John Babcock Reflects on Final WHL Season with Regina Pats

John Babcock, a seasoned defenceman in the Western Hockey League (WHL), reflects on the swift passage of time during his junior hockey career. At 20 years old, he acknowledges the familiar sentiments shared by veterans, expressing, “The classic is, ‘enjoy it while it lasts because it flies by,'” as he approaches his final season.

Having begun his WHL career with the Kelowna Rockets during the 2020-21 season, Babcock is seizing the opportunity to make the most of his concluding year. This includes participating in the forthcoming season and home openers, facing off against the Prince Albert Raiders and the Brandon Wheat Kings.

“I’m so fired up,” stated Babcock, who hails from North Vancouver, British Columbia, emphasizing his eagerness to compete. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 204 pounds, he is not only a stalwart on Regina‘s blueline but also the eldest among the team’s defencemen.

As a veteran, Babcock is committed to imparting his knowledge to younger teammates while preparing for potential future endeavors post-WHL. “Being an older guy here, I want to provide some input and information to the younger guys,” he mentioned, highlighting his dual role on the team.

Following a fruitful period with the Kelowna Rockets, where he played 160 regular-season games, Babcock transitioned to the Saskatoon Blades last season. His move to Regina, announced in July via a trade involving draft picks, marked a new chapter in his career.

“It’s a little bit of an adjustment but a really good group of guys here,” Babcock commented on his integration into Regina. He aspires to pass on his playoff experience gained with Saskatoon, where he played until the WHL Eastern Conference finals.

Babcock has already left a positive impression on the Pats. “He’s one of those guys that realizes this is his last kick at the can at junior hockey,” stated Pats head coach Brad Herauf, commending Babcock’s impact on and off the ice.

An advocate for community engagement, Babcock also plays an active leadership role, as demonstrated by his organization of a team-building event for the Pats. This initiative is part of his continued involvement with Hockey Gives Blood, where he serves as a volunteer player ambassador.

In light of Regina’s previous standings in the WHL’s Eastern Conference, Babcock remains optimistic about the new season, emphasizing the potential within the youthful squad. “The biggest thing is we’re going to make playoffs this year,” he affirmed confidently.