he is happy at least that to problems are all things that they can correct ahead of Saturdays rematch. 

 

The Labour Day Classic is this weekend! Doesnt get any better than this at Mosaic Stadium. Though I dont think Winnipeg will put up much of a fight. Their offense is just not good enough. I predict a sweep again this year for the Riders in the Labour Day and Banjo Bowl games. 

 

The WHL board of governors will review the proposed sale of the Saskatoon Blades next week on September 4th. The potential buyer is Mike Priestner who is the owner of Go Auto in Edmonton. he owns over 30 car dealerships throughout Western Canada. Jack Brodsky along with his brother Bob and sister Debbie are the current owners.

 

Good times last night at Boston Pizza for the annual TVFFL Fantasy football league. New CTV Sports guy Darrell Romuld should probably name his team "automatic win week" haha. Or as CTV's JC Garden put it, "someone has to be the Winnipeg Blue Bombers." Ill give Darrell some slack because he was drafting by text. Great time with some great people. 

That's it for today. Have a great week. 

Phil

@PhilTheThrill18 

 

 

 

 

WHL to Review Blades Sale

 

 

 

WHL SCHEDULES SPECIAL MEETING TO REVIEW APPLICATION TO TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OF SASKATOON BLADES

 

Calgary, AB -- The WHL announced today a special meeting of the WHL Board of Governors has been scheduled forWednesday September 4 to review an application to transfer the ownership of the Saskatoon Blades WHL franchise. The meeting will take place at the Delta Airport Hotel in Calgary.

The co-owners of the Saskatoon Blades, Jack Brodsky, together with his brother Bob and sister Debbie, have entered into an agreement with Mr. Mike Priestner to purchase the franchise. Mr. Priestner is the owner of Go Auto, an Edmonton based automotive company, which owns over 30 dealerships throughout Western Canada.

The sale of the franchise and the transfer of ownership from the Brodsky family to Mr. Priestner requires the approval of the WHL Board of Governors. A special resolution vote of two-thirds majority from the Board of Governors is required in order to grant approval for the sale. If approval is granted at the September 4 meeting, Mr. Priestner will assume control of the Saskatoon Blades franchise prior to the start of the 2013-14 WHL season.

The WHL, the Brodsky family and Mr. Priestner will not be making any further comments on this matter until following the WHL Board of Governors Meeting on September 4.

	Jeff Hubert Director, Communications Western Hockey League

 

2013/14 Regina Pats Season Preview

2012/2013 season - 25-38-4-5, 5th in East Division, missed playoffs. 193 goals for, 269 against.

Leading scorers, Lane Scheidl 41 goals, 39 assists. Morgan Klimchuk 36 goals 40 assists, Chandler Stephenson 14 goals 31 assists, Dyson Stevenson 16 goals 27 assists.

Defenseman leading scorers, Kyle Burroughs 5 goals 28 assists, Colby Williams 19 assists, Colton Jobke 3 goals 18 assists.

The Pats powerplay was 15th in the league at 18.5 percent while the penalty kill was 20th at 74.6 percent.

The Pats were 15-17-2-2 at home and 10-21-2-3 on the road last season.

The Blue and White lost 300 plus man games to injury in 2012/13.

Graduated players - Forward Lane Scheidl, Defenseman Colton Jobke and Goaltender Matt Hewitt.

Returning players.
20 year olds (93 born) - F Dyson Stevenson, F Trent Ouellette, D Luke Fenske.

19 year olds (94 born) - F Chandler Stephenson, F Braden Christoffer, F Jack Rodewald, F Patrick D'Amico, F Carson Samoridny, D Kade Pilton, D Stephen Hak, D Darian Henry and G Teagan Sacher.

18 year olds (95 born) - F Morgan Klimchuk, F Dryden Hunt, F Connor Gay, D Tye Hand, D Kyle Burroughs and D Colby Williams.

17 year olds (96 born) - F Adam Brooks, F Bryar Ortynski and D Griffin Mumby.

New faces
Forward Geordie MaGuire (via Brandon), Goaltender Dawson MaGauley (via Calgary), Dmitry Sinitsyn (via Import Draft) and Maximillian Kammerer (via Import draft).

