SILLINGER JOINS PATS

The Regina Pats Hockey Club announced today the hiring of alumni Mike Sillinger into the role of Scouting and Recruitment, providing additional resources and experience to the Pats’ Hockey Operations Department.

“I’m thrilled to be a Regina Pat again and part of an organization I’ve always been passionate about,” commented Mike Sillinger.  “With my hockey knowledge and ability to understand what it takes to get to the next level, I hope I can be a positive influence and bring many tools to the current prospects.  My family and I enjoy being part of the community and know it will be a good fit.”

Sillinger spent the previous four seasons with the Edmonton Oilers as the NHL club’s Director of Player Development where he worked with Oilers prospects in the AHL and ECHL as well as draft picks in the college and junior ranks. 

“Mike’s experience as an NHL player and Director of Player Development with the Oilers adds a valuable resource to our Hockey Operations Department,” said Regina Pats President Todd Lumbard.  “As a former star player in this organization and a resident of Regina, Mike is well positioned to assist the Pats in attracting and retaining top talent for years to come.”

In his playing days, Sillinger spent four seasons with the Pats, wearing the Blue and White from 1987-1991.  Over that time, the Regina native became the Pats’ second all-time leading scorer with 419 points (178G, 241A) in 266 games played.  One of the members of the famed, “Pup Line”,

Sillinger was drafted 11th Overall in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft by the Detroit Red Wings.  After splitting his first professional seasons between the Red Wings and their AHL affiliate, Sillinger went on to an 18 year NHL career with 12 teams. Sillinger played in 1,049 games while tallying 240 goals and 308 assists.  In recognition of his accomplishments in junior and the NHL, the Pats retired Sillinger’s number 16 in 2011.

“Mike is a local guy with lots of experience in hockey and lots of passion for the Pats,” added Regina Pats Senior VP of Hockey Operations John Paddock.  “He’s involved in the community and with players who are coming up for the draft down the road and we feel he can provide us with added insight.”

The Pats start out a four game home stand this weekend with games Saturday and Sunday against Prince Albert and Red Deer at the Brandt Centre.  Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.ca, the Brandt Centre Box Office and Safeway locations throughout Regina.  For more information on discounts for groups of twenty or more, call 306-337-1538.