Regina Pats legend Dale Derkatch named assistant GM

After a disappointing 2023-24 campaign, the Regina Pats have announced changes to their front office and coaching staff.

“Nobody here wants to just get by … We want to build it the right way. We want to be as competitive as we can. And have that eye on, again, winning a championship,” said general manager Allan Millar when making the announcement Monday.

Among the appointments was the hiring of Dale Derkatch as assistant general manager and Ryan Smith as associate head coach.

Derkatch is the Regina Pats’ all-time leading scorer, netting 222 goals, 269 assists, and 491 points from 1981-1985.

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“Dale will be involved in all hockey decisions. He will lead our scouting staff. It was clear for me that he was the right guy — passion in terms of the team, passion in terms of the city. His knowledge, experience, quality person, obviously his history as a player. He’s a Pat,” declared Millar.

Derkatch brings 13 years of NHL scouting experience with Washington, Toronto, and most recently Columbus. He also served as head coach of the Pats for the 2008-09 season.

“It’s very exciting times, and I’m very excited to be back with the Pats and looking forward to some great things moving forward,” said Derkatch.

“To work for the Pats, for me, is a big deal. How many times is this now? About my third or fourth time back in the organization. Yeah, it means a lot,” he said.

The Regina Pats have signed head coach Brad Herauf (centre) and assistant coach Ken Schneider (right) to contract extensions. (Submitted/Keith Hershmiller Photography)

Millar also announced Ryan Smith would be associate head coach.

“We were looking for experience. We were looking for a right-hand man to compliment (head coach) Brad Herauf and (assistant coach) Ken Schneider in terms of their roles, in terms of their skill sets,” said Millar.

Smith previously served as the head coach of the Spokane Chiefs from 2022-2024.  He brings with him 16 years of coaching experience from the SJHL, MJHL, and WHL.

As well as helping guide Canada’s U18 men’s team to a gold medal at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championships as an assistant coach, Smith was also a part of the coaching staff in Swift Current’s 2018 WHL Championship run.

“It’s a privilege to coach the Regina Pats. It’s a flagship organization in the CHL, and I couldn’t be more proud to join. I’m very excited for the future and the role with the team to do whatever I can to help this team get back on top of the standings and get a championship,” said Smith.

As well, Max Paddock will be goalie coach for the team. Paddock was a goalie for the Pats from 2016-2020, posting a 3.27 goals-against average.

Cole Stevens was announced as the team’s new athletic therapist. He previously worked as the head athletic therapist for the ECHL’s now-defunct Newfoundland Growlers.

Finally, Millar announced the re-signing of Dale McMullin as head scout. McMullin has been with the Pats since 2011.

A lineup of Pats staff at the announcement on Monday. (Kaleb Sebastian / 980 CJME)

Read more

• Regina Pats add 9 players from WHL prospects draft
• Pats sign coaches Brad Herauf, Ken Schneider to contract extensions
• Regina Pats reflect on disappointing season