Defenceman John Babcock excited for final WHL season with ...

John Babcock has heard all the clichés from veterans before him about how fast time goes as a Western Hockey League player.

“The classic is, ‘enjoy it while it lasts because it flies by,’ ” said the 20-year-old Regina Pats defenceman. “You don’t really believe it until you’re kind of here and it’s your last camp and all of that.”

After playing his first game during the shortened 2020-21 season as a member of the Kelowna Rockets, Babcock is looking to soak in his last year of junior hockey, which includes Friday’s season opener and Saturday’s home opener.

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Following their first game of the season on Friday night in Prince Albert against the Raiders, the Pats will host the Brandon Wheat Kings on Saturday (6 p.m.) at the Brandt Centre.

“I’m so fired up,” said the 6-foot-1, 204-pound Babcock, a North Vancouver, B.C. product. “Can’t wait to hit the ice.”

Babcock is not only a veteran on Regina’s blueline, but as a 2004-born player, he is two years older than the next oldest defenceman, as the rest of the Pats defenders are 17- and 18-years-old.

And as a veteran, Babcock wants to make sure he leaves a lasting impression on the next generation while keeping an eye on his own future and the opportunities that could lie ahead for him next season.

“Being an older guy here, I want to provide some input and information to the younger guys,” said Babcock, who is one of three overage players on Regina’s roster alongside forwards Braxton Whitehead and Tye Spencer. “But at the same time, team success is individual success.

“Hopefully I can play my best and get something at the end of the year.”

After being selected by Kelowna in the fifth round of the 2019 WHL Draft, Babcock played 160 regular season and nine playoff games for the Rockets from 2020 to 2024 before being traded to the Saskatoon Blades in a three-team deal at last season’s trade deadline.

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Babcock suited up for 29 regular season and 13 playoff games for the Blades last year before losing to the Moose Jaw Warriors in Game 7 of the WHL Eastern Conference final.

In July, he was traded to Regina for a pair of draft picks.

“It’s a little bit of an adjustment but a really good group of guys here and a coaching staff that wants to win here,” said Babcock. “Everyone has been nothing but great to me.

“For me, coming from Saskatoon and being in the conference final in game seven and all of that, I feel like I can bring some of that experience and hopefully provide it to the younger guys here.”

Saskatoon Blades defenceman John Babcock (55) takes on Regina Pats during WHL action at SaskTel Centre. Photo by Michelle Berg /Saskatoon StarPhoenix Saskatoon Blades John Babcock takes on Regina Pats during WHL action at SaskTel Centre. Photo by Michelle Berg /Saskatoon StarPhoenix

Despite being one of the only new faces in the Pats’ lineup this year, Babcock has already made an impression.

“He’s one of those guys that realizes this is his last kick at the can at junior hockey so he’s here to make an impact,” said Pats head coach Brad Herauf. “And he wants to make an impact on the ice but I think the real cool part is he’s really seems to make an impact with the players.”

Babcock — who is in his third season as a Hockey Gives Blood volunteer player ambassador — even took it upon himself to organize a team-building event during the pre-season, which again, showed his leadership.

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“I asked him multiple times if he needed support,” said Herauf. “And he’s like, ‘nope, I’ve got it.’

“He understands the importance of the impact you can have on younger guys.”

Saskatoon Blades defenceman John Babcock (55) takes on Prince Albert Raiders during game one of the WHL playoffs at SaskTel Centre. Photo by Michelle Berg /Saskatoon StarPhoenix Saskatoon Blades defenceman John Babcock (55) take on the Regina Pats during WHL action at SaskTel Centre. Photo by Michelle Berg /Saskatoon StarPhoenix

And while Babcock is providing as much leadership as he can off the ice, he knows the impact he wants to have on the ice as he looks to help lead the Pats back into the post-season after the Regina finished in the basement of the WHL’s Eastern Conference last season.

“The biggest thing is we’re going to make playoffs this year,” said Babcock. “There’s no doubt in my mind that we’re going to do that.

“I feel like we are a younger team, but everyone can play on our team. We’ve got guys that are going to have breakout years.”

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