While Regina hasn’t been in the league long enough to develop many deep seated rivalries, there are a few burgeoning. Since joining the SMJHL in S61, Regina has been in a division with one team each season prior to S64: the Colorado Raptors. That allows for a lot of games between these two franchises. That being said, like the early days of the Columbus Blue Jackets and their rivalry with the Detroit Red Wings, it’s largely been one sided. The Raptors have finished ahead of the expansion Elk each season. There also may be some resentment deeper down on Colorado’s side; Regina GM Justin Wingit got his start with the Raptors, before being hired away, while longtime team executive Johnny Hamilton also left the Raptors organization to take a job with the Baltimore Platoon. His newest client, M’Baku Olubori, is now a rookie with Regina.

Outside of Colorado, last year’s first round playoff matchup with the Anaheim Outlaws left a sour taste in players, coaches, and managers’ mouths. In their two playoff appearances in 4 years, the Elk have yet to win a single playoff game (again, like the early Columbus Blue Jackets), getting swept in the 1st round by Kelowna in S61 and Anaheim in S63. Last season’s frustrations are bearing fruit; through three meetings this season, Regina is 3-0 versus Anaheim, outscoring them 16-9. If they have another playoff matchup, Regina-Anaheim could grow into one of the hotter rivalries in the J.