The Regina Pats have announced their leadership group for the 2023-24 season with Tanner Howe being named the 82nd captain in team history.

Defenceman Parker Berge and forward Braxton Whitehead have been appointed as assistants for the team.

In a release Pats Head Coach Brad Herauf says, ““I think we have the luxury to have several players wear letters this year, said Herauf. “With Tanner, he is a fierce competitor, a workhorse, and off-season “rink rat”. Tanner will lead by example, always giving his teammates, coaches and the organization, his best effort and utmost respect. We feel that what Tanner does on and off the ice, is a “Pats standard” and one that we want all current and future Regina Pats players to model themselves after. This will be a strong leadership group with Parker and Braxton supporting Tanner, along with our veteran core.”

Howe becomes the second youngest captain in franchise history (17 years old, 9 months, 24 days), joining Connor Bedard and Barrett Jackman as the only players to be named captain of the Pats as a 17-year-old.

The Prince Albert product had 85 points (36G-49A) in 67 games for the Pats last season. Howe has produced 156 career points (64G-92A) across 139 games over parts of three seasons with the Pats.

Whitehead will wear an A for the second straight season in Regina. He had 24 points (10G-14A) last season with the Pats.

This season will mark the first time Berge has been as apart of the team’s leadership group, he had 22 points (3G-19A) in 68 games last year.

Regina opens up the season on the road tonight in Brandon, coverage on RM2 begins at 5:35, opening faceoff at 6:00.

The home opener is set for Saturday against the Saskatoon Blades.