Regina Pats win No. 1 pick, shot at hometown phenom in WHL Prospects Draft

The Regina Pats are gearing up to make a significant decision in the upcoming Western Hockey League Prospects Draft. Securing the No. 1 pick in the draft after winning the WHL draft lottery, the team has the opportunity to select a hometown talent that has been turning heads in the hockey world.

Fifteen-year-old Regina native Maddox Schultz is the top contender for the Pats’ pick. Currently playing with the Regina Pat Canadians in the U18 AAA league, Schultz has been making waves in the hockey community with his exceptional skills and performance. Many scouts have ranked him as the top player in Canada born in 2010, highlighting his talent and potential.

Darren Dupont, a sports broadcaster and WHL expert, emphasized the rare opportunity for an elite player like Schultz to play in his hometown. Drawing comparisons to past hockey greats like Connor Bedard and Sidney Crosby, Schultz’s style of play has impressed scouts and analysts alike. Todd Ripplinger, a scout for the Moose Jaw Warriors, even likened Schultz to Crosby, praising his scoring ability, strong shot, and exceptional skating skills.

If Schultz is chosen as the first overall pick, he would be the first player from Regina to achieve this honor since the inception of the WHL draft in 1990. The anticipation surrounding Schultz’s potential selection has been building, with fans and analysts eagerly awaiting the outcome of the draft.

In a strategic move, Schultz has opted to participate in the Western Canadian Development Model instead of seeking exceptional status for the upcoming WHL season. This pilot project allows him to continue playing with his U-18 team in Regina while also competing in up to 34 games in the WHL, providing a perfect balance of development and competition.

Regina’s success in securing the top pick in the draft contrasts with other Saskatchewan WHL teams, who will have to wait until later in the first round to make their selections. With Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, and Swift Current all picking late in the round, the focus remains on the Regina Pats and their potential to elevate their roster with the addition of a local standout like Maddox Schultz.