The Regina Pats have signed 2026 first-round pick Fletcher MacDonald to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.
MacDonald made franchise history earlier this month when the Pats selected him ninth overall in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft, making him the highest-drafted goaltender in team history. He also became the first goalie chosen by Regina in the first round since Jordan Hollett was selected 13th overall in 2014.
“The Regina Pats organization is very excited to have signed our first-round pick from the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft,” Pats general manager Dale Derkatch said in a release. “We believe Fletcher has a very bright future ahead of him, and we’re confident he will bring stability to our goaltending position when he becomes a full-time player with the Pats.”
The 14-year-old Edmonton product is also the highest-drafted goaltender in the WHL Prospects Draft since Taylor Gauthier went 10th overall to the Prince George Cougars in 2016.
MacDonald spent the 2025-26 season with the Canadian Athletic Club U15 AA program in the AEHL, posting a 2.87 goals-against average and a .925 save percentage with one shutout in 28 games. The six-foot-three, 199-pound netminder was named to the AEHL U15 AA First All-Star Team.
Despite facing a league-high 1,005 shots during the regular season, MacDonald continued to impress, seeing 290 more shots than any other goaltender in the league.
He elevated his play in the postseason, recording a .969 save percentage while allowing just three goals in two playoff appearances.
MacDonald also represented Team Alberta at the 2026 Alberta Cup, helping the province capture a championship while earning First All-Star Team honours after posting a .942 save percentage in three appearances.
