Schultz, Pue rejoin Pats after U17 World Challenge

Maddox Schultz and Liam Pue both made their mark on the international stage this fall.

The Regina Pats 16-year-old forwards wore the maple leaf — though each captained a different Canadian squad — at the 2026 U17 World Challenge.

“It was really cool to be able to captain my own team and lead a Canada team. It was a pretty special opportunity and I’m so grateful for it. We had such a close and tight group of guys so it was so fun to do it with them,” said Pue, who captained Canada Red and had 10 points in five games in the tournament.

Read more:

• Canadian government says Russian players with visas will still be barred from WJC
• VIDEO: Pue pots OT winner in Regina return, lifts Pats to 5-4 victory over Blades
• Meadow Lake man turns sobriety and golf into business success

“Kind of leading my team again, it was a dream come true,” Schultz said. “You always dream of going to the Hockey Canada events like that. Obviously, a tough outcome but super fun tournament overall.”

Schultz led the tournament with 17 points. His 26 points over the past two tournaments make him the event’s all-time leading scorer.

While the two are normally teammates, they faced off as Pue and Canada Red won the bronze medal game over Schultz and Canada White, 8-4.

“It was weird seeing him on the other side of the ice in a different jersey,” Pue said. “It was definitely weird but a lot of fun and so cool to see them on the other side leading his own team and going at it against each other is a cool experience.”

Both Pue and Schultz played in the tournament last year as well.

“It’s hard to describe (wearing the maple leaf) in words. It’s such a special experience to throw on the red or white Canada jersey with the maple leaf on it and represent your country. You feel the whole pressure from your country; you are playing for your country and the boys on the team so it’s such a cool experience to throw on that maple leaf,” Pue said.

Both Pue and Schultz are considered top prospects for the 2028 NHL Draft. Along with their recent international experience, Pue has 21 points (12 goals, nine assists) in 12 games for the Pats, while Schultz has 16 points (five goals, 11 assists) in 11 games.

Those performances could see both young stars get a chance to make Canada’s World Juniors team — though they’re focusing more on their upcoming games with the Pats.

“It’d be pretty cool. You watch the World Juniors growing up as a kid so it would be an honour to get that opportunity but if that doesn’t come, more than happy to stay here and get wins with Regina,” Pue said.

“That’d be awesome. Still a couple of weeks away. It’s awesome we are even in the talk for it. If we do or not, it’s going to be the same mindset but right now, we are just focused on the Pats and how the season is going,” Schultz said.

The Pats (9-6-0-1) host the Portland Winterhawks (7-7-2-1) on Friday.