PATS DEAL KLIMCHUK TO WHEAT KINGS
Regina, Saskatchewan – Regina Pats Head Coach and Senior VP of Hockey Operations John Paddock announced today the team has acquired forward Jesse Gabrielle (’97) from the Brandon Wheat Kings in exchange for forward Morgan Klimchuk (’95).
A top prospect for the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Gabrielle joins the Pats in the midst of a breakout season. The 6’0”, 214 lbs forward features 25 points (13G, and 12A) to go with 69 penalty minutes in 33 games with Brandon this season. Last season, Gabrielle posted 26 points (12G, 14A) and 68 penalty minutes in 49 games. In the 2014 playoffs, the Moosomin, SK product put up 6 points (3G, 3A) in nine games. In November, the gritty forward was listed as a ‘B’ skater (2nd/3rd round candidate) by Central Scouting for the upcoming NHL Draft. Internationally, Gabrielle was a member of Team West in last year’s World U17 Hockey Challenge where he had a goal, an assist and 16 penalty minutes in five games played.
“We’re happy to welcome Jesse into our organization and look forward to the skilled and hard-nosed style of play he brings to our team,” commented John Paddock. “We’re excited to add another high end player to our current group of young players.”
Klimchuk was the Pats’ 5th Overall pick in the 2010 WHL Bantam Draft. The Calgary, AB native made his Pats debut in 2010 and picked up an assist in his first game. Klimchuk went on to play in 228 games in the Blue and White (34th all-time) and sits 32nd on the all-time Pats scoring list with 217 points (98G, 119A). Klimchuk has been an alternate captain for the Pats the last two seasons while being named the Pats’ Most Sportsmanlike Player in both 2013 and 2014. A leader on and off the ice, Klimchuk was an exemplary representative of the Pats around Regina participating in programs including Read to Succeed and Project First Goal along with numerous appearances in the community. On the international stage, Klimchuk won a pair of U18 Gold Medals with Team Canada, twice participated in the Subway Super Series against Team Russia and was invited to this year’s World Junior Selection Camp in Toronto. In his draft year, Klimchuk skated in the CHL Top Prospects game and was later picked 28th Overall by his hometown Calgary Flames in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
“It’s a tough day trading away who we consider a tremendous young man and one of the best two way players in the league,” continued Paddock. “It’s a step the organization believes we have to make to go ahead with our future. We thank Morgan immensely for his contribution to the team on and off the ice and I personally want to thank him for his play and the leadership he provided this year.”
Gabrielle is scheduled to be in the lineup tonight for the Pats as they faceoff with the Moose Jaw Warriors in a 7 p.m. puck drop at the Brandt Centre. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.ca, the Brandt Centre Box Office and Safeway locations throughout Regina.
Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On!!
To the former owners – this is leadership.
Crap, crap and crap! Why would the Pats trade within their division? They are not far behind Brandon with 2 games in hand. Paddock gave them the pennant. Why would you only get a 17 yr old that is only expected to be a 2nd or 3rd round NHL draft pick for a 1st rounder? One for one? There should have been some draft picks included in this trade. This doesn't make alot of sense with the Pats record..go for it for once. Once again, this Organization leaves fans scratching their heads. No more Pats games for me…the more things… Read more »
So we should of traded the few picks we have left to go for it? When the playoffs come there is no way we best brandon, swift, the hat or calgary in a 7 game series. This isnt our year. Great trade.
great trade for the Pats… I guess its time for all you part time pat fans who come on this blog and didn't believe for a second that he would be traded to start eating crow.
trading klimchuk was set out at the start of the year by the new ownership group and it didn't matter where the Pats were in the standings
welcome Mr. Gabrielle your toughness and skill is a welcomed addition to our franchise
Lee-Ann you will not be missed at the games you are a short sighted fan who doesn't understand the bigger picture anyways. This franchise went 20yrs of going for it under the old ownership group and never once had a shot even the year we hosted the Memorial Cup we had no goalie to win games.
Good trade. Pats getting a lil' more grit.
Outstanding trade, though Klimchuk is a quality human being, Gabriel is awesome who will play great for the next few years along Brooks, Sam, Smith Wagner, etc. Great move Pats, impressive!
to the person who said we were buyers for twenty years thats right and it did get us nowhere but how were the pats doing then? not very good . they were doing good this year they should not have been sellers they should have at least stood pat. this crap about they are not good enough this year is crap what a mindset to have they beat brandon three straight bloody times!
Short sighted? The Pats record is 23-12-2! And this year they DO have a goalie to win games and depth on all forward lines and defence. They have beaten the best teams in the league this year, and had an outstanding record on their coast trip, so I would say they would have a great chance to come out of the conference, especially in a 7 game series. So what now, we wait another 20 yrs to have a chance? Looks like you are settling for mediocrity again "ANONYMOUS". If you want to critique my post, have the balls to… Read more »
It wasn't the year last year and it showed. This is a shrewd trade and going to Brandon that's fine.
whats with this negative attitude that they cant beat these teams we sure cant now that we are sellers lol what a joke! and dont tell me they are doing it for the future because this team was going to get better paddock youre a joke you dont play the game!
happens
we add a player that is younger and has basically the exact same stats but brings more to the table in terms of toughness and grit. Take a look at how young our team is, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to tell that we will be better as these players get older. Sam Steel alone will make us better then what Klimchuk ever did. Lee-Ann your going to be even more upset once the Pats trade Burroughs as well. I don't get it in how people think this trade is going to hurt us, we add a player who… Read more »
Gabrielle is already ahead of his point total from last year in less games, I think this is a fantastic trade that should have been done sooner. Klimchuk didn't do in regina what was expected of him, he was supposed to be the next Eberle and that didn't happen.
i meant paddock this is a joke not youre a joke sorry
Two wrongs, do not make this move right! Cowards die a slow death. Sometimes you gotta stand for something!
This team had more then some think!
Winning breeds winning!
You can build for the future but the future sometimes never comes.
Ie. Leafs, Jays
Sometimes you just have to go for it and go all in!
What a waste, ship of fools keeps on sailing!
The Pats were not deep enough even with Klimchuk, to go very far in the post season. The defence is not that good. Morgan career is over here in about 3-4 months…tops. Gone with no return. Gabrielle has nearly the same point total, has 69 pim, is 214 lbs and as tough as nails. A tough, talented kid at 17 yrs of age. Will likely have near 30 goals this year, 100 pim, and taken 2nd or 3rd round of the draft. For this year it's like getting a Dyson Stevenson but having him two more seasons after this one.… Read more »
Lee Anne the Pats got more than just Jesse in this deal, they got his Dad and the all the baggage comes with it as well.
If I was a Wheat Kings fan, I would be saying "Weeze bin robbed!!"
A guy that knows his stuff and who I respect, Phil Da Thrill, has called this a great trade by the Pats. I agree with his argument. It was a smart trade for the future.
Old Hank
It's the Pats and it's hockey. Who cares.