The 100th Memorial Cup Final could have been a storybook ending for the host Regina Pats. They redeemed their early exit from the WHL Playoffs by earning a berth in the final. It had all the makings of a great underdog story that unfortunately never materialized. The Acadie-Bathurst Titan won their first Memorial Cup in franchise history with a 3-0 shutout. Pats goalie Max Paddock did his best to keep his team in the game. His teammate Sam Steel won the tournament MVP award. When all was said and done, the Regina Pats did an outstanding job of representing the WHL at the Memorial Cup.
The Name is Max Paddock
The Regina Pats used their second chance as the host of the Memorial Cup to the full advantage. The Pats had one heck of a run this year, one they should be proud of.
The Regina Pats roared back from a 7-2 deficit in last Sunday’s game against the Acadie-Bathurst Titan. They ultimately lost 8-6, but the late-game surge showed how much fight they had in them. The Pats completed their redemption when they eliminated the Swift Current Broncos and the Hamilton Bulldogs. Rookie goaltender and NHL draft prospect Max Paddock was a big reason why.
For most of the season, Pats goalie Ryan Kubic was their starter. After Kubic was injured, Paddock had to step up. His Memorial Cup performance was more like up, up and away. He is currently ranked 22nd among North American goaltenders on Central Scouting’s final draft rankings. In addition to improving his draft stock, Max Paddock is going to emerge as a serious threat to opposing WHL teams next season.
Man of Steel
It was heartbreaking to see tournament MVP Sam Steel come out and pose for his obligatory picture without hoisting the trophy in victory. Steel has been in top form all season and he deserved all the attention he got during the Memorial Cup. The Cup put him on a world stage where he belongs. The world has been watching Steel the whole season, never more so than this weekend. Anaheim Ducks fans, get ready. Sam Steel is the real deal.
Well Done
The Regina Pats made it all the way to the final day of the junior hockey season. They went farther than the other 21 teams in the WHL. That being said, the Regina Pats have every reason to be proud of their season and their performance in the Memorial Cup. The Pats had an outstanding season all around and as the Memorial Cup hosts, they did an excellent job representing the WHL as a whole. That’s something every fan in the Dub can be proud of, no matter where they are or who they cheer for.
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