BY Jonathan Huntington
REGINA – The number one topic in the SMAAAHL to start the season revolves around Maddox Schultz.
How many games will the 15-year-old phenom play with the Regina Pat Canadians?
How is he balancing his schedule with the Regina Pats – who drafted him #1 overall and can utilize him for 34 WHL games in the regular season?
How many highlight-reel goals will he score this season? (You can add his spectacular OT winner against Moose Jaw on the weekend to the list of impressive goals in the SMAAAHL.)
And on and on and on….
After four games with the Pat Cs, Schultz has eight goals and three assists.
The talented forward took a few minutes away from school and his daily routine to discuss life – both on and off the ice.
What is a typical day for you?
“On a non-game day, I am the rink (Brandt Centre) by 8:20 a.m. (with the Regina Pats) and we watch video before practice. Then we practice at 9:30 a.m. After that, we get a cool-down and then the six or seven of us go to school from 12:30-3 p.m. It’s online – I’m taking three classes this semester…I’m in Grade 10.”
What’s the game plan for the year? (Editor note: Maddox and Liam Pue are following the same schedule right now.)
“There is a tentative schedule for us to follow. It’s managing the 34 games in the WHL (that I can play). But it also depends on how we are feeling.
“This weekend on Saturday I will play for the Pats against the Vancouver Giants. Then on Sunday, my dad will drive Liam and I to Saskatoon to play (for the Pat Canadians) against the Blazers.”
What is it like to be playing on two teams at once this season?
“It has been really fun to say the least. To have 30-plus teammates is pretty incredible. I am meeting new faces on the Regina Pats and taking it step-by-step with Liam has been pretty cool.”
How do you process all the attention you are receiving from fans and media?
“I was a fan at one point in time. I remember Adam Brooks and Sam Steele (of the Regina Pats) being super patient with me. Being nice to the fans and connecting with them goes a long way with them.
“And I like meeting new people (in the media).”
How do you want to be known as a player?
“A two-way player for sure. I take pride in my defensive game. In the first couple of games in the WHL, I have been more passive than I would like to be.”
Favorite player as a kid? Connor McDavid
Favourite team as a kid? Edmonton Oilers. My dad introduced that team to me.
Favourite school subject? Math
Favourite pre-game meal? Chicken, rice and some sort of vegetable
Post-game treat? Chocolate protein shake
