Trio of Regina Pats to watch

19 Nov 2010

Carter Ashton, CHL, Jordan Eberle, Jordan Weal, Myles Bell, Regina Pats, WHL

The Regina Pats have recently struggled in the Western Hockey League. They’ve failed to make the playoffs the past three seasons, despite having a roster that contained stars such as Jordan Eberle, Jordan Weal, Carter Ashton, Colton Teubert and Myles Bell.

Carter Ashton, Jordan Weal and Myles Bell will have the spot light on them in the 2010/2011 season. Jordan Weal and Carter Ashton have recently been drafted into the National hockey league, while Myles Bell is a draft eligible prospect in the upcoming 2011 NHL entry draft.

Carter Ashton, the son of former National hockey league forward Brent Ashton, was drafted 29^th overall in the 2009 NHL entry draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ashton is entering into his 4^th season in the Western Hockey League. Last year Ashton was traded to the Regina Pats from the Lethbridge Hurricanes, between the two teams Ashton put up 51 points in the 2009/2010 season.

The 2010/2011 season is a huge year in Ashton’s Junior hockey career. It will likely be his last year in the Canadian hockey league, and his last opportunity to represent team Canada at the World Juniors. 21 games into the 2010/2011 season, Ashton has put up 11 goals and 7 assists, combing for 18 points on the year.

With Jordan Eberle out of the picture, there was some critics who questioned if Jordan Weal could be a impact player in the WHL without Eberle riding shut-gun with him. Weal played 72 games last year for the Regina Pats, putting up 35 goals and 67 assists, combing for a 102 point season. This impressive play was the reason why the LA kings selected him 70^th overall in the 2010 NHL entry draft.

Weal has silenced the critics 22 games into the 2010/2011 season, putting up 8 goals and 19 assists, combing for 27 points on the year. If Weal continues this strong play, there’s a good chance he he will be suiting up for team Canada at the 2010/2011 World Juniors in Buffalo. Weal has a opportunity to take on a significant role for team Canada, with players such as Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle and Nazem Kadri now playing professional hockey.

Myles Bell was recently rated 7^th overall by Central Scouting, in 2011 draft eligible players out of the Western Hockey League. Bell was rated this high by central scouting, due to his solid two-way game for the Regina Pats. Bell has played a significant role for the Pats defensive and offensive play. He takes part in both the penalty kill and the power-play for Pats, shutting down elite offensive talents, as well as setting up and scoring on elite goaltenders around the league.

22 games into the 2010/2011 season, Bell has put up 6 goals and 10 assists, combing for 16 points on the year. Bell has shown offensive patience for the Pats, as well as great positioning. Every once in a while Bell will pinch in on a offensive play, but he always seems to get back in time to position himself defensively. Bell has maintained a +11 plus/minus for the Pats this year, and has been a anchor the Pats penalty kill.

Carter Ashton, Jordan Weal and Myles Bell will be watched heavily this season. All three players have something to prove this year, as they embark on a very important season in their Junior careers.