Prospects
18 year old prospects (95 born) - F Brett Harris and G Tanner Burgardt.

17 year old prospects (96 born) - F Kevin Dineen, F Dane Schioler, D Erik Donald, D Chase Harrison, D Nikolas Koberstein and G Patrick Gora.

16 year old prospects (97 born) - F Adam Berg, F Rykr Cole, F Liam Finlay, F Colton Kroeker, F Drew Litwin, F Jared McAmmond, F Angus Scott, F Austin Wagner, F Kyle Westeringh, F Rylee Zimmer, D Robbis Fulton, D James Hilsendager, D Brenden Kallis, D Brady Reagan and G Nick Schneider.

15 year old prospects (98 born) - F Jacob Elmer, F Luc Smith, F Sam Steel, F Brady Third, D Jared Freadrich, D Brady Pouteau, D Liam Schioler and G Kurtis Chapman.

With close to 90 players attendind this years training camp, most of these and many more invites will be taking part.

It is the first season as Head Coach in the WHL for Malcolm Cameron. However he has spent 12 seasons as a head coach in the pro ranks. Bill McGuigan joins the coaching staff as an assistant for the year after spending the last 7 seasons as the head coach in Junior A in the Maritimes, including the Summerside Capitals. Josh Dixon returns as assistant coach for his third year with the Pats.

The Regina Pats open training camp Wednesday at the Cooperators Centre as the 2013/14 season officially gets underway.

Coach and GM thoughts on season

Head Coach Malcolm Cameron "Certainly we are not happy with how last season went, injuries played a huge part into that but at the same time theres never any excuses. The goal is to get into the post season and that doesn't change here this year and that's going to be our focus right from day one." Cameron added that he will be putting his own stamp on this team. "Every coach has a different style. Mines a little bit different than what Pats (Conacher) was. You have to have the personnel to play the way that you want to play and that's what training camp is for to identify what our strengths and weaknesses are. I have ideas on what we want to do but we have to see if the players are ready to play that way so we will throw it at them.'

Senior VP and GM Chad Lang says that he is optimistic about this season. "We are, it was a frustrating year last year and we are not going to talk or dwell on last season, we are going to look ahead. We understand we have a lot of work ahead of us and yet feel we have the personnel in place that if we all come together and gel together, we are optimistic that we will have a successful season." Lang says that the strength of this team is the depth with their young guys. "I think that the young guys coming into camp, whether they were young guys with our club last year or guys that are going to compete for spots this year, we believe that that's the group we want to continue to build around. And yet in saying that you need good leadership. I think we are in a position this year where we have leaders like both Chandler Stephenson and Dyson Stevenson, Klimchuk Burroughs and Fenske, guys like that who understand what it takes to be successful at this level both on and off the ice. I think the biggest thing is we have created depth. In years past we may have been in situations where we had to force some of our younger guys to play in situations maybe they weren't ready for. We feel we are finally in a position where we can be patient with guys and yet there is competition. I think there is going to be competition, especially in that 19 year old age group and there is competition with the young guys coming in to compete for those spots as well."

Keep is here for full coverage on training camp starting Wednesday.

Ice add to Coaching Staff

Cranbrook, BC – Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club, today announced the Club will be adding Mike Dyck to the Coaching Staff when Ryan McGill leaves in December to be an Assistant Coach with Team Canada at the 2014 World Junior Championship in Malmo, Sweden. Mike will attend Training Camp to get to know the players and staff and will be in Cranbrook once a month leading up to Ryan McGill’s departure on December 12.

“With Ryan going to the World Juniors and this being Jay’s first year coaching in the WHL we felt another coach was needed during this time frame. We feel very fortunate to be able to add a coach with the experience that Mike has in the WHL. Like Jay he also played in the League and can relate to the players of today having coached Team Pacific (Sam Reinhart, Jaedon Descheneau) at the 2012 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge,” continued Chynoweth

“I have known Mike since he played in the WHL (1985-1989) and with his coaching experience it was a natural choice. With me being gone for a month it was very important to have someone that both Jay and the players felt comfortable with. I am confident with the group of players we have returning that it will be a seamless transition with Jay and Mike running the bench,” commented Head Coach Ryan McGill.

