Player Profile: Reese Hamilton
“After watching the draft, it was disappointing, but it fuelled my motivation. I want to work extra hard to prove teams wrong coming into this next year.”
Regina, Sask. – Reese Hamilton is entering the 2025-26 season with a chip on his shoulder.
The left-handed defenceman went undrafted at the 2025 NHL Entry Draft following his sophomore campaign, and now the 18-year-old is using that outcome as fuel, sparking a new determination to elevate his game.
Entering his third WHL season – and first full year as a member of the Regina Pats – the 6-foot, 170-pound blueliner has plenty to prove, and he’s already putting in the work to make it happen.
“The biggest thing for me is to carry motivation into this new season; it’s an important year. I want to work on all areas of my game, offensively and defensively. There is always room for improvement,” said Hamilton.
Credit: Prince Albert Raiders
The disappointment of draft weekend was quickly met with a new opportunity for the Whitewood, Saskatchewan native. Hamilton earned an invite to Seattle Kraken development camp at the end of June, an experience he called “super special.”
Kraken Director of Player Development Jeff Tambellini highlighted him as one of the standouts during the scrimmage after he found the back of the net for Team White. The event gave Hamilton a firsthand look into the precision required at the pro level and attributes he’ll look to apply to himself as he works toward another shot at the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
With new knowledge, the 2007-born D-man returns to Regina eager to take the next step in his development.
“The development staff there [in Seattle] is so in-depth with the details they want, and I think that when you get to the pro level, everything is about detail,” Hamilton explained. “Even just being on the ice, how precise they are with the little things is going to help me develop and flourish as I continue to grow here in Regina.”
Credit: Seattle Kraken
Acquired by the Pats in a blockbuster trade in November 2024, Hamilton is turning over a new leaf for the upcoming season and is ready to trek forward.
The smooth-skating defender, who models his game after Winnipeg Jets blueliner Josh Morrissey, split last season between the Calgary Hitmen and the Pats. He posted a combined four goals, 10 assists, and 14 points in 59 games after a strong freshman year in the 2023-24 campaign (8G-23A-31P) as the No. 4 overall selection in the WHL Prospects Draft in 2022.
Upon being acquired by the Pats, the team he “grew up watching,” Hamilton’s transition to Regina has come full circle, crediting the organization for a seamless adjustment playing in his home province.
“I was super excited,” said Hamilton. “To be able to say that I play for the Pats is pretty cool. The way that I was treated and welcomed when I came to Regina was the biggest thing that stood out to me.”
“Being closer to my family and seeing my parents all the time, and having the support from back home, is awesome. I’ve really enjoyed it,” he added.
Credit: Keith Hershmiller Photography
Still with plenty of room to grow, Hamilton already brings a wealth of high-level experience, having won gold with Team Canada on two occasions: at the World U18 Championship in Finland (April 2024) and the best-on-best Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton (August 2024) – which Hamilton claimed was like a “mini World Juniors.”
Both tournaments featured promising prospects and elite talent from his age group, a positive indication that the successes will help shape a confident, two-way defender for the Pats for years to come – one that they’ll heavily rely on when the puck drops in September.
“Anytime you get to represent the Canadian flag, it’s pretty special. Getting invited, let alone winning medals, was unreal,” said Hamilton.
Gearing up to compete in a full season with a young but promising core in Regina, Hamilton can be viewed as a fundamental leader on the blue line. The defenceman looks to channel his competitive edge, he’s honed since first lacing up skates at age three, and help steer the ship in the right direction.
Hamilton expressed no shortage of excitement and anticipation for a mix of emerging and returning talent, eager to push towards success, backed by the passionate Pats fan base.
“The Pats have an extremely passionate fan base. When we have a game or we’re out in the community, everyone is behind you and so supportive,” said Hamilton.
“I’m looking forward to having a successful season. I think it’s going to be a fun year. Many different players are coming in, and lots of prospects to look forward to. I think we’re going to have a really good team,” he added.
As the team starts anew, Hamilton is ready to provide a steady force on and off the ice.
