Pats bolster depth with acquisition of Mahovlich from Blazers
Veteran forward Scott Mahovlich is on the move following a Tuesday afternoon deal that saw the 18-year-old product of Abbotsford, B.C., shipped from the Kamloops Blazers to the Queen City where he will compete for a Mastercard Memorial Cup title with the host Regina Pats.
In exchange for Mahovlich, the Blazers receive a seventh-round selection in the 2018 WHL Bantam Draft.
“We are excited to add Scott to our team,” said John Paddock, general manager and head coach of the Pats, in a team release. “He is a big-body forward and a right-handed shot that will add to our depth up front.”
Originally signed by the Blazers in September 2016, the 6-foot-2, 187-pound pivot when on to skate in 62 career regular season games with Kamloops, including 48 during his rookie season. In total, the Yale Hockey Academy graduate collected six points (1G-5A) in the 62 games spread across the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons with the Blazers. He also dressed for three games during the 2017 WHL Playoffs.
“This transaction will give Scott a chance to play for a Memorial Cup in Regina and allow our younger forwards more opportunity,” said Stu MacGregor, general manager of the Blazers, in a team release. “We’d like to thank Scott for his time with the Blazers and wish him luck with Regina.”
As it stands, the Pats have dropped three consecutive outings and with a record of 13-12-2-0 sit fourth in the ultra-competitive East Division. Mahovlich should provide additional grit to Paddock’s lineup, something that will go a long way down the stretch run as the Pats aim to catch the likes of Moose Jaw, Swift Current and Brandon in the East Division playoff race.
On the flip side of the deal, the Blazers are winners of four consecutive games and working their way back into the race in the WHL’s B.C. Division following a slow start to the campaign.
The Pats return to action Friday evening (7 p.m. ST) at the Brandt Centre in Regina when they host the visiting Red Deer Rebels.
Next up for the Blazers is a Wednesday date (7 p.m. PT) with the defending WHL Champion Seattle Thunderbirds at the Sandman Centre in Kamloops.