Mike Dyck was Head Coach of the Lethbridge Hurricanes for five years from 2005 through 2009 and compiled a 132-120-16 win-loss record, including a trip to the 2008 WHL Finals. Prior to that he was also an Assistant Coach with the Hurricanes and Vancouver Giants. 

Courtesy Ice PR Tiffany Johnson

Pats and CKRM Announce Multi Year Broadcast Agreement

620 CKRM the Home for Pats Hockey

Regina Pats and Harvard Broadcasting Announce Multi-Year Deal

 

Regina, Saskatchewan – Regina Pats Senior VP and General Manager Chad Lang and Harvard Broadcasting-Regina General Manager Jason Huschi announced today a new multi-year agreement between Harvard Broadcasting and the Regina Pats for 620 CKRM to carry the play-by-play of Regina Pats hockey.  620 CKRM broadcasted Pats games the past 18 seasons, since the 1995-96 campaign.

 

“We are very excited to continue our partnership with Harvard Broadcasting and 620 CKRM,” said Chad Lang.  The tradition of the two organizations’ partnership speaks volumes.  With this agreement, our fans will continue to enjoy high quality broadcasts of Pats games in the years ahead.”

 

The broadcast team of play-by-play announcer Phil Andrews and colour commentator Daniel Fink will be back for their second full season bringing the Blue and White to the airwaves.  All 72 Regular Season games of Home Depot Pats Hockey can be heard on the radio or online beginning 25 minutes before puck-drop with the Press-Box Sports Bar Pre-Game Show.

 

“620 CKRM is very proud to have extended the play-by-play agreement with the Regina Pats,” commented Jason Huschi.  “The Pats are part of a long and proud history for the City of Regina, The WHL, and 620 CKRM.  We look forward to being part of that tradition for many years to come!”

 

The first Pats radio broadcast of the Regular Season goes September 19^th when the Blue and White take on the Swift Current Broncos to lead off the WHL Season. 

Pats Broadcasts can be heard at 620 on the AM dial or online at 620CKRM.com.

 

Daniel Fink

Director of Media and Communications

Regina Pats Hockey Club

 

 

Its Back! Pat Chat Aug 26th

2013-14 Season is Here

2013-14 Season Tickets
It’s hard to believe the 2013-14 WHL Regular Season is just around the corner.  Don’t miss a moment of the action as the Pats look to return to the WHL Playoffs.  Season Tickets start at just $275 for Adults to attend all 36 Regular Season home games as well as the first two games home games of the playoffs.  Season Ticket Holders also enjoy a 15% discount at the Neutral Zone Store, “Bring a Friend” coupons and a Limited Edition Collectors’ Print among other benefits.  VisitReginaPats.com or call the Pats Office at 306-522-PATS for more information on becoming a Season Ticket Holder.

 

Regina Pats Wickenheiser Golf Classic
This afternoon marks the 16^th Annual tournament in honour of Pats great, Doug Wickenheiser.  In addition to playing eighteen holes at the beautiful Wascana Golf and Country Club, golfers will participate in on course activities with opportunities to win fantastic prizes.  The evening will wrap up with a catered dinner hosted by the voice of the Pats on CKRM, Phil Andrews.  Proceeds from the event go to support Palliative Care Services.

 

2013 Training Camp
Nearly 90 players will be at the Cooperators Centre this week as the Pats’ hockey operations staff evaluates the talent on hand and builds the 2013-14 edition of the Pats.  The action gets going Wednesday, August 28^th as rookies and prospects take to the ice starting at 7:00 p.m.  Visit ReginaPats.com for the full Training Camp schedule and check out the video section to learn more about some of the prospects attending Pats Camp.

 

2013 Blue and White Game
To conclude camp, the Pats hopefuls play in the annual intrasquad game Sunday, September 1^st at the Cooperators Centre.  Entry to the game is just $2 at the door for the 11 a.m. contest.  Enjoy a full sports day by catching the Blue and White Game before heading to Mosaic Stadium to see the Riders and Bombers clash.

