PADDOCK NAMED EAST CONFERENCE COACH OF THE YEAR

The Western Hockey League announced its award nominees and conference all-star teams Wednesday afternoon.

Regina Pats Sr. VP of Hockey Operations and Head Coach John Paddock is the Eastern Conference nominee for the Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy as the Coach of the Year.  Coach Paddock is up against Western Conference nominee Dan Lambert of the Kelowna Rockets for the award.  The winner will be announced May 6, 2015 at the WHL Awards Luncheon in Calgary, AB.

“I think (the nomination) means you have really good support around you,” said Paddock.  “I obviously have that in Dave (Struch) as far as knowledge, an excellent coach and expertise.  Everything we tried to sell the players was accepted willingly.  I think they were searching for that.”

John Paddock was hired by the team August 6, 2014 and guided the Blue and White to a 37-24-5-6 record on the season.  The 2014-15 regular season was Paddock’s first in junior hockey since he played for the Brandon Wheat Kings in 1973-74.

“As an organization, we are very pleased to see John receive this much deserved nomination,” commented Regina Pats President Todd Lumbard.  “He combines his vast experience with an open minded, modern day approach that translates into great leadership for our team!”

The Queen City Kids were represented on the Eastern Conference Second All-Star Team by defenceman Colby Williams.  The Regina native led Pats blue-liners with 41 points (11G, 30A) and finished second in the WHL with a +45 plus/minus rating.  Williams was named the Pats Player of the Year.

“We also congratulate Colby on a great season, both on and off the ice.  Colby took his game to another level and is a real force for our hockey club,” continued Lumbard.

The Pats open the WHL Playoffs on Friday, March 27 against the Swift Current Broncos at the Brandt Centre in a 7 p.m. puck drop.  Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.ca, the Brandt Centre Box Office and Regina Safeway locations.