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A familiar face will be calling the shots when it comes to some team decisions for the Regina Pats hockey club.
Dale Derkatch, the team’s all-time leading scorer and most recently assistant general manager, has been promoted to GM following the departure of Alan Millar to Hockey Canada.
“To lead the oldest junior franchise in the world is truly an honour and privilege,” Derkatch said, fighting back emotion at the press conference.
“I’ve pretty well done every job with this team.”
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Derkatch brings more than 20 years of experience in scouting and player development to the role, including time with NHL organizations like the Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs and Columbus Blue Jackets. He also played a key role in building the Prince Albert Raiders squad that won the WHL championship in 2019.
His connection to the Pats runs deep.
As a player in the early 80s, Derkatch racked up 491 points in just 204 games, a franchise record that still stands. He also served as head coach, then as a scout and most recently, as assistant GM under Millar.
Millar, who is heading to Calgary to serve as general manager of Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence, praised Derkatch as the clear choice to take over.
“There was no doubt in my mind that Dale Derkatch should be the next general manager of the Regina Pats,” Millar said. “He’s a great person, and I know he’s going to do an outstanding job.”
Alan Millar stepped into the role of general manager in July 2023 when former GM John Paddock retired. (Jacob Bamhour/980 CJME)
Derkatch credited Millar with helping lay the foundation for the team’s rebuild, which included an aggressive draft strategy and long-term development plan.
“Al put in place a vision, and we’re going to head down that road,” Derkatch said.
“While I may lead a little differently, the qualities we want in players and staff are the same. It’s about doing the right things, even if they’re hard decisions, because the team comes first.”
Alongside Derkatch, the Pats also announced internal promotions to round out their hockey operations leadership. Tristan Frei moved into the assistant GM role, while Max Paddock becomes the manager of hockey operations and full-time goalie coach.
“This is an exciting new chapter for the Regina Pats,” said CEO Gord Pritchard. “We believe we’ve put together a leadership group that understands the organization, the community and what it takes to build a winner.”
From left to right: Gord Pritchard, Dale Derkatch, Tristain Frei and Max Paddock. (Jacob Bamhour/980 CJME)
Derkatch said his focus is on continuing the momentum built over the past two seasons and turning the Pats into a consistent contender.
“I think the future is looking bright,” he said. “We’re turning the corner, and now it’s about pushing forward.
The Pats will next prepare for the CHL Import Draft, where Millar will assist one final time before officially stepping away.
