In late 2017, the Regina Pats bolstered their blue line by acquiring Cale Fleury from the Kootenay Ice.

That would be one of many moves the Pats would make ahead of their quest to capture the 100th Memorial Cup, as they prepared to host one of the most prestigious championships in all of hockey.

It's been quite the journey for the 19-year-old from Carlyle, who will suit up in a crucial game for the Pats on Wednesday night in Regina. Fleury last played in the heart of south east Saskatchewan during the 2011-12 season for the AA Bantam Estevan Bruins, before spending two seasons between the bantam and midget programs in Wilcox for the Hounds.

Ater getting drafted by the Western Hockey League's Kootenay Ice in the 4th round of the WHL Bantam Draft, Fleury wasted no time, earning a roster spot in his 16-year-old season with the Ice. Since then, Fleury has played in 269 games, putting together 32 goals and 95 assists during that time.

Estevan Bruins Head Coach and General Manager, Chris Lewgood has had the opportunity to see Fleury on a number of occasions, and has been quite impressed with his play.

"I loved him, I thought Cale Fleury was a real bright spot for the Pats," Lewgood said. "I think he sometimes flies under the radar, he's really a jack of all trades."

The Montreal Canadiens also loved Fleury enough to select him 87th overall in the 3rd round of last years NHL Draft. Lewgood pointed to a play that Fleury made during the game one of the Memorial Cup, which really stood out to him as something that sets him apart from the rest.

"He was under duress and never panicked with the puck. Instead of chipping the puck off the glass and out he held on to it and skated himself out of trouble, advanced the puck and they ended up scoring the winning goal ten seconds later. 99 out of 100 defenseman at that level will throw that puck to a safe space and not make a possession play, but he had the wherewithal to find a man, advance the puck and they ended up getting the win out of it."

The 19-year-old doesn't need to look very far for advice on how to get to that next level, Cale's older brother Haydn spent this past season playing as a regular for the Carolina Hurricanes in the NHL, adding eights assists in 67 games as a 21-year-old.

Cale and his Regina Pats will meet the Swift Current Broncos on Wednesday night in the final round robin game of the 100th Memorial Cup.