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WHL Regina Pats

Watson Accepts Role with NHL Club, Pats Hire Frei

August 8, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Regina Pats News Release


Regina, Sask. - The Regina Pats announced changes to their Hockey Operations department on Tuesday.

Director of Hockey Operations Landon Watson has accepted a position with a National Hockey League club. In addition, the Pats have hired Tristan Frei as Manger, Hockey Operations ahead of the 2023-24 Western Hockey League season.

"I'd like to thank Landon for his time with the Pats and congratulate him on his new role in the NHL," said Regina Pats VP, Hockey Operations & GM Alan Millar. "This is a well deserved, and exciting opportunity for Landon, and we wish him the best."

Watson, 28, spent the last seven seasons with the Pats. The Neilburg, Sask., product studied Sport Management and Business Administration at the University of Regina from 2012 to 2016, before gaining an internship with the Pats in January of 2016. His internship led to a job with the Pats as a Video Analyst in October of the 2016-17 season, where he worked in that role up until January of 2018 when he was named Director of Hockey Analytics. In July of 2021, Watson was promoted to Director of Hockey Operations. Watson also gained experience with Hockey Canada's U17 program during his time with the Pats, serving as a Video Coordinator in 2020 and a Video Coach in 2021.

Frei, 27, joins the Pats after retiring from playing this summer, as he spent the last two years playing pro hockey in Europe with the Guildford Flames of the EIHL. The Regina, Sask. product played for the Regina Pat Canadians from 2010-2013 before embarking on a successful career in the SJHL with the Melfort Mustangs, winning league championships in 2014-15 and 2015-16, with the final one coming as their captain. After Frei's junior career came to an end, he played five years at the Univ. of Regina from 2016-2021, where he earned a Bachelor of Education Degree in Education.

"In his role as Manager, Hockey Operations, Tristan will support management, our coaches, and players in various important roles within our hockey operations department," added Millar. "We are pleased to have Tristan join our team, a Regina native, and former captain with the Pat C's, Melfort Mustangs, and University of Regina Cougars."

"I am very excited to join the Regina Pats organization," Frei said. "Being from Regina, I grew up watching the Pats and I am very grateful to now be a part of this prestigious organization. I am looking forward to working with Alan, Brad, Ken, Evan, and the entire Pats team."

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