The Regina Pats have made a major move, trading captain Tanner Howe to the Calgary Hitmen for forward Keets Fawcett, defenceman Reese Hamilton and a pair of draft picks.

Howe, an 18-year-old from Prince Albert, was selected in the second round, 46th overall during the 2024 NHL Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins. He played 217 games with the Pats, scoring 98 goals with 142 assists in four seasons.

“While this is an important trade for our franchise, it is also very difficult moving a quality person, and quality player, in Tanner Howe,” general manager Alan Millar said in a statement. “Tanner plays the game the right way, is a tremendous leader, and is a person with great values and integrity. He has a very bright future in the game, and we wish him the best in Calgary, and beyond with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Tanner will always be a Pat.”

In return, the Pats receive Fawcett, an 18-year-old defenceman from Grimshaw, Alberta. He played 84 games with the Hitmen over the last two seasons, registering 21 goals, 31 assists, and 50 penalty minutes. Whitewood native Reese Hamilton moves east with Fawcett. Hamilton has played 62 games for Calgary and has nine goals and 25 assists.

“We are excited to add Reese Hamilton, Keets Fawcett, and valuable draft capital to our hockey club,” Miller said in a statement. “Hamilton is considered one of the top young defencemen in the WHL, is an elite skater, puck mover, and will help generate offence for our team from the back-end. Fawcett plays the game hard, is a good skater, and had an impressive rookie season as a 17-year-old scoring 19 goals.”

Regina also receives Calgary’s 2025 third-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick.