PREVIEW: Pats open the 2025-26 season in Swift Current
Regina, Sask. – The Regina Pats open the 2025-26 season against the Swift Current Broncos tonight!
WHL REGULAR SEASON GAME #1 | Regina Pats (0-0-0-0) at Swift Current Broncos (0-0-0-0)
| Date | Time | Friday, September 19 | 7:00pm MDT |
| Place | InnovationPlex |
| Watch / Listen Live | Victory+ | 620 CKRM |
| Live Stats | Click Here |
| Game Notes | Click Here |
| Roster | Click Here |
| What’s Next | Next Game: Saturday, September 20 at Medicine Hat |
| Social Media | Follow on “X” | Facebook | Instagram |
PREVIEW
The Regina Pats open their 96th season tonight against their Saskatchewan rivals, the Swift Current Broncos. Regina has missed the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, while Swift Current has qualified in back-to-back years.
The Pats enter 2025-26 with renewed optimism after finishing last season with a 16-44-5-3 record and 40 points, the second-lowest total in the WHL. That result led to some good fortune, as the Pats won the 2025 Draft Lottery and selected local standout Maddox Schultz first overall in the WHL Prospects Draft. Schultz became just the third player in franchise history to be chosen first overall, joining Connor Bedard (2020) and Colten Teubert (2005).
Regina made another splash at the draft, acquiring the third overall pick from Kelowna in exchange for the 26th pick in 2025, as well as first-round selections in 2026 and 2027. With that pick, the Pats added forward Liam Pue of Langley, B.C.
Tonight marks the first of six meetings between the Pats and Broncos this season. Last year, Regina went 3-3-0 in the season series, outscoring Swift Current 23-19 and winning the final matchup 5-2 on March 18.
WHO TO WATCH
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Maddox Schultz – Making his WHL debut, the first overall pick led the SMAAAHL in goals, assists, and points last season, tallying 93 points (43G-50A) in 44 games. He was named both Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year, and later guided his club to its first Telus Cup appearance since 1999.
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Liam Pue – Also debuting tonight, the third overall pick scored 50 points (30G-20A) in 29 games for Langley Hockey Academy U18 (JPHL), leading the league in goals. He has signed with the Regina Pat Canadians (SMAAAHL) and will play alongside Schultz full-time this season.
Additional News: The Regina Pats named Ephram McNutt the 83rd captain in franchise history on Thursday. Joining McNutt as alternate captains are defenceman Kolten Bridgeman and forwards Zach Moore and Caden Brown.
COMING UP
The Pats continue their opening weekend tomorrow in Medicine Hat against the Tigers before returning home for their 2025-26 home opener on Friday, September 26 against the Prince Albert Raiders.
Details for the home opener and home opener tailgate party are available HERE! Tickets for the game are available by stopping by the Brandt Centre Box Office or at reginapats.com/tickets. For Group, Premium, and Season Ticket inquiries, please reach out to the Regina Pats Business Office at 306-527-9963.
