Pyne Overcoming the Odds
February 15, 2022 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Regina Pats News Release
Regina, Sask. - Kelton Pyne grew up a Regina Pats fan.
It isn't too surprising, given that he's a native of White City, Saskatchewan, less than a 30 minute drive from Regina.
On Friday, the un-drafted goaltender not only made his debut in the Brandt Centre crease, but recorded a shutout in just in his second career Western Hockey League start, blanking the Calgary Hitmen 5-0.
"It's the greatest experience ever. Getting the first win in the Brandt Centre, pretty incredible," Pyne said after the game. "It's unbelievable. You couldn't ask for it any better, I don't think."
With the clean sheet, Pyne became the youngest Pats goaltender (16 years, 5 months, 8 days) to record a shutout since Jeff Deckert (16 years, 4 months, 11 days), who did so on November 30, 2002. He was also just the second affiliate player ever to record a shutout for the Pats, with Shaun Fleming becoming the first on February 27, 1999.
"That's amazing, but even if not [a record], it's incredible either way," Pyne said. "My hometown team and coming in as a 16-year-old, it's pretty crazy for sure. I prepared like I always do as I treat every game the same and I felt a lot more confident coming into the crease."
The 6-foot-1, 154 lb. goaltender was not selected in the 2020 WHL Prospects draft, but was listed by the Pats following a goalie clinic where goaltending coach Rob Muntain saw Pyne. He liked what he saw, and put in a good word to Pats Director of Scouting Dale McMullin.
"Rob [Muntain] came out to one of the skates and he watched me and another goalie," Pyne said. "Later on Dale McMullin gave me a phone call and told me I was going to be a Pat."
Muntain said Pyne's work ethic is one of his standout qualities.
"I think he took it to heart when he didn't get drafted and he wanted to prove people wrong," Muntain said. "He got to the grind and worked his bag off to get better and that's where he is today. What he did out there [versus Calgary] is what I expected from him, even though he's 16 and only his second start. Just the amount of improvement he's made."
The shutout for Pyne wasn't his first shutout in junior this season.
While he has recorded two shutouts for the Regina Pat Canadians U-18 AAA team this season, Pyne also stopped all 31 shots he faced on November 3, 2021 while a call-up for the Melville Millionaires in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, helping them to a 4-0 win over the Weyburn Red Wings.
Signed in September of 2020 after a strong camp with the Pats, Pyne shifted over to the Pat C's after playing for the Estevan Bears U18 AAA program last year. This season, he has posted a 15-8-0 record with the Pat' Canadians, along with a 2.19 goals-against average and .906 save-percentage. His 2.19 G.A.A. leads the Saskatchewan Male AAA Hockey League, while his 15 wins rank second and his save percentage ranks third.
"I think I started the year off really strong, as I was at the top of the league for a couple months," Pyne said. "We've been going through a struggle lately, but I think I've been keeping up with my game so far."
On February 8, Pyne made his WHL debut at Rogers Place against the Edmonton Oil Kings, stopping 36 of 42 in the 6-3 loss. Muntain, who has known Pyne since he was 14, said he is impressed with how his game has progressed over the last year and a half, giving him all the credit.
"For him to be here today after where he was a year and a half ago is a testament to how hard he's worked," Muntain said. "He was super excited about the game in Edmonton. He had some nerves. He's 16-years-old playing with his hometown team and in a nice facility like Edmonton, but once he settled in and got relaxed, he did everything we could have asked from a 16-year-old."
It has certainly been a great start to Pyne's 2021-22 season, but he knows the road ahead is long
"I want to stick to my game plan and stay calm and composed," Pyne added. "I'll be training with my goalie coach Daniel Wapple a lot and I'll be in the gym too. That will be a lot of my summer, I think."
Western Hockey League Stories from February 15, 2022
- Winnipeg ICE Announce Details for Annual Food Drive Game in Support of Harvest Manitoba Presented by Domino's Pizza - Winnipeg Ice
- Brigley's Smarts, Hockey Sense Evident During Rookie Season - Red Deer Rebels
- Pyne Overcoming the Odds - Regina Pats
- March Promotional Schedule Is Here - Winnipeg Ice
- Americans Wrap up Road Stretch against Thunderbirds - Tri-City Americans
- Preview: Cougars at Rockets - Kelowna Rockets
- Game Day Hub: February 15 at Spokane - Portland Winterhawks
- Owen Pickering, Josh Filmon and Reid Dyck Named to Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game - Swift Current Broncos
- Mason Beaupit Invited to Participate in 2022 Kubota CHL / NHL Top Prospects Game - Spokane Chiefs
- Chiefs Look to Carry Momentum into Tuesday Rematch - Spokane Chiefs
- Brennan to Participate in 2022 CHL / NHL Top Prospects Game - Prince George Cougars
- Three Blazers Invited to CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game - Kamloops Blazers
- 15 WHL Players to Participate in 2022 Kubota CHL / NHL Top Prospects Game - WHL
- Wheat Kings Look for Revenge in Speedy Creek - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Warriors Hit the Road for Two-Game Weekday Trip to Alberta - Moose Jaw Warriors
- CHL Team of the Week Nasmed for February 7-13 - WHL
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
