On a sunny day with temperatures exceeding the +30 mark, the boys of winter took to the ice at the Brandt Centre.

The Regina Pats kicked off training camp on Friday with full day of on ice sessions.

With the playoff push from last season falling short by a pair of points, the Pats will be looking to take the next step in the 2022-23 season.

Head Coach and General Manager, John Paddock says at this point he hasn’t addressed the upcoming expectations for the year.

He did say after getting within reach of a playoff spot last season, the team envisions of playing more games in 2022-23.

“Our plan is to get our team to be a playoff team.”

The Pats Head Coach and General Manager also didn’t rule out making additional moves to the roster if needed so the team can participate in the playoffs.

Cole Dubinsky returns to the Pats after scoring 20 goals last season. He says the making the playoffs are expectation for the team.

“Obviously as a team here, it’s not even a question of making the playoffs, that’s just a given, that’s what we’re going to do, and that’s the tone from day one here.”

New goalie, Koen MacInnes is aware of the added expectations for Regina this year, but is handling them by taking a day by day approach.

“If you get too far ahead, you’re going to stress yourself out, add some anxiety. ”

Training camp will continue this weekend at the Brandt Centre and will wrap up with the Blue & White game on Tuesday night.

Admission is for fans that are wishing to attend.