By the time New Year’s Eve arrived, Caden Brown had already learned one of hockey’s enduring truths: the biggest decisions rarely come quietly.
The Regina Pats forward closed out 2025 by committing to Lindenwood University for the 2026–27 season, a decision that reflects both the evolving junior hockey landscape and a player taking control of his future.
“It was a long process. It was never really an option; I thought I needed to look into it until last year. For me, it was a lot of learning — learning what it’s about and what I needed to be eligible.”
With the CHL opening NCAA pathways, Brown found himself navigating unfamiliar territory — talking to schools, weighing opportunity, and projecting not just next season, but the next four years.
“It’s stressful, you want to make sure you make the right decision for you and for your family.”
What ultimately sold Brown on Lindenwood wasn’t just the offer; it was the upside.
“I think it’s a really underrated spot. It’s a newer program, but it’s got the people and resources to become top-notch. They’ve beaten some good teams, and I think over the next four years we’re going to build something special.”
Unlike the WHL Bantam Draft, where players wait to see where they land, the NCAA process puts the decision firmly in the athlete’s hands.
“You don’t get to choose where you go in a draft, but when it comes to picking your school, it’s all up to you.”
Now that the decision is made, the weight is off, and the focus is back where Brown wants it.
That focus has shifted to a Regina Pats team showing signs of life at the right time. After a stretch that tested belief, the Pats picked up a pair of key weekend wins, and the Fort St. John product says the difference starts between the ears.
“I think we’re getting our confidence back. We went through a stretch where things weren’t going well, and that hurts anyone’s confidence. As one of the leaders, we’re just trying to remind ourselves who we are and what we need to do to be successful.”
By standing pat at the trade deadline, the Pats’ front office sent a clear signal to the room.
“When your general manager says he’s confident in the group to make the playoffs, it feels good. It gives guys confidence knowing someone believes in you that much.”
As a 20-year-old forward with offensive upside and a former first-round Bantam Draft pick, Brown knew the deadline chatter would be there even if he tried not to hear it.
“I wouldn’t say I was avoiding anyone. Maybe just staying out of the way a little bit. Those guys are busy, and you just let them do their jobs.”
The result? A group that looks more settled and more consistent heading into the stretch drive.
“Hockey is a game of confidence and consistency. If you’re not consistent, you’re going to struggle. The challenge now is maintaining what we found this weekend.”
That consistency has been helped by the return of goaltender Taylor Tabashinuk, whose comeback didn’t go unnoticed.
“I was super happy for him. That was tough to watch when he went down. He put in so much work quietly around the rink, and guys noticed.”
When you talk about Regina Pats and Moose Jaw Warriors, you’re talking about one of junior hockey’s fiercest rivalries, and for Brown, it’s personal.
His cousin, Ethan Semenuk, suits up for Moose Jaw, adding a unique layer to the Saskatchewan showdown.
“We grew up a 20-second walk down the street from each other. I’ve probably spent more time with him than anyone else on this planet.”
The trash talk?
“Usually after the games,” Brown laughed.
Their grandfather refuses to take sides.
“He mixes it up,” Brown said. “Different hat, different jersey. He’s on us all the time, making sure we’re doing our best.”
As the Pats prepare for Swift Current on Wednesday night, Brown’s message is simple: focus inward.
“We’re trying to replicate what made us successful. If we do that consistently, we’ll like where it goes.”
You can hear the Regina Pats and Swift Current Broncos on 620 CKRM, with pregame coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m.
