Pats 2023 Prospect Update Pt. 3
Regina, Sask. — Leading up to next week’s 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 in a four-part series.
Today, we look at unsigned drafted players prior to the 2022 Prospects Draft. Our next update — the final one — will look at the unsigned prospects from the most recent draft, as well as listed players.
*Note: The order of these prospects are done by position and alphabetically.
Click for Pt. 1 | Click for Pt. 2 | Click for Pt. 4
Unsigned Prospects From 2020 & 2021 Draft (4)
Kaslo Ferner: 2006-born Forward – Okanagan Rockets U18 AAA
Ferner, 17, spent the 2022-23 season with the Okanagan Rockets U18 AAA program, scoring 32 points (12G-20A) in 30 games. The Kelowna, B.C. product also played in four games with the BCHL’s Cranbrook Bucks, adding three points (2G-1A) in four games. The 5-foot-9, 150 lb. right-shot forward was drafted in the seventh round of the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft.
“We have multiple reports on him and they all say he’s an offensive guy. He has a legit chance I think. We’re hoping to get him to training camp in August. The Cranbrook Bucks of the BCHL are all over him. He has offensive instincts and I don’t think his size is a factor with him. He seems to find his way around the ice, competes and gets into the greasy areas. He can make plays which you have to have in todays game. You can have size, but if you don’t use it the right way, it becomes a non-factor, I believe.” – Regina Pats Director of Scouting Dale McMullin.
Dru Mushumanski: 2006-born Forward – Parkland Rangers U18 AAA
Mushumanski, 16, was first on the Rangers in goals (19) assists (26) and points (45) through 40 contests in 2022-23. The Rossburn, Man. product also played two games with the MJHL’s Waywayseecappo Wolverines. The 5-foot-10, 146 lb. forward was drafted by the Pats in the seventh round of the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft.
“He’s an energy guy. Had a bit of an up and down year in Parkland. He’s got a rounded game, but he’s just a young guy that has to mature, keep getting better and try and come to camp and earn a spot. He has a bit of offence in his game and he’s a little bit of a greasy player for his size. His compete factor gives him a chance for sure.” – Regina Pats Director of Scouting Dale McMullin.
Brock Souch: 2006-born Forward – Sherwood Park Crusaders (AJHL)
Souch, 15, is the younger brother of former Edmonton Oil Kings forward Carter Souch who is now in the ECHL with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. The Edmonton, Alta. product led all AJHL 16-year-olds in assists (23) in 2022-23, while finishing tied for first amongst them in points (35) and tied for second in goals (12) through 58 games. The 5-foot-9, 157 lb. left-shot forward was drafted by the Pats in the fifth round of the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft.
“I caught up with him mid-season and he’s just a hockey player. He’s got vision, he can make plays, he can make others around him better and he strides well. He just has to continue to get stronger as he moves forward. He has some top-6 attributes, plays all over the ice and he did it against older players in the AJHL. Things would have to line up right in order to recruit him.” – Regina Pats Director of Scouting Dale McMullin.
Matthew Wood: 2005-born Forward – Univ. of Connecticut
Wood, 18, just completed his freshman season at the University of Connecticut, gathering 34 points (11G-23A) in 35 games. The Nanaimo, B.C. product also added 13 points (7G-6A) in seven contests for Canada at the IIHF U18 World Hockey Championship in Switzerland, helping Canada to a bronze medal. The 6-foot-3, 190 lb. right-shot forward is ranked the fourth best North American Skater by NHL Central Scouting. He was drafted by the Pats in the second round of the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft.
“I’ve watched video of him at the college level and he’s playing against older guys, and he’s getting the job done. He’s already 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds and he’s gotten quicker and faster with a lot of upside. I think he has a chance to be a really good pro, he just has to keep doing his part which he is obviously doing. As long as there is a chance, you never close the door. His dad is always open to the conversation, so you just never know. He’s a good hockey player, there’s no doubt about it.” – Regina Pats Director of Scouting Dale McMullin.
