PADDOCK HEADED TO HALL OF FAME

Regina, Saskatchewan – The Regina Pats Senior VP of Hockey Operations and Head Coach John Paddock will be enshrined in the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame (MHHOF).  The announcement was made Monday morning in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The head coach is enters the MHHOF in the builder category.  He goes in to the hall along with three other builders, four players, one official, one media and three teams.

“I am truly honoured to receive this recognition,” said Head Coach John Paddock.  “My career as a player and coach has taken me across North America but Manitoba has always been my home.  To be given this honour means a lot to my family and I.  It’s humbling being inducted with so many distinguished individuals and teams.”

Born in Oak River, Manitoba, John played his junior hockey with the Brandon Wheat Kings (1972-74).  He spent nine season, as a player, in professional hockey in both the AHL and NHL.  He won two AHL Calder Cup trophies as a player and three as a coach.  He’s the third winningest coach in AHL league history, compiling a 589-438-98 record.  Before joining the Regina Pats, John was both an assistant GM and assistant head coach with the Philadelphia Flyers.

“As an organization we could not be happier for John and his family,” said Regina Pats President Todd Lumbard.  “His resume is impressive to say the least.  He is a credit to our organization.  We are all benefiting from his wealth of knowledge and experience.”

“John’s playing career set the stage for an impressive coaching career in the AHL and NHL.  He’s won Calder Cups, set coaching records, and teams to championship finals time and again.  We’re proud that his career was nurtured in Manitoba and pleased to have him part of the Class of 2015,” said Jordy Douglas, Vice-President of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame and Chair of the Selection Committee.

The formal induction ceremony will take place October 3, 2015 in Winnipeg, MB.