Regina Pats Player Development

[Jersey Fan 12]

Not sure this is the right place for this - and admittedly knowledge base of the WHL isn't that extensive.

Obviously much of the hockey world focus was on Connor Bedard and his season for the ages but was looking into a prospect camp held here in NJ a couple of summers ago and came across current Pat's forward Matteo Michels.

Looking solely at his numbers, should Michels have been playing in the WHL as a 16-year-old two seasons ago and is the best avenue for him to develop his game?

Admittedly, there can be more to the big picture but it just seems curious.

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[hockeykid87]

Probably not. But there are factors to consider. Michels was the Pats first ever selection in the US Priority Draft. There haven't been a lot of players from those US Drafts that have made it to the WHL, for varying reasons. Perhaps Michels told the Pats he would sign ASAP and play for the team. Maybe Regina drafted him because he was the only US kid available in that range that said he would come. Maybe Michels has a connection to the area and was willing to go because of that.