Pats 2023 Prospect Update Continued
Regina, Sask. — Leading up to next weeks WHL Prospects Draft, the Regina Pats will be providing an update on the current state of its prospect pool, including both signed and unsigned prospects. The first four parts were released this week.
Today we look at the unsigned selections from the 2022 & 2021 Draft. Monday, we preview the upcoming U.S and WHL Prospects Draft which will take place on May 10 and 11.
*Note: The order of these prospects are done by position and alphabetically.
Click for Pt. 1 | Click for Pt. 2 | Click for Pt. 3 | Click for Pt. 4
Justin Bayers: 2006-born Goaltender – Mount St. Charles Acad. 16U AAA
Bayers, 17, spent the 2022-23 season with Mount St. Charles Academy in Rhode Island, posting a 2.97 goals-against average and a .897 save percentage. The Westlake Village, California product is a left-handed catching goaltender that is listed at 5-foot-11, 165 lbs. He was drafted by the Pats in the second round of the 2021 U.S Priority Draft.
“We didn’t get a lot of looks at him as it’s just one of those things when you have players playing in the U.S. We relied more on our regional scout in Los Angeles in Tommy Tartaglione who was a goalie at one time. The only way we will get a true feel for where he’s at would have to be at main camp in August.” – Regina Pats Director of Scouting Dale McMullin.
Nicolas Rempel: 2006-born Goaltender – Winnipeg Wild U18 AAA
Rempel, 16, completed his second season with the Wild in 2022-23, going 20-8-0 while posting a 2.71 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage in 28 appearances, helping the club to a league championship alongside Aaron Krestanowich. He was drafted by the Pats in the eighth round of the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft.
“He’s a bigger kid as far as how he’s put together and size. He’s got a strong body type and moves well in the net. He had a bit of an up and down year early but towards the end, he got himself dialed in and had a great playoffs. There’s lots of potential there. Is he ready to go yet, I’m not sure. That will be determined at training camp.” – Regina Pats Director of Scouting Dale McMullin.
Samuel Laplante: 2007-born Defenceman – IHA U17 Prep
Laplante, 16, tallied 21 points (5G-16A) in 30 games in 2022-23 with IHA U17 Prep, as well as two points (1G-1A) in four contests with IHA U18 Prep. The Okotoks, Alta. product is a right-handed defenceman who is listed at 6-foot-1, 165 lb. He was selected by the Pats in the seventh round of the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft.
“He seems to be dialed in as far as wanting to be a player or being a player. He’s one of those tall lanky kids who keeps growing and is getting his feet under him. He just has to continue to do his part moving into next year. From what I’ve seen, he is close to being a player we can sign. That will be determined at spring camp and at main camp in August.” – Regina Pats Director of Scouting Dale McMullin.
Carter Ralston: 2006-born Forward – Tisdale Trojans U18 AAA
Ralston, 17, recorded 26 points (12G-14A) in 42 games this past season with the Trojans. The Unity, Sask. product was also called up for three Jr. A games with the SJHL’s Humboldt Broncos where he tallied one assist. The 6-foot-1, 165 lb. forward was drafted by the Pats in the sixth round of the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft.
“It was a bit of a up and down year for Carter, but when you look at him, he’s a guy who moves well, skates well, has a great frame and has some feel when the puck is on his stick. He’s just one of those kids that with a little more drive, he can figure things out. He’s going to be knocking on the door this year as a 17-year-old. He will be going to the Blazers U18 program next year and kids get better there, it’s been proven. He will have to do his part with their direction.” – Regina Pats Director of Scouting Dale McMullin.
