WHL celebrates 50th season with game in Saskatchewan

The Western Hockey League is celebrating an important milestone with a special game in Saskatchewan.

On ThursdaySept. 24, the Regina Pats will take on the Moose Jaw Warriors in Moose Jaw.

"Saskatchewan-based teams are such an integral part of what we do in the Western Hockey League that I think it's great that we've found a way to celebrate this with a stand-alone game to open the season," says WHL commissioner Ron Robison.

The two teams have a historicrivalry,with the Moose Jaw Canucks beating the Pats in the league's first-ever championshipin the 1966-67 season.

"We couldn't think of a better way to kick off our 50th season than have a Pats-Warrior game in Moose Jaw," Robison told reporters at a press conference in Regina on Monday.

"It's a remarkable not only rivalrybut you know, when you look at the province of Saskatchewan, this is where this league originated. The vision was from this part of the country."

But both teams agree that the rivalry isn't what it once was.

Regina Pats head coach and general manager, John Paddock, says as of late, the Brandon Wheat Kings have emerged as a rival team.

[When] you look at the province of Saskatchewan, this is where this league originated. The vision was from this part of the country.- Ron Robison, WHL commissioner

The Warriors general manager, Alan Millar, says his team hasn't had the stuff in recent seasons to sustain the rivalry, but he expects it will continue soon, as the teams build their rosters.

"I think that will intensify the rivalry over the next two or three years because I think both teams have a lot of good, young players."

Both teams are happy to share the spotlight as the league launches its 50th season.

"I think it's great that they've chosen us two teams to participate in it," said Paddock.

"It's a celebration. Fifty years. For us to host it, it's a real honour and I think it makes for a real special night," Millar agreed.

The celebration comes just one day before the season officially begins. Then on SaturdaySept. 26, there will bea special game in Reginathat will include a tribute to both the Pats and Del Wilson, one of the league's founders.