Teenage Hockey Talent Drafted First Overall
In a remarkable turn of events, teenage hockey talent Maddox Schultz has been drafted first overall by his hometown team, the Regina Pats, in the 2025 WHL draft. Schultz’s selection reignites memories of Connor Bedard‘s legacy, as the Pats previously selected the now-NHL star in 2020 when they had the same fortunate advantage.
Exceptional Performance at the U-18 Telus Cup
This year, Schultz highlighted his exceptional skills by dominating the U-18 Telus Cup, racking up an impressive 20 points over seven games, which places him just behind Sidney Crosby for the most points scored by an underager in the tournament’s history.
Inspiration and Aspirations
Schultz, a 15-year-old center, has been a long-time admirer of the NHL, particularly of the Edmonton Oilers, home to elite talents such as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. He also draws inspiration from legendary two-way forwards like Jonathan Toews and Patrice Bergeron, emphasizing their faceoff prowess and all-around gameplay.
“They consistently excelled in all areas, much like Brayden Point and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins today. I aspire to develop a game like theirs,” Schultz remarked, highlighting the significance of well-rounded skills in hockey.
Future Opportunities with the Regina Pats
Next season, Schultz will have the chance to participate in up to 34 games with the Pats while also playing for the U-18 Regina Pat Canadians, with whom he previously netted the tournament-winning goal at the Telus Cup. Reflecting on his journey, Schultz expressed great admiration for Bedard, recalling how he was inspired as a young player watching him excel.
“At around 12 years old, I played with the Regina Pat Blues. Watching Bedard made me push my limits. It was outstanding to see someone from my town succeed like that; he is truly a phenomenal player now making waves in the NHL.”
A Dream Come True
Being able to compete for his local team presents a rare opportunity for Schultz to remain close to his family, a luxury not often found in high-stakes hockey.
“Getting drafted by the Pats was a dream come true. I couldn’t be any more thrilled! My family is very excited as well. Staying at home with my parents, sister, and even my dog while playing in the rink I grew up watching is just perfect,” he shared.
Looking Ahead
The Regina Pats are eager to welcome a player of Schultz’s caliber, especially following a season in which their leading scorer, Julien Maze, tallied only 44 points. Comparatively, Schultz’s performance with the Pat Canadians was stellar, where as the youngest player on the team, he achieved 43 goals and 93 points in just 44 games.
He recognizes the step up in competition the WHL entails and is focused on fortifying his skills, particularly in faceoffs and defensive play.
“I see myself as a versatile player who can contribute offensively while anchoring our defense. I believe in playing for my teammates and being a supportive presence on the ice,” Schultz stated, reaffirming his commitment to growth and teamwork.
Conclusion
This insight into Schultz’s aspirations and achievements is a highlight of our 2025 Draft Preview issue, which features additional stories on other top prospects like Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa. A copy of the issue can be obtained in print for free with a subscription at The Hockey News. Gain access to over 76 years of historical articles and insights from one of hockey’s leading publications.
