The Regina Pats may have stumbled at the finish line, but they're still heading into the WHL playoffs. Their first-round challenge? The formidable Medicine Hat Tigers, last year’s league champions.
For goalie Marek Schlenker, recently named the Pats’ most outstanding player for the 2025-26 season, making the playoffs is a major achievement. “Starting the year 0-and-6, a lot of people counted us out early.
Proving them wrong feels great. That’s been our goal all year,” Schlenker shared.
The Pats' playoff berth was fueled by a crucial 7-3 run in late February, highlighted by surprise wins over the Prince Albert Raiders and Edmonton Oil Kings. This marks their first playoff appearance since the 2022-23 season, when they were led by Connor Bedard and narrowly fell to the Saskatoon Blades in a seven-game series.
Despite losing their last five games, including two tough matchups against the Brandon Wheat Kings, the Pats clinched seventh place. Their playoff spot was secured when the Swift Current Broncos upset the Moose Jaw Warriors and Medicine Hat defeated the Red Deer Rebels.
Facing Medicine Hat is no small task. The Tigers, tied for first in the East, boast the league’s highest-scoring offense, led by the dynamic Ruck brothers-Markus and Liam-who topped the WHL scoring charts.
Pats captain Ephram McNutt acknowledged the challenge. “Medicine Hat is incredibly skilled, more so than any other team we’ve faced.
They play an aggressive, offensive style that’s tough to match. But we’re not afraid.”
Head coach Brad Herauf would have preferred a more decisive entry into the playoffs. “We want to make our own luck. The last few weeks have been tough with injuries and unexpected issues, but we’re focusing on the present.”
The Pats have faced roster challenges, including an injury to leading scorer Keets Fawcett. They've even had to secure league permission to add a third 2010-born player to their lineup.
The series against Medicine Hat kicks off with the first two games on the road, followed by Games 3 and 4 at Regina’s Brandt Centre. It’s a tall order, but the Pats are ready to prove they belong on this stage.