‘I’m thankful’: Regina Pats’ season, hub experience come to an end

While there weren’t any fans to salute following the Regina Pats’ final game of the year, the team did so to recognize the end of one of the most unique seasons in WHL history.

Due to COVID-19 measures, the Pats — and all of the teams in Saskatchewan and Manitoba — played an abbreviated season in a bubble in Regina without any fans in attendance at any of the games.

While it was tough being away from family, staying in small dorm rooms and only leaving to go to the rink, the Pats are grateful to have had a chance to hit the ice this season.

That was especially true for players like defenceman Kyle Walker, who played his final WHL game.

“Definitely a lot of emotions were in the game, especially after the game (it was) definitely sad with the boys coming up and hugging you. It’s bittersweet for sure,” the 20-year-old said following a 6-4 loss to the Winnipeg Ice at the Brandt Centre on Tuesday.

“It was great that we could get this opportunity to come here and play. If we couldn’t go, it would have been horrible to skip out on a year and just have nothing to build off. Having this year was awesome mentally and it was just a great experience.”

Walker said he was grateful to get a chance to play for the Pats in his WHL career.

“(The organization) carries themselves incredibly well and they want their players to be good human beings on and off the ice. It was first class and such an honour and I can’t thank anybody enough to get a chance to play here,” Walker said.

Along with Walker, forward Carson Denomie and goaltender Roddy Ross also played in their final games as the team’s overage players.

“Denomie and Walker were two of my really good buddies on the team so it’s pretty sad seeing them go, but I know they’ll do great in the future. Ross was a huge key to our team. (I) didn’t spend a lot of time with him but he’s a very great guy,” said captain Logan Nijhoff.

The team played the final game of its shortened 24-game season, ending the hub experience.

That means the end of a couple months of eating food supplied by the University of Regina, sleeping in dorm rooms and only leaving the campus to go to the rink.

Head coach Dave Struch praised the members of his team’s leadership group for their work during this unique season.

“The guys that we chose as our leaders were really, really important. I can’t thank them enough,” Struch said.

Now as the players get ready to head home Wednesday, some of them are just looking forward to some home-cooked meals from their parents.

“The staff at Luther (College) did a great job but it was pretty repetitive so I’m definitely excited to get some home-cooked food and sleep in my own bed. I’m definitely used to a bigger bed,” Nijhoff said. “It was interesting being next to a brick wall for 48 nights.”

For Struch, he’s ready to see his own family once again.

“It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I hope I never have to do something this hard again,” Struch said.

“That’s when I come back to the players. Every team has some rough-around-the-edges guys but we had a great group of people … I learned a lot about myself and individual relationships because we developed a lot with these guys because of so much time spent together and how important it is. But you sure know how much your family means to you outside (the bubble) going through something like this.

“It’s going to be fantastic (to hug my family). I’m really looking forward to it.”

And for Walker, it meant the world to hit the ice one last time with his teammates.

“I’m thankful. A lot of people could complain about (the hub) but I’m just super happy we got the opportunity to play and spend two months with the guys. What more could you want as a hockey player? I know I won’t ever forget this and it was really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Walker said.

The ICE were propelled to victory with goals from James Form, Mike Ladyman, Conor Geekie, Zachary Benson, and two from Michael Milne.

The Pats were lead by Zack Smith, who recorded his first career hat-trick and a goal from Carter Massier.

Regina finished the season with a 9-12-2-1 record. The WHL already has said there won’t be any playoffs.

The Moose Jaw Warriors completed their campaign Monday with a 5-4 loss to the Saskatoon Blades.

The Prince Albert Raiders, Swift Current Broncos and Blades are to finish their seasons Wednesday.