‘He’s built like Crosby’: 15-year-old Regina phenom Maddox Schultz taking the hockey world by storm

Playoff season has arrived for Maddox Schultz and his family, and there are a few subtle hints that give it away. One of the most obvious signs is the fact that Maddox, along with his teammates on the Regina Pat Canadians of the Saskatchewan U-18 AAA league, have all dyed their hair blond. This tradition is common among hockey teams as they gear up for the playoffs.

But it’s not just his hair that sets the tone for playoff season. Maddox’s demeanor also changes slightly, becoming more serious and focused. He understands the importance of this time of year and the challenges that come with it.

At just 15 years old, Maddox has already made a name for himself in the hockey world. Last year, he made waves by leading the U-18 league in goals, assists, and points. His exceptional talent was recognized when he was named the most valuable player at the Circle K Classic, a prestigious tournament.

Growing up in a family deeply rooted in figure skating, Maddox and his younger sister Sydney have spent their entire lives at the rink. Their parents, Vicki and David Schultz, are elite-level figure skating coaches, and the siblings have been rink rats since they were babies.

Maddox is no stranger to playing against older and more experienced players. Last season, he was called up to play with the Regina Pat Canadians as a 13-year-old, showcasing his talent and potential at a young age. His head coach, Ryan Hodgins, recognized his exceptional skills early on.

Scouts from across the country have taken notice of Maddox’s talent, with many ranking him as the top player in Canada born in 2010. Todd Ripplinger, a scout with the Moose Jaw Warriors, even compared Maddox to the likes of Sidney Crosby, praising his skating, scoring ability, and shot strength.

As Maddox gears up for the playoffs with the Regina Pat Canadians, he also has his sights set on the upcoming Western Hockey League prospect draft. With the opportunity to be the first player from Regina to be taken first overall since the draft began, Maddox is poised for a bright future in the hockey world.

Despite the buzz surrounding him, Maddox and his family have made the decision not to seek exceptional status for the upcoming season, opting instead for a new rule called the Western Canadian Development Model. This allows Maddox to stay with his U-18 team in Regina while also playing up to 34 games with his WHL team, striking a balance between pushing himself and protecting his development.

As Maddox navigates the pressures of being a top prospect in the hockey world, he remains grounded with the unwavering support of his family. They have always been by his side, from rink to rink, game to competition, providing him with the love and encouragement he needs to succeed.

As Maddox reflects on his journey so far, he is grateful for the time spent with his family and recognizes the importance of cherishing these moments. With his family as his rock, Maddox is ready to take on whatever challenges come his way and continue to pursue his passion for hockey with determination and resilience.