The Regina Pats are setting their sights on building momentum after a season that saw them return to the Western Hockey League playoffs, despite a first-round exit. After missing the postseason for two consecutive years, the team qualified with a 25-34-9 record, marking a significant improvement of 19 points over the previous season. This progress comes in the third year of a rebuild initiated in 2023, signaling a positive shift for the franchise.
Playoff Experience as a Foundation
In the 2026 playoffs, the Pats faced the Medicine Hat Tigers, a team with twice as many regular-season wins. Despite being heavy underdogs, Regina put up a strong fight, pushing the series to five games. An unlucky bounce in Game 5 allowed Medicine Hat to tie the game, leading to an overtime victory that ended the Pats' season. Head coach Brad Herauf reflected on the effort, noting that the team gave the Tigers everything they could handle and that a few bounces could have extended the series.
Herauf emphasized the value of this playoff experience for the young roster, stating that it builds a foundation for future runs. He highlighted the importance of commitment and a survival mentality, which can often outweigh pure talent in postseason hockey. This mindset is expected to guide the team as they aim for higher achievements in the coming seasons.
Roster Stability and Coaching Uncertainty
Looking ahead to the 2026-27 WHL season, the Pats have a largely intact roster, with only Caden Brown and Ephram McNutt graduating. This continuity provides an opportunity for growth and cohesion among returning players. However, questions remain behind the bench. Assistant coach Ken Schneider is retiring, and Herauf is in discussions with general manager Dale Derkatch and owner Shawn Semple about his future with the team.
Herauf, who joined the Pats as an assistant in 2015 and became head coach in 2023, expressed a strong desire to stay with the organization. He noted the challenges of the rebuild, which involved trading away top players to focus on long-term development, and hopes to lead the team through the next phase of success. The outcome of these talks will be crucial in shaping the team's direction.
Raised Expectations for the Future
As the Pats prepare for the upcoming season, Herauf has set clear expectations. He stated that the standard will be raised across the organization, with playoffs no longer just a goal but an expectation. The team aims to continue climbing the ladder, leveraging the experience gained from this season's playoff run. Herauf believes that the building blocks are in place, with young players gaining valuable calluses that will serve them in future postseason battles.
The Regina Pats' journey reflects a broader narrative of resilience and growth in sports. After a period of rebuilding, the team is poised to turn lessons from adversity into fuel for future triumphs. With a focus on development and a commitment to excellence, the Pats are determined to make the 2026-27 season a stepping stone to greater heights in the WHL.
