Through their first 11 games, the Regina Pats hold a winning record and one of the most explosive offences in the Western Hockey League (WHL). Star 16-year-olds Maddox Schultz and Liam Pue lead the Pats in scoring, but defender Matt Paranych has been just as involved to start the season. Scoring three goals and nine assists, Paranych has 12 points in 11 games. The blue liner is fourth in points by defencemen across the WHL and reached double digit points in less games than all other defencemen. With Schultz and Pue now absent from the Pats to represent Canada in the U17 World Challenge, the offensive load will land more heavily on Paranych’s shoulders. It was a focus point of practice on Oct. 26, the powerplay. Paranych says the structures aren’t changing, but the personal needs to embrace the “next man up” philosophy. “Guys got to be ready for their opportunity and I think that we’re going to prepare like we always do and there’s guys that have been on the powerplay, guys that haven’t, guys are going to have to step up with Maddox and Liam being gone and I think you know it’ll be a good challenge for us,” Paranych explained. So far, eight of the fifth-year defencemen’s points have come on the powerplay, including a goal and seven assists. Four of those seven assists were to either Schultz or Pue. Now, Paranych will have different forwards to look for on the man advantage. The Pats first test without both their leading scorers will come from the visiting Everett Silvertips, who will make their only appearance at the Brandt Centre this season on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
