It is something that Tanner Howe has done hundreds of times through his hockey career, but it was a little different on Nov. 20.
Howe, the captain of the Regina Pats, was pulled aside by Pats management prior to warmups before Regina’s game against the Tri-City Americans and given the news: he had been traded to the Calgary Hitmen.
“It’s something I wasn’t expecting.” Howe said, reflecting on the situation. “It’s walking out for warmups and I got pulled aside and told I was being traded. It was shocking, I’ve been with Regina for four years so it’s tough to leave. It was nice knowing I was coming to Calgary and a good competitive group that’s trying to win and (I’m) hoping to come here and help that.”
In return, the Regina Pats received defenseman Reese Hamilton, forward Keets Fawcett, a third round pick in 2025 and a second round selection in 2027.
Howe, a former Prince Albert Minto, was selected by Regina in the fourth round of the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft. In 217 regular season games as a Pat, Howe registered 98 goals and 142 assists. He also appeared in seven playoff games recording four points in seven games back in 2022-23 when Regina lost in the first round against Saskatoon.
“There’s so many good memories I’ve built there.” Howe said about his time in Regina. “My billets there were unreal, nothing but the best, and the bond I’ve created with them. The coaches I’ve had there have been unreal. The one thing I’ll take care of is all the friendships I gained in Regina, and all the people I met, and lifelong friends.”
In four games with the Hitmen, Howe has recorded three goals and five assists and recorded his first hat trick in his new threads on Dec. 1 against the Moose Jaw Warriors.
Howe said the transition was difficult at first, but he has been welcomed in by his new teammates.
“I think it’s a little tough (in the) first game. Just figuring out the systems and feeling that line, but I thought after that it’s been really good. This is a really tight group and it’s a lot of fun to go to the rink every day and laugh and joke at them and they’re all serious and competitive.”
Howe and the Hitmen find themselves in the middle of a tight race in the East Conference and the Central Division. Only a seven point gap separates the Medicine Hat Tigers in first place in the division and the Edmonton Oil Kings who sit in fifth.
In the Eastern Conference, there is only a 12 point buffer between the Saskatoon Blades in first and the Prince Albert RAiders in ninth.
Howe says playing in a meaningful game each and every night is something he is taking pride in.
“It’s a lot of fun. Every game is a big game. They mean so much, every two points are so crucial. I like playing the most meaningful games, those big games. It’s been lots of fun and I look forward to a lot more to come.”
Howe was one of 32 players to receive an invitation to Canada’s World Junior Selection Camp in Ottawa beginning on Dec. 10 at TD Place in Ottawa. Only 18 forwards from across the country received the invite.
Howe said he was happy to get the invite, but knows there is still a lot he needs to go to make the team.
“It was a big goal coming this season so to accomplish that is good. I need one more to go. The work starts now. I just hope to make that team, it would be a dream come true.”
Howe is no stranger to wearing the Canada sweater as he has twice played at the U18 World Championships and at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
“It’s been awesome. I think I’ve played in four Canada events now, so anytime we get to put that Canada jersey over your head and represent your country, it’s pretty special. It always gives you a little bit of boost during the game. World Juniors would be really cool. It’s one that the whole country watches.”
Howe and the Hitmen played against the Raiders at the Art Hauser Centre on Friday night. Results were not available as of press time.
