Regina Pats' star Maddox Schultz shares his reasons why the Western Hockey League is more demanding than the Ontario Hockey League.
"When you look at the OHL, everything's fairly close together, and even then, when you're playing in the O you have to manage schoolwork and the slight travel," Schultz said on the SportsCage.
"When you come to the Western League, you're travelling more than that and having school on top of it. It's definitely not for the weak. I'm thankful to be playing in such a high-level league."
The Pats selected Schultz first overall in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft. He has played 11 games in the WHL for Regina and registered two goals along with five assists. He explained the benefits of his hometown team drafting him.
"Living at home is something I'll be super grateful for," Schultz detailed. "It feels good to be around my parents and my close family. Super lucky to be drafted by [the Pats] and playing in the barn that I grew up watching in."
Because Schultz is 15 years old, he splits time between the Regina Pats and the Regina Pat Canadians under the Western Canadian Development Model. He and fellow rookie Liam Pue are allowed to play 34 games in the WHL during the 2025-2026 season. Through 14 games with the Pat Canadians, Schultz has recorded 21 goals and 20 assists.
"This 34 games thing, I thought Liam and I did a great job taking advantage of it. It's pretty cool to play on two teams, having 40-some teammates, making new friendships along the way," Schultz said.
"I think we've been doing a good job handling all the pressure and the tiredness of it so far. I think the Pats have been doing a great job of managing our schedule and doing everything they can to help Liam and me, it's been great so far."
Outside talking about his WHL career, Schultz shared which NHL team he supports.
"The Edmonton Oilers, obviously, have such special players who play on that team. My dad actually got me into them," Schultz recalled. "Right from the womb, we've been watching Oilers games ever since I was really young and they've grown to be my team. It would be cool to play for them one day, but that is a long way down the road."
Despite his young age, Schultz doesn't mind the grind that comes with playing hockey and explains why he loves the sport.
"I can't imagine a life without hockey," Schultz said. "I do it every day, watch it every day, so it is a huge part of my life. I don't know what I would do without it."
