Smilanic impressed with Pats experience
Ty Smilanic’s nine days in Regina made a lasting impression.
His brief stay was equally valuable for the Regina Pats, who hope to welcome the 15-year-old prodigy into the fold as early as next season.
“He’s a real good player; he just needs to learn some things like any 15-year-old does,” said head coach/ GM John Paddock. “There’s no need for him to sign (right now) because there’s no advantage to him. Things can change, but this is a real positive (that he came to camp). We’ll keep close tabs on him all winter and continue to court him. I’m hopeful that things work out.”
Despite a verbal commitment to the University of Denver — his hometown school — Smilanic has expressed serious interest in the WHL route. That position hadn’t changed Monday when he played in the Pats’ Blue and White intrasquad game before returning home Tuesday.
“It was a great experience, especially that last game,” said Smilanic, who compiled two goals and four assists in three rookie scrimmages last week. “The jump from youth hockey to junior hockey is a big one. Not many players are ready for it. That’s just something you have to work for.”
The Pats believe Smilanic — regarded as one of the elite 15-yearolds in the U.S. — will be up for the challenge.
The rest is beyond their control. “I could definitely see myself playing here, without a doubt,” added Smilanic, who will join the Colorado Thunderbirds 16-andunder team this season. “It definitely helps just coming up here and seeing things and how they function. In a way, it does make (the decision) a little bit harder just because you see how great of an avenue it is. It makes it tougher, but it was a great experience for sure.”