 

Hewitt Commits to UBC
With 2012-13 Pats over-age players Lane Scheidl and Colton Jobke set to play South of the border this season, goaltenderMatt Hewitt rounded out the trio by taking advantage of the WHL Scholarship program and committing to the University of British Columbia to play for the Thunderbirds.  The Pats 2013 Unsung Hero and Fan Choice award winner will battle for the starting position at his new school.  The Pats wish Matt all the best as he moves on to the next stage of his hockey and education careers.

 

New Faces
As always, the WHL Off-Season brings with it many changes.  The Pats welcomed eight new players to the organization at the WHL Bantam Draft including 2^nd Overall selection Sam Steel and five other bantam picks.  The Pats also added depth by acquiring SJHL Co-Playoff MVP goaltender Dawson MacAuley (’94) and 18-year old forward Geordie Maguire.

 

The CHL Import draft saw the Pats add 19-year old Russian defenceman Dmitry Sinitsyn who spent the last two seasons in the NCAA with UMass-Lowell.  Also joining the Blue and White was German 17-year old forward Maximilian Kammerer.

 

The changes weren’t limited to players as the Pats will have a different look behind the bench this season.  Though a familiar face, Malcolm Cameron takes on a new role as Head Coach of the Blue and White.  With Cameron’s spot as an assistant coach open, the club hired 2013 MHL (Junior-A) Coach of the Year, Bill McGuigan to help guide the team.

 

Pats at the NHL Draft
Two Pats saw their aspirations realized when Morgan Klimchuk and Kyle Burroughs were both selected by NHL organizations at the 2013 NHL Draft in New Jersey.

 

Klimchuk heard his name called by his hometown Calgary Flames in the first round (28^th Overall), joining Sean Monahan and Emile Poirier as one of Calgary’s three opening round picks.

 

Kyle Burroughs had to wait a little longer as he went on the board in the seventh round (196^th Overall) to the New York Islanders.

Daniel Fink

Director of Media and Communications

Regina Pats Hockey Club

HILLTOPS 30 THUNDER 15

The Saskatoon Hilltops were winners Saturday night at Mosaic Stadium over the Regina Thunder. 

The Hilltops improved to 2 and oh on the season while the Thunder are now 1 and 1.

The Hilltops defense came to play picking of Thunder quarterbacks a total of 4 times. 2 on Asher Hastings and 2 on backup Kyle Siemens. The Hilltops scored 13 points in the first quarter and didn't look back after that. 

Last seasons leading rusher Andre LaLonde of Saskatoon rushed for 181 yards in the game while receiver Chad Braun caught two touchdowns in the win.  

The Thunder got a great game out of kicker William McGee who put 5 field goals through the uprights but the Thunder did not manage a touchdown in the game. Brady Keller led the way in receiving yardage with 58. Trysten Dyce had 55 yards while Jacob Carr had 53 yards through the air. Asher Hastings attempted just 5 passes, two of them picks. Siemens came in and completed 14 of 32 for 236 yards and 2 picks. Nick Brown had 12 carries for 28 yards while Justin Bannin carried the ball 7 times for 40 yards. 

Defensively Tanner Hope had an interception and a fumble recovery while Christian Mbanza also had a pick. Paul Toth had the lone Thunder sack in the loss. 

The two clubs will battle in a rematch in Saskatoon next weekend at Gordie Howe Bowl. 

REGINA THUNDER VS SASKATOON HILLTOPS GAME PREVIEW

The Regina Thunder and Saskatoon Hilltops put their unbeaten records on the line Saturday night at Mosaic Stadium. The Thunder beat the Calgary Colts 42-23 in their first game while the Hilltops were winners over the Winnipeg Rifles 32-20 in Saskatoon.

The Thunder looked good offensively and defensively in their opening game while the Colts struggled to get anything going until the fourth quarter. The Rifles gave the Hilltops a run for their money and scored a touchdown late to get within 12 but Saskatoon's D was able to get a stop on their final drive to preserve the win.

Thunder head coach Scott MacAullay says that he was happy with his teams performance last week but that there are certainly some areas for improvement. "We were really happy with the effort put fourth in that game and I thought the offense player really well and defensively they looked really good during the game, they were flying around and getting tot he ball really quickly but once you start to break it down on film you notice that there is a lot of work that we need to do. We spent the whole week here trying to self improve and eliminate mistakes."

