Pats add to forward core, acquiring Pratt from Rebels for draft pick

The Regina Pats were expected to make a flurry of moves ahead of Wednesday’s Western Hockey League Trade Deadline and continued to make good on those expectations Saturday, making a deal with the Red Deer Rebels.

Heading to Regina is forward Austin Pratt, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound product of Lakeville, Minn. Drafted by the Rebels in the fourth round, 75th overall, of the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft, Pratt has played in 165 games with the WHL club, scoring 62 points (31G-31A). This season, Pratt has 16 points (7G-9A) in 39 games.

Pratt has two power play goals and four game-winning goals in his career. The 1999-born forward also brings plenty of playoff experience to the 2018 Mastercard Memorial Cup hosts. He played at the 2016 edition of the tournament when the Rebels hosted and has also appeared in 15 WHL playoff games.

“Pratt brings size and scoring potential to our team,” Pats head coach and general manager John Paddock said. “He had a real good year as a 17-year-old in this league and he is going to help our hockey team going forward”

TRADE: Rebels Deal Pratt to Regina. #RDR

Details: https://t.co/5494XwXgsE pic.twitter.com/ZxX2tlreiW

— Red Deer Rebels (@Rebelshockey) January 6, 2018

In return for Pratt, the Rebels have acquired a third-round draft selection in the 2019 WHL Bantam Draft. The pick involved originally belonged to the Rebels and was acquired by the Pats in the Josh Mahura trade last season.

The Pats are in action next on Saturday, January 6 (7:00 p.m. CST) to face the Swift Current Broncos. The Rebels are also on the road in Saskatchewan Saturday, January 6 (7:00 p.m. CST), battling the Prince Albert Raiders at the Art Hauser Centre.

TRADE: Pats Acquire Austin Pratt from the Red Deer Rebels. Details here: https://t.co/R7bgX8rfBH

📷- Dave Brunner#JoinTheRegiment pic.twitter.com/p0HWYswx2X

— Regina Pats (@WHLPats) January 6, 2018