Pats players, head coach travel to Calgary for WHL Awards

The Pats could pick up a bit more hardware after a trip to Calgary this week.

Already the Eastern Conference champions after defeating the Lethbridge Hurricanes in six games, Sam Steel, Connor Hobbs and John Paddock could take home some individual accolades at the WHL awards Wednesday night.

Steel is the Eastern Conference nominee for Player of the Year and Hobbs for Defenceman of the Year. Paddock is up for both Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year.

After a standout hockey season that saw the Pats solidly in first place in the WHL, and at many points in the season the top team in the CHL, all three of them have a good chance at winning.

However, the players said it’s hard with the WHL Championship series starting in just a few days to focus on individual awards.

“I think the main goal is obviously winning the championships and that’s all I have my mind set on,” Steel said, pointing out that without the team around him he wouldn’t have been nominated at all. Especially given the success he’s had with linemates Dawson Leedahl and Nick Henry.

“They’re two great players, it’s been awesome. I’ve been able to play with them pretty much every game of the season, so when you can find chemistry like that it’s great.”

Hobbs’ is up against another Saskatchewan born player, Ethan Bear, a defenceman with the Seattle Thunderbirds.

“I know Ethan Bear very well, very good friend of mine actually,” Hobbs said when he was asked about the player he’s up against for the award. “It’s a good battle, me and him.”

“I’m not really sure what would separate us,” Hobbs continued. “Maybe the curve of our stick, that’s the only thing.”

Award winners will be announced Wednesday.

The Pats next game is Friday at the Brandt Centre.