PATS SIGN FIRST ROUND PICK

Regina, Saskatchewan – The Regina Pats first round pick in the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft, defenceman Dawson Barteaux, has signed with the team.  The Forwarren, Manitoba native was the fourteenth pick overall in last month’s draft.

“It’s an honour to be signed with the Regina Pats,” said Dawson Barteaux.  “I’m going to do a lot of training this summer to gain some weight, so I’m bigger and stronger when I come back to fall camp.”

Dawson spent last season with the Yellowhead Chiefs playing in the Winnipeg Bantam AAA Hockey League.  During the 2014-15 season, the 15-year-old managed seven goals and 20 assists in 31 games.  Barteaux’s parents could not be more proud of their son.  Signing with the Pats is an ideal situation for the family who live three hours east of Regina.

“It’s perfect for us, we could not have asked for anything better, being in Regina,” said David Barteaux.  “(Dawson) has been waiting for this, for a long time, to be part of the WHL and we are happy for the opportunity.”

Dawson Barteaux was one of 34 Pats prospects who took part in the team’s spring camp over the weekend.  For any team, signing the first round pick is a key piece for future success.  Pats Head Coach and GM John Paddock says Barteaux is a talented player who will be a key part of the team in the future.

“He plays how we want to play and how we want our defenceman to play,” said Pats Head Coach and GM John Paddock.  “He’s going to be able to pass the puck, skate the puck out and be on one of the power-play units for most of his junior career.”