The changes continued for the Regina Pats, on Thursday the team announced Brad Herauf will take over as Head Coach for the team.
Herauf has been a member of the Pats coaching staff since 2015. Prior to joining the Western Hockey League, he was the head coach of the Regina Pats Canadians (2012-15).
During his time with the Pat Canadians, he won a league championship, a Western Regional Championship and a Bronze medal at the Telus Cup National Championship (2014-15).
Before he embarked on his coaching career, the local product spent time in the SJHL with the Estevan Bruins and Battlefords North Stars. Professionally was in the Central Hockey League (CHL) with the Oklahoma City Blazers, in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) with the Utah Grizzlies and Florida Everblades and in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Albany River Rats and Charlotte Checkers.
Herauf says that he is looking forward to continuing on the storied history of the Pats.
“I think being able to lead this group is very special tradition past down to me and from the people who’ve I learned from thank you very much.”
One of Herauf’s mentors with the Pats was his former boss in John Paddock, who Herauf credited for helping him becoming a head coach.
Even with mentors like Paddock and David Struch, Herauf’s main concern is being himself.
“For me, I’m definitely going to take everything that I have learnt from those guys, but I’m Brad Herauf, I’m not those guys, I’m going to be myself.”
The new general manager for the Pats Alan Millar said Herauf’s coaching talents has impressed since he was in charge of leading the Pat Canadians. Millar noted he has been impressed with the Herauf’s coaching since he moved up to WHL.
“In term of how I see the team play, how I see their team improve, how I see their team compete, and the development of their players. ”
The Pats general manager noted the local product deserves the opportunity to be a head coach.
“He’s earned his way with character, he’s earned his way with passion, he’s earned his way with commitment and that is impressive for me.”
Herauf believes his coaching style is reflection of himself.
“For me I’m very competitive, I try my best in every single possible thing I can do. So I believe in our hockey team you’re going to see a very competitive group.”
Millar noted the process of the hiring of Herauf has been in the works for some time and adds that he plans on continuing on building the relationship between the two.
One of the first tasks that will Millar and Herauf will look to address is filling the position that was vacated by Herauf’s promotion, an assistant coach for the team. The Pats are looking for one assistant, as Ken Schneider will return as an assistant coach with the team.
Heraulf explains communication and being able to connect to the young players is one of the traits they will search for when they hire an assistant coach.
Earlier this week head coach and general manager John Paddock announced was retiring, where it was announced Millar would take over the reins as the Pats General Manager.
