Pats Ink Manitoba U18 AAA Defenceman of the Year Aaron Krestanowich

Regina, Sask. — The Regina Pats Hockey Club is pleased to announce the signing of 2006-born defenceman Aaron Krestanowich to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.

“I think this signing is really big,” Regina Pats Director of Scouting Dale McMullin said. “Aaron came to Regina for a visit during the regular season and saw how the organization works and how the players are treated. He’s a pretty well-rounded hockey player and when you talk to him off the ice, he’s a great kid.”

Krestanowich, 16, produced 42 points (16G-26A) in 43 games this past season with the Winnipeg Wild U18 AAA team, leading all Manitoba U18 Hockey League defencemen in goals, while finishing fourth in points. He won the league’s Defenceman of the Year award and was named a First Team All-Star this season. The Winnipeg, Man. product won back-to-back league championships with the Wild in 2021-22 and 2022-23.

The 6-foot-2, 180 lb. left-shot defenceman was drafted by the Pats in the fifth round, 92nd overall, of the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft. He is the fourth member of the Pats 2021 draft class to sign with the club, joining Jaxsin and Corbin Vaughan, and Raiden Zacharias.

“He has shown all the attributes in the Manitoba U18 AAA league that he could potentially be a top-four defenceman in the WHL,” McMullin said. “He’s got offensive instincts, he makes good decisions, he’s poised with the puck and he wears a letter for his team. His coach relied on him immensely. When we watched him, he was probably playing 30 minutes a game. He’s a good hockey player and a good kid who I think will do his part to improve and get better as we move forward.”

The Pats are excited to officially welcome Aaron and his family to the City of Regina and the organization.

Photo Credit: Lucas Punkari/The Brandon Sun