MacAullay went on to say that he was very happy with how dominant his team looked at times on both sides of the ball considering it was just the first game of the year. "I was pleasantly surprised, I really didn't know how good our defense was going to do. We know that we graduated a bunch of defensive lineman and the fact that we were still able top control the line of scrimmage and put some pressure on the quarterback in passing situations, I was really surprised by that. Offensively though I knew that we had a veteran group of guys coming back and we had high expectations for them and they lived up to them."

On this weeks practices leading up to the game. "We have a bit of a flu bug going through the team and dealing with some injuries but I think the tempo has been great and its been a great week for us just to focus again on players working on self improvement. Running routes, catching balls, getting up field or defensively making sure that our defensive backs working on opening up properly on their drops and making a play on the ball. I think weve gotten better so we will see what happens on Saturday night."

Scott mentioned injuries and it sounds like the guys who didn't play in last weeks game will be out again this week. AKA Mitch Thompson and Brandon Whitehouse.

MacAullay says this is a big game for his club on Saturday. "The biggest thing is that the Saskatoon Hilltops is never going to be an easy game. To go out there and get a win in the first playing them its definitely going to help build our confidence going into Saskatoon for our next game. I think the biggest thing for us is that were looking at it as game number 2. It doesn't matter who we are playing, we just know that we have to improve from last week. We have a lot of things that need to be tightened up systematically and we need to keep pushing our players to get better in their skill sets. So we are just working on self improvement like and said and more importantly finishing. Because when you are playing teams like the Saskatoon Hilltops, some of the better teams in the league, you have to make sure that you finish off drives, or if you are going for an interception, your not just batting the ball down. We need to make sure we are being efficient off the interception and we need some big plays and that's been our focus thus week."

This game is a rematch of last years PFC Championship game in Saskatoon where the Hilltops won quite handily. I asked MacAullay if he thought his players might be a little extra ready for this one because of that. "I think we have to many new guys to know whats going on." He chuckled. "But you know the veteran guys like Will Heward who has been around for 5 years, a guy like Tanner Hope in the same situation, those guys are going to be all revved up to go against them because its a provincial rivalry game. But im not sure its because of last years PFC final game because we were a surprise to even be in the finals. So I think that guys are just going to be excited to play"

Kickoff between the Thunder and Hilltops from Mosaic Stadium is at 7 o'clock live on Access 7. Sheri Trapp is filling in for me in the booth as my sister is getting married in Saskatoon and will be unable to attend.

Americans Acquire Vickerman from Giants

 

 

KENNEWICK, WA – Tri-City Americans Governor/General Manager Bob Tory announced today that the team has acquired 17-year-old forward Taylor Vickerman from the Vancouver Giants in exchange for a 2nd round pick in the 2015 Bantam Draft.

 

Vickerman, a 6’1 180-pound left wing from Kennewick, Washington, spent his rookie WHL season with the Giants last year, appearing in 52 games and compiling four goals, 9 points and 18 penalty minutes.  Originally a 6th round (112th overall) pick by Vancouver in the 2011 Bantam Draft, Vickerman played with the Cleveland Barons Minor Midget team in 2011-12, registering 13 goals and 28 assists in 61 games, before making his WHL debut on September 21, 2012.  Vickerman also participated in the USA Hockey Select U-17 Festival this summer and finished fourth overall in camp scoring after notching three goals and 8 points in 5 games.  Vickerman was also rated #105 in the most-recent edition of Red Line’s Top Prospects report for the 2014 NHL Draft.

 

“Taylor is a player who will bring size and grit to our line-up,” explained Tory.  “His addition addresses a need on our depth chart at the 1996-age group and creates a very competitive environment at our training camp, as we now have more forwards than roster spots available.”

 

Tri-City Americans season tickets are now available for the 2013-14 season.  Season ticket plans can be purchased by using several, convenient monthly payment schedules.  Call 509.736.0606, visitAmsHockey.com or drop by the Americans offices’ at the bottom level of the Toyota Center for more information.

 

*Photo Credit: Doug Love, Point Shot Photography

 

Dan Mulhausen

VP of Business Operations / Marketing Communications

Tri-City Americans Hockey