REBELS: The Final Curtain

March 19, 2014, 5:13 pm

≫ Next: REBELS: Draft Day 2014

Just like that… it’s all over.

After a frantic finish to the regular season that centred on an ultra-tight race for a playoff spot, the finality of the Red Deer Rebels’ tiebreaker game loss to the Prince Albert Raiders is tough to stomach, real tough.

Many observers had high hopes for the 2013-14 Red Deer Rebels, and it was with good reason that they did. They brought back a large chunk of the roster that last season rallied to finish 4^th in the WHL Eastern Conference and swept the Prince Albert Raiders in the opening round of playoffs. They had the reigning WHL and CHL Goaltender of the Year, a stud defenceman to build around, a promising group of forwards, and a solid coaching group with a ton of pedigree. Seemingly, the ingredients were there for a recipe for success this season.

In the end, those ingredients didn’t mix as well as many had expected and the Rebels are on the outside looking in for this year’s playoffs. It certainly wasn’t a boring season, no season ever is in my opinion, and here some of the highs and lows, as I saw them, from the campaign that was…

HIGHS...

THE BARTY PARTY – There is nothing I can say about Patrik that hasn’t already been said. The Czech netminder did everything his club had asked of him and then some. It will be fun to watch him as he begins his professional career as part of the Los Angeles Kings organization.

SCOTTY ON FIRE – The “feel good story” of the Rebels season… in my humble opinion, at least. For the second straight season, Feser was greeted at the end of training camp with a ticket to the AJHL. He was recalled by the Rebels shortly after being traded from Camrose to Okotoks and never looked back. By season’s end the line of Feser-Johnson-Musil was leading the way at both ends of the rink for the Rebels, providing a shimmer of optimism heading into next season.

FANTASTIC FLEURY – The lanky blueliner from Saskatchewan was dropped into the #1 slot with the departure of Mathew Dumba. Fleury responded big time with solid play at both ends of the rink while, vitally for the Rebels, playing a ton of minutes along the way. Fleury will undoubtedly become the next Rebel to have his name called in the 1^st round of the NHL Entry Draft.

KID CAPTAIN – A lot of eyebrows were raised, including mine, when the High River native was named as the new Rebels Captain at the somewhat tender age of 17. The expectations for Bleackley, a former 1^st round bantam draft pick, were already high and being asked to take on the ultimate leadership role for his club raised them even higher. While his offensive production tailed off late in the season, Bleackley, in my opinion, did indeed prove he was worthy of having the “C” on his chest. He too will have a trip to the NHL Entry Draft podium in his near future.

FUTURE STARTS NOW – Along with Feser… Adam Musil, Vukie Mpofu, Grayson Pawlenchuk, Mason McCarty showed everyone that the Rebels have an up and coming group of forwards that will be worth watching for the next two to three seasons.

LOWS...

HOME ICE HORRORS – Including the tiebreaker, the Rebels finished a game below .500 at the Enmax Centrium this season. “Mentally, we were much better on the road,” lamented Brent Sutter following Tuesday’s tiebreaker loss to Prince Albert. “We were a much better road team for whatever reason.” “When you’re a below .500 team at home it’s tough to say you’re a playoff team.”

DUMBA DILEMMA – In hindsight it was pretty clear that the Minnesota Wild had no intention of having Mathew Dumba play with the Rebels this season. This was made evident by his quick assignment to Portland following the World Juniors. In the meantime, the club was left sitting and waiting for Minnesota to make a decision regarding Dumba’s status. The eventual trade that saw Presten Kopeck and draft picks come from Portland has already paid dividends for the Rebels and will continue to do so moving forward. But, in the short term, the Rebels suffered by not having their top blueliner.

SUTTER STRUGGLES – In acquiring the 20-year-old forward from the Saskatoon Blades last off-season the Rebels felt they had the power forward they needed to solidify their group of top six forwards. For the first couple of weeks, that’s exactly what Lukas did for the club while playing on a line with Bleackley and Brooks Maxwell. Unfortunately, an early season shoulder injury sent his season off the rails. Despite coming back to play a couple dozen more games, Lukas was never the same (through no fault of his own) before finally being shut down for the season in order to have his shoulder fixed in time for training camp this fall with the Winnipeg Jets (with whom he has yet to sign a contract).

FEELING BLUE – Brent Sutter makes no effort to hide it… the Rebels group of defenceman was simply not good enough this season. Changing that will be the number one priority for the club in the off-season and will be the main focus of the Rebels in the CHL Import Draft.

Those are just a few of the things that stand out in my mind as I look back on the newly-completed season. You can visit my soundcloud page for today’s full comments from Brent as well as some tidbits from Bartosak, Bleackley, Fleury and Dieno.

TG

↧

REBELS: Draft Day 2014

May 1, 2014, 4:21 pm

≫ Next: BACK IN BLACK (AND WHITE)

≪ Previous: REBELS: The Final Curtain

Once again, the Red Deer Rebels tapped into some NHL bloodlines in the first round of the WHL Bantam Draft.

There was Brandon Sutter in 2004, Adam Musil in 2012, and today Jake Leschyshyn whose father, Curtis, patrolled the blue line in both the NHL and WHL and was an Assistant Coach with the Saskatoon Blades last season.

