Calgary, AB – The Western Hockey League announced today that Regina Pats forward Sam Steel has been named the WHL Player of the Month for September and October 2016.

Steel, an 18-year-old product of Sherwood Park, AB, registered 22 points (10G-12A) in 11 games to help the Regina Pats go 10-0-3-0 and take the early lead in the WHL’s East Division to start the season.

Since being returned from the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks, Steel has managed eight multipoint performances, including a season-high five points (2G-3A) on October 2 in a 7-2 win over the Red Deer Rebels. Steel’s efforts culminated in his being named both WHL Player of the Week and CHL Player of the Week for the week ending October 2.

Averaging 2.00 points per game, Steel earned first star honours twice and second star honours on three occasions. Included in Steel’s 10 goals to date are two shorthanded goals and two power-play tallies.

The 6-foot, 180-pound centre sits fourth in the WHL scoring race and has collected points in all but two of the 11 games he appeared in during September and October. He was recently selected to represent Team WHL at the upcoming 2016 CIBC Canada Russia Series in Prince George (November 7) and Edmonton (November 8).

Steel, a first round pick (30th) of the Anaheim Ducks at the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, is in his third season with the Regina Pats, amassing 146 points (50G-96A) in 149 career WHL regular season games. He was originally a first round pick (second overall) of the Regina Pats at the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft.

WHL Player of the Month

September/October: Sam Steel, Regina Pats