Steel, Mahura return to the Pats from NHL

The Pats got some big reinforcements just in time for their rivalry match against the Moose Jaw Warriors on Friday.

Star forward Sam Steel and defenceman Josh Mahura have returned from the Pats after spending several weeks with the Anaheim Ducks.

Steel, the 2016 WHL player of the year and league’s top scorer, will be a big boost to the Pats offence, while Mahura will solidify the blue line.

Steel was taken in the first round by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2016 NHL draft and played in two pre-season games with the team, earning one assist. Steel had a 50 goal, 131 point campaign in 2016-17 which led the entire CHL. Steel added 30 points to that total in the postseason. Head coach John Paddock named Steel captain at the beginning of the 2017-18 season.

Mahura was taken by the Ducks in the third round of the 2016 draft and also played two pre-season games with the club. Mahura was traded to the Pats from the Red Deer Rebels in January. He scored 17 goals and had 53 points during the 2016-17 regular season with the Pats and Red Deer Rebels. Mahura added eight goals and 21 points during the playoffs.

To make room on the roster the Pats reassigned Kjell Kjemhus, Tristen Robins and Rayman Bassi.

Despite the extra men, the Pats fell to Moose Jaw 5-4 in overtime on Friday night. Up next is a home game on Sunday at 4 p.m. against Red Deer.