Pats sign top two picks Hordichuk and Wagner to WHL Scholarship and Development Agreements
Regina, Sask. – The Regina Pats Hockey Club have signed 2009-born forward Braden Hordichuk and 2009-born defenceman Aiden Wagner to Western Hockey League Scholarship and Development Agreements.
“We are excited to sign our top two 2024 draft picks, Braden Hordichuk and Aiden Wagner,” Regina Pats VP, Hockey Operations and GM Alan Millar said. “Furthermore, we are very pleased that Braden, Aiden, and their families, have chosen the Pats and the Western Hockey League to further their hockey and academic goals. We look forward to both Braden and Aiden’s futures with our hockey club.”
Hordichuk, 15, was drafted by the Pats with the first-overall pick of the 2024 U.S. Priority Draft. The Scottsdale, Arizona product tallied 32 points (20G-12A) in 37 games in 2023-24 with the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes 14U AAA team, finishing second on his club in points and goals. The 5-foot-10, 162 lb. right-shot forward posted 37 points (27G-10A) with Notre Dame Prep of the USHS-AZ in the 2022-23 season, once again leading his team in points and goals.
Hordichuk has roots to Saskatchewan as his father Darcy hails from Kamsack, Sask., playing his U18 AAA hockey with the Yorkton Mallers in 1996-97. Darcy then played in the Western Hockey League with the Calgary Htimen and Saskatoon Blades from 1998-2000 and was later drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in 2000.
“Hordichuk projects as a power forward in the WHL. Pats fans can expect a very hard-working, competitive player in Braden, with offensive upside in his game,” Millar explained.
Wagner, 15, was selected with the 25th overall pick of the 2024 WHL Prospects Draft. The Yorkton, Sask. product recorded 23 points (4G-19A) in 22 games with the Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep team in 2023-24 as well as six points (3G-3A) in five playoff games.
The 5-foot-9, 151 lb. right-shot defenceman was a CSSHL U15 Champion and was named a CSSHL U15 Second-Team All-Star this past season. Wagner also played for the Yorkton Terriers U15 AA team in 2022-23, compiling 17 points (6G-11A) in 29 games.
“Wagner is a very good puck-moving defensemen, with good mobility and offensive upside from the backend. Aiden also plays the game hard, with good edge, and good compete,” Millar said.
