PATS MAKE DEADLINE SPLASH
Cole Sanford has played 230 games in the Western Hockey League, all with the Medicine Hat Tigers. In his career, Sanford has 217 points (106G, 111 A) to go with 197 penalty minutes. The Vernon, B.C. native had his best season in 2014-15 when he finished fourth in the WHL with 95 points (50G, 45A). His 50 goals were second in the league.
The former sixth round WHL Bantam Draft pick was named WHL Player of the Week once last season and named an Eastern Conference 2nd Team All-Star. Prior to the 2015-16 season, Sanford participated in the Young Stars Tournament with the Edmonton Oilers where he played on a line with Connor McDavid.
“This was a unique opportunity to acquire one of the premiere goal scorers in the Western Hockey League,” said Regina Pats Head Coach John Paddock. “We’ve been looking to add a consistent scorer to play with Sam Steel. The chance to add a 50-goal scorer like Cole enhanced that opportunity. It’s important for our young players to gain playoff experience and this enhances our drive for the playoffs.”
The third round WHL Bantam Draft Pick was acquired from Lethbridge earlier today. Gary Haden, a prospect playing with the Foothills CFR Chemical Bisons of the AMHL, was a ninth round selection of the Pats in the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft. Brian Williams was acquired from the Tri-City Americans last week. The Pats also send their 2018 second round and 2017 fifth round selections in the WHL Bantam Draft to the Tigers.
The Pats continue their road trip through the U.S. Division on Tuesday when they visit the Everett Silvertips. Puck drop is scheduled for 9:05 p.m. CST. Listen in with Bennett Dunlop Ford Pats Hockey starting at 8:40 p.m. CST on 620 CKRM.
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Regina, Saskatchewan – The Regina Pats Hockey Club has acquired a third round pick in the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft from the Lethbridge Hurricanes in exchange for forward Colton Kroeker (’97).
Kroeker is in his second WHL season having played in 90 games for the Regina Pats over the last two years. In his time with the Pats, Kroeker posted 19 points (11G, 8A) including a career high 13 points (8G, 5A) in 2015-16. The Surrey, B.C. native was the Pats seventh round pick, 134th overall, in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft.
The Regina Pats also announced the team has released import defenceman Nikolai Knyzhov (’98) to the Springfield Jr. Blues of the NAHL.
The Pats thank Colton and Nikolai for their contributions to the organization as well as the community of Regina.
Pats gave up to much to get Sanford. Paddock feeling the heat.
Steady hand on the rudder and cool at the helm is my assessment of the man.
Most of the good talented Pats were born in 1998 and next year is their year to shine.
Is Parker back? This is similar to a trade he would have made…Paddock may be a good coach but as a GM I don't think he gets what it takes to be successful in the CHL. Too many quality draft picks and list players have been given up this year for mediocre trades.
agree with poster #1 we exchange 20s and a promising prospect and a 2nd, a 3rd and 5th round pick. We traded Kroeker to get one of those picks to trade. Translation we get Sanford and give up a roster player Kroeker prospect Haden and our 2nd and 5th round picks (different years) for a rental player. Last year IMO the trades, need to be done, but were weak in returns to the Pats. traded Klimchuk for Zablocki and look what Gabriel. is doing in PG.
May need to take the "Trader Johny away from Herrera and give it to Paddock!!!
Losing many prospects during a rebuild year with a win now attitude. Sound confusing? Pat hockey at its finest.
Ridiculous return for a 30-35 game short term player. We should have been dealing from a position of strength but ended up selling the farm for a temporary loaner. Next year when we are supposed to start taking a run we could have used those assets to put us into contention. Now they're gone. We're the laughing stock of the league, and we deserve it. Just awful.
It does appear to be a lot of giving and not a lot of getting…but I still trust that JP knows what he is doing. He and the owners have always said they have a plan in place for the next couple of years. Looking at roster after today's deals I still think they are on track based on the age groups of players they have. BTW I have always liked watching Sanford…good to have him on board for rest of year. Watched the 1st 2 periods last night against the Chiefs…Pats poured it on from the puck drop…was good… Read more »
GENIUS move! Now Steel has someone to mentor him! Absolutely brilliant! Some of you dumb Pat fans hear "build for future" and that's ALL you hear. Open your eyes, ears, and minds and learn to look outside the box.
FOOLISH move! a guy who walks out on his team is coming here to mentor Steel? Give your head a serious shake moron. In 30 or so games this guy is going to advance the Pats progression? Idiotic. It will take that long to learn the system and be comfortable with his new team. Then the season will be over. Adding a star at great cost to a pretender not a contender shows desperation. Also shows lack of foresight. This is so Parkeresque that it's laughable.
Last Anon – can you elaborate on the "a guy who walks out on his team" please …hadn't heard that.
I'm confused last year we have a chance to win the league if we add a few pieces, but trade away all 19 yr olds for picks and youth. Okay we're going to rebuild, then this year were middle of the pack not going to win any championship and we trade for one of the best players in the league. We give away a top prospect and 3 picks, I don't get the game plan the pats are on. I know we needed someone to play with steel, but who is he going to play with next year?
I don't think it is a mistake at all adding a "star" who appears to be a natural goal scorer and who should be able to pick up the system fast, especially when his line mate will be Steel. We want to make the playoffs for the experience, as JP says, so this should ensure a higher finishing position barring some serious injuries, etc. If Williams makes it back sooner than expected will also be a big boost to the Team. It does seem a bit odd that we gave up Kroeker for so little BUT maybe something we aren't… Read more »
I agree woth anon #1. Steady as she goes and support your meal ticket with a proven scorer now not a potential scorer in 2 or 3 years. Junior stars have a max 3 year shelf life usually 2. Solid move from an experienced GM
William…Sanford quit the Tigers on Friday and demanded a trade. IMO, should have just let him sit at home for the rest of his 20 year old year.
Hobbs had done the same thing last year (but obviously is younger) 🙂
Sanford walked out on the Tigers on the weekend, left the team and his mates high and dry. Thanks for taking him off our hands. You can have him.
Tigers fans everywhere thank you.
Personally, I would have left him at home.
I have no issues with trade or Paddock. His pro hockey resume is better than anyone else in province. I think everyone agrees. Will check this Sanford out when the team is back. I'm officially interested again in Pats. If inconsistent play continues though, I'm out till next year. I'll go watch Star Wars 15 times instead. Good luck Pats