Regina Pats like what they see from newcomer Cole Carrier
Forward Cole Carrier — a recent trade pickup who had been playing junior A — is excited to be back in the WHL as a member of the Regina Pats.
by Greg HarderCole Carrier’s road to the WHL included a couple of unexpected turns.
After being called up by the Kelowna Rockets for eight games last season, the rookie forward had his sights set on earning a full-time job in 2019-20.
Unfortunately, the task became a lot more difficult when Kelowna was named the host team for the 2020 Memorial Cup.
“It was definitely tough,” said Carrier, 17. “It was a hard meeting when I got released and getting told I had to go play junior (A). I tried to make the most of it, realizing there’s a way to work myself back into the league by having a good season there. It turned out good, I’d say.”
After spending the first half of this season with the AJHL’s Whitecourt Wolverines, Carrier’s WHL rights were traded to the Regina Pats on Jan. 10.
At first, he wasn’t sure what to think.
“Definitely mixed emotions,” he recalled. “I didn’t know a lot about the Pats but now that I’m actually here I’m getting more comfortable around all the guys and the coaching staff and training staff. They’ve made the transition fairly easy. I can see they treat us top-notch. I love waking up every morning getting to come to the rink with all the guys.”
Carrier initially joined the Pats on their West Coast road trip, but his debut was postponed due to a pre-existing shoulder injury.
It’s not the kind of first impression he hoped to make.
“It was a little bit tough having to sit out but, now that I’m back playing, I’m loving every second of it,” said the 6-foot-0, 190-pounder, who has been described as a power forward who skates well.
“I like getting into the corners and right in front of the net. I like those tough areas. Growing up, I was bigger than a lot of guys and stronger than a lot of guys so I could manage myself pretty well.”
Carrier was a spectator for five games before getting into the Pats’ lineup twice last weekend. He recorded an assist in Sunday’s 4-3 overtime win versus the Saskatoon Blades.
“He’s just getting back but he has taken some steps and we expect more big ones this week,” said Pats head coach Dave Struch, whose team plays host to the Victoria Royals on Friday. “We’re going to have to teach him our game and the way we play. I thought he did a good job but there is a level of learning our systems. That’s just a matter of time.”
Prior to his arrival, Carrier played 30 games with Whitecourt, notching six goals and seven assists. He was lukewarm on that showing but remains eager to prove he belongs at the WHL level.
“Trying to work my way back into the league was definitely hard,” Carrier said. “It was maybe even a little bit demoralizing until the trade deadline came up. Getting that call and hearing that I got traded to an organization that wanted to bring me up immediately to play the rest of the season was definitely heartwarming.
“I was ready to jump right into it.”
In fact, Carrier has no reservations about joining a team that’s in the midst of an overhaul. He’s excited to grow with Regina’s young core and see what the future holds.
“I love it,” he said. “Getting told that the Pats were in a rebuild year, I saw that as a big opportunity for myself.
“Good things happen to those who wait.”