PATS OPEN CAMP BY SIGNING STEEL

(Courtesy Marco Vigliotti, Metro Regina) — The Regina Pats started their training camp with a bang on Wednesday, announcing the signing of Sam Steel — their top pick and the Western Hockey League’s second overall choice in the 2013 bantam draft.

“We needed to add a highly skilled player. I feel Sam fits that mould,” Pats general manager Chad Lang said of Steel.

“His vision and ability to make players around better is something special.”

Lang praised Steel as a dynamic, exciting offensive presence in the mould of former Pats standout forward and current Edmonton Oilers star Jordan Eberle.

While Steel has said he would like to add a grittier dimension to his polished, finesse skill set, Lang argued that the Sherwood Park, Alta., product could rely on his superior vision to free up space.

“A lot of times he never finds himself in the dirty areas because he finds the open ice and pucks seem to find him.” Lang said.

“That’s what skill players are all about.”

Addressing the Regina media for the first time, Steel said he is thrilled to join one of the WHL’s oldest franchises and that he’ll strive to achieve the rare feat of earning a spot on the roster as a 16-year-old rookie.

“It wasn’t a tough decision at all — it’s such an amazing organization,” he said of joining the Pats.

“I am looking to play a few exhibition games this upcoming week, hopefully play a few regular-season games — and if I can, crack the roster.”

Casting himself as a speedy playmaker, Steel said he likes to “think the game” and “make the other players around me better.”

He added that he would return to Sherwood Park if he fails to find a full-time spot with the Pats this season.