PATS MAKE IT OFFICIAL

The Regina Pats Hockey Club is proud to announce the hiring of John Paddock as Head Coach and Senior Vice-President of Hockey Operations. The Pats are also happy to confirm Chad Lang continues in his role as Senior Vice-President involved in the hockey and business sides of the organization.

Paddock comes to the Queen City after five seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers as Assistant General Manager.  Last season, he served as one of the Flyers’ assistant coaches as the team compiled a 42-30-10 record en route to a berth in the playoffs.

“I am very happy to be joining the Regina Pats,” commented John Paddock.  “It’s an exciting time for the ownership group and myself as we join forces to build a model WHL franchise the people of Regina can get behind.  It will be great to get started!”

Before his time with the Flyers, Paddock spent 21 seasons building extensive coaching experience with both NHL and AHL teams.  The Oak River, MB native is a member of the AHL Hall of Fame (2010) and the third winningest coach in league history with a record of 589-438-98.  He was named the AHL Coach of the Year for the 1987-88 season and is the only coach to lead three different franchises to Calder Cup Championships (Maine–1984, Hershey–1988, Hartford–2000).

Paddock’s tenure includes head coaching in the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets (1991-94) and Ottawa Senators (2007-08).

“We are very excited to welcome John to the Pats family!” said Regina Pats Governor Anthony Marquart.  “His extensive hockey experience in coaching and management is an asset as we work to build a solid foundation and develop our hockey club for future success.  We went through an exhaustive search to find the right fit for our hockey club and in John we found exactly what we need.”

Prior to stepping behind the bench, Paddock played  nine seasons of professional hockey in the AHL and NHL, winning two Calder Cups (Maine–1978, 1979).  John played his junior hockey with the Brandon Wheat Kings from 1972-1974.

Paddock will be introduced at a media conference prior to the Pats’ 2014 Training Camp opening August 21st at the Cooperators Centre.  The Blue and White play their first pre-season game August 28th at home to the Moose Jaw Warriors.

“Overall, this revised structure ensures a focus on sustained hockey development and commitment to winning while having in place a business operating model focused on an enhanced fan experience,” continued Marquart.  “We are committed to bringing a Memorial Cup to Regina and the proper structure is the first step.”

“Under the ownership group we had the opportunity to discuss our organization’s structure,” explained Chad Lang.  “Recommendations were brought forward on both sides of the operation that will aid in the organization’s short and long term goals.  The organizational restructure allows me to focus my efforts to work alongside Todd Lumbard and the ownership group while remaining committed to assisting all staff on both sides of the organization.”

“Chad has been instrumental during this entire process.  His knowledge of our league, recommendations and tireless efforts allowed us to bring on John Paddock and positioned our organization for future success.  We are very pleased Chad continues in his role of Senior Vice-President as we move forward,” Marquart concluded.