Maddox Schultz's Scoring Surge Fuels Regina Pats' Playoff Push
February has proven to be a breakthrough month for fifteen-year-old rookie forward Maddox Schultz of the Regina Pats. The young athlete has dramatically increased his offensive production, notching six goals in just seven games this month after managing only two goals in his first sixteen WHL appearances.
From Split Duties to Full-Time Focus
Schultz, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WHL draft, began the season dividing his time between the Regina Pats and the Regina Pat Canadians of the Saskatchewan Male Under-18 AAA Hockey League. However, since early February, he has concentrated exclusively on the Pats as the team intensifies its push for a playoff position.
"We made the decision to be with the Pats for a longer period of time and I think that's really helped my growth in the WHL," Schultz explained. "Just being in practice with all the guys, gaining trust from coach and some of the other things, it's been a good stretch for me."
Historic Performance and Growing Confidence
The Regina native delivered a particularly memorable performance last Wednesday against the Saskatoon Blades. Schultz scored three goals, including the tying goal with just eighteen seconds remaining in regulation and the overtime winner, securing a dramatic 7-6 victory for the Pats. This achievement made him the youngest player in franchise history to record a hat trick.
"After the big win, the boys were super excited. Energy was high, morale was high in the room," Schultz recalled. "And for myself, obviously, that's a big game for me just making a statement game coming into the WHL."
Adjusting to Higher Competition
Transitioning to the WHL has presented challenges for Schultz, who must compete against players up to five years older than him. While he dominated the SMAAAHL last season with ninety-three points in forty-four games, and has continued that success with the Pat Canadians this season (sixty points in twenty-one games), scoring has been more difficult at the major junior level.
Nevertheless, his recent surge has been a catalyst for the Pats, who enter this weekend's games against the Edmonton Oil Kings and Penticton Vees riding a four-game winning streak. Schultz has played in twelve of the last thirteen games, significantly boosting his confidence and on-ice vision.
"I think experience is the best knowledge so the more experience I gain, the better I feel out there and the better my vision becomes," Schultz noted.
Contributing to Team Success
Through twenty-three WHL games this season, Schultz has accumulated eight goals and nine assists for seventeen total points. His improved performance coincides perfectly with the team's playoff aspirations.
"It's obviously pretty fun pushing for a playoff spot and when you're scoring and contributing to it, it helps even more," he added, highlighting the synergy between his personal achievements and the team's collective goals.
As Schultz approaches his sixteenth birthday in April, his development trajectory suggests he will remain a key offensive weapon for the Regina Pats during their crucial late-season campaign.
