Regina Pats add former 50-goal scorer from Medicine Hat at deadline

The Regina Pats made a couple of deals on WHL trade deadline day.

The team announced on Sunday they’ve dealt forward Colton Kroeker to the Lethbridge Hurricanes for a third-round pick in the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft.

General manager John Paddock had something up his sleeve when he made that deal as not too long after the Pats announced they had acquired 20-year-old Cole Sanford from the Medicine Hat Tigers for the recently acquired Brian WIlliams, prospect forward Gary Haden, a second-round pick in 2018, a fifth-round pick in 2017 and the third-round pick the team had just acquired from the Hurricanes.

“This was a unique opportunity to acquire one of the premiere goal scorers in the Western Hockey League,” said Paddock in a news release.

“We’ve been looking to add a consistent scorer to play with Sam Steel.  The chance to add a 50-goal scorer like Cole enhanced that opportunity. It’s important for our young players to gain playoff experience and this enhances our drive for the playoffs.”

Sanford comes to Regina after spending his entire WHL career in Medicine Hat. During that time, Sanford played in 230 games scoring 106 goals and 217 points. Sanford finished second in the WHL last season with 50 goals. So far this year, Sanford has 21 goals and 17 assists in 33 games.

Kroeker was in his second season in the league and with the Pats with 13 points to date this year.

Williams was acquired by the Pats last week.

The Pats continue their American road-trip Tuesday night in Everett. They return home to host the Prince Albert Raiders on Jan 23.