WHL: Slade Runner

The Regina Pats have finally had enough of talented, but volatile Dustin Slade's act and have sent him home to await a trade. We have notes on Slade and a few of the Pats youngsters from a recent game.

Logan Pyett (2006), D

One of Regina’s nice crop of 16-year-old blueliners .. partnered with Kyle Deck .. dished out a terrific breakout pass .. needs to be more diligent about clearing the crease .. has the overall speed and stick handling ability to make a checker miss .. can be guilty of over handling the puck as well as getting caught up ice .. needs to work on his balance as he gets knocked down a bit too easily .. got in a fight .. played on the penalty-kill and powerplay units.

Ian Duval (2006), C

Speedy youngster centered a line of Terrance Delaronde and Jordan Fuder .. supports the puck carrier .. works hard on the forecheck .. displays good hand-eye coordination .. has the confidence to stickhandle in tight quarters .. takes and gives the pass at full speed .. plays on the powerplay .. developing in to a nice prospect for the 2006 draft.

Craig Schira (2006), D

Another one of the Pats’ youngsters given the chance to develop quickly at the WHL level .. partnered with Derek Reinhart .. lost position on his man, however, was still able to get back in the play and strip the player of the puck .. stickhandles well and is developing in to a quality puck moving defenseman .. picks up his man and is positionally sound .. needs to build up his strength as he tends to get overmatched in the dirty areas behind the net and in the crease .. will pinch in and even lead the rush at times .. received a ton of ice time .. is guilty at times of trying to force a pass or make a play that just isn’t there .. excellent agility and overall speed.

Dustin Slade (2005), G

Feisty effort, but too often takes himself out of the play .. didn’t play after the second .. his lack of discipline has become too much for the Regina Pats to endure as they have since sent him home to await a trade according to a press release on their website "We have decided at this time that the best thing for us as an organization is to send Dustin home pending a trade. It is our belief that his conduct is detrimental to both the development and performance of our team," commented Pats’ GM Brent Parker.

David Reekie (2005), G

Replaced Dustin Slade in the second period .. gave up a goal over the shoulder on the short side .. came across and made a wonderfully athletic save on a point blank shot.