Airdrie’s Gary Haden made sure he was noticed at the WHL’s Regina Pats training camp this fall.

The 16-year-old centreman was one of the last two forwards cut from the Pats before he was re-assigned to the Alberta AAA Midget Hockey League’s (AMHL) Strathmore CRF Bisons on Sept. 17.

Haden had the opportunity to play five exhibition games with the Pats this month.

“It was really good to just see the speed of the game and how strong the guys are,” said Haden, noting the ability to win faceoffs depends strength he aims to gain.

The 5-10, 154-pound centreman said Pats coaching staff told him to work on his speed and strength to be considered for the junior club in the future.

Wearing a Pats number 40 jersey for several weeks, Haden had a noteworthy time in the uniform.

“I had two goals in the Blue and White,” said Haden. “Out of five exhibitions I had a goal and three assists.”

His points came as one assist versus the Calgary Hitmen in a 4-3 loss, Sept. 3, another assist versus the Prince Albert Raiders in a 7-4 win, Sept. 4, and his third assist was in an 8-3 loss to Brandon Wheat Kings, Sept. 12.

His first WHL goal was in his last exhibition game versus the Raiders, which the Pats lost 5-2, on Sept. 16.

Back with the Bisons and sounding upbeat, Haden’s mission is clear.

“The goals for this year are to see if we can defend a title,” said Haden of the 2014-2015 league-champion Bisons.

The provincial repeat would mean another chance at Telus Cup nationals.

“[We’ll] see if we can redeem our fourth with a first,” said Haden.

Haden’s local 2014-2015 Bisons teammate, Barrett Sheen, is still vying for a spot with the WHL’s Lethbridge Hurricanes.

The 6-3, 212-pound left winger has been sporting number 26 for the preseason with the Hurricanes, picking up a goal and an assist versus the Kootenay Ice in a 6-1 win, Sept. 8.

The Hurricanes regular season starts on Sept. 25 as they host the Medicine Hat Tigers.