Leschyshyn, the 6^th overall selection in today’s draft, headlines the group of 11 players selected by the Rebels. The group of 11 also includes a local product and a pair of very intriguing American players.

Overall, Rebels Assistant GM Sutter feels the club was able to address the needs they had identified heading into today’s draft.

“We want to play a big, strong attacking type of game,” Sutter explained on the phone from Calgary, the scene of today’s draft. “You have to have a little bit of everything, so we have some guys who can complement each other… We feel real good about this draft. We have real good balance, a couple left shot defencemen and a couple right shot. Up front too… drafting a couple centremen, a couple right wingers and three left wingers.”

So, here is the full down of today’s Rebels draftees, including comment from Sutter on each…

JACK LESCHYSHYN (1^stround, 6^th overall) – Leschyshyn racked up 59 points in 31 games playing Bantam AA with the Saskatoon Stallions last seasonJake stands 5'9” and weighs 150 lbs.

Sutter: “We picked a player that is a complete player, a coach’s dream to coach. Someone you can rely on in all situations whether it’s to take an important faceoff or scoring a goal or making plays on the powerplay. [He’s] a guy that’s going to be a leader on your team and potentially be the captain. To be a successful team, your best players have to be your hardest working players and be your best leaders. With Jake, he fits all that criteria.”

DAWSON WEATHERILL (2^nd, 37^th)– A big goalie, standing 6'4" and weighing 175 lbs., Weatherill played bantam AAA for Red Deer White last season and produced a 2.52 goals against average and 0.929 save percentage.

“He’s uber-athletic and a big kid who has huge upside to his game. He’s obviously a local area kid and the goal was to get one of the best goalies in the draft. We feel we did in selecting him.”

ETHAN SAKOWICH (3^rd, 46^th) AND CARSON SASS (3^rd, 47^th)– Sakowich racked up 6 goals, 12 assists, 18 points and 42 penalty minutes while playing Bantam AAA in Fort Saskatchewan last season. Sass played Bantam AA for the Melville Millionaires last season and had 21 points and 30 penalty minutes in 30 games played.

“We get some defenceman that have some upside to grow, that move the puck well, play with some edge and also move well. An emphasis from Brent was that we wanted puck moving defenceman that could do a bit of everything.”

AUSTIN PRATT (4^th, 75^th) AND GRANT MISMASH (5^th, 97^th)– Both played at Shattuck St. Mary's last season. Pratt collected 73 points and 60 penalty minutes in 65 games. Mismash piled up 96 points and 132 penalty minutes in 65 games.

“When it’s all said in done, if they were to play in the western league, and we can be successful in recruiting these players, they can be as good as any player selected in this draft. They are players who both have pro upside and will most likely, at some point, play in the NHL. We’re really excited to go through the recruiting process with them to try to get them to come to Red Deer and play for us.”

Sutter admits the team is taking quite a gamble in drafting two American players from Shattucks St. Mary’s. But, if they can be successfully recruited to come north, the sky appears to be the limit.

“Pratt, specifically, is a player that his family is originally from Ontario. They are very familiar with the CHL so he’s a player we thought was definitely worth the risk. Both him and Mismash, if they were Canadian kids, were players we would consider taking in the first round. Should they come play in our league, this draft will look like we had three first round picks.”

BENJAMIN GRIST(6^th, 119^th)– “Boo” Grist who had 22 points and 73 penalty minutes in 43 Bantam AAA league games with Victoria Racquet Club.

“Very similar [to Sakowich and Sass] in the same respect. His brother was a huge guy that played in the league in both Tri City and Kamloops. We really like the defencemen we picked.”

CHANCE ADRIAN (7^th, 142^nd), BRAYDEN LABANT (8^th, 163^rd), AKASH BAINS (9^th, 185^th)– Adrian played Bantam AA with the Sask Valley Vipers last season, collecting 41 points and 36 penalty minutes in 31 regular season games and 10 points in 6 playoff games. Labant, of St. Paul, Alberta, played Bantam AAA in Fort Saskatchewan and earned 29 points and 62 penalty minutes in 32 league games. Bains netted 57 points and had 22 penalty minutes in 59 games with Okanagan Hockey Academy.

“All are big bodied guys that play a real heavy game, real strong game. They have skill and sense and can make plays and go through people. They all guys that we really like and fit the identity of what we want to do in terms of playing, guys that are tough to play against.”

CHASE STEVENSON (10^th, 207^th)– Stevenson had 68 points and 18 penalty minutes in 50 games with Okanagan last season. “A skilled, sensed player that is a smaller guy right now but he plays with a lot of fire and determination. One of those late round picks, whether it’s a Scott Feser type, one of those guys you think has the potential to find a way to play.”

The 11 draft picks will get their first taste of life as a Rebel when they arrive in Red Deer for the annual Spring Prospects Camp in June.

The Rebels also addressed their concerns about their defence corps by making a pair of moves to swap 20-year-old blueliners. Gone is Brady Gaudet, shipped back to Kamloops in exchange for the 47^th overall pick that turned into Cass. In is Brett Cote from the Victoria Royals in exchange for today’s 31^st overall pick.

“Cote is a bit of a bigger, stronger kid that plays a heavier game,” noted Sutter.

↧

BACK IN BLACK (AND WHITE)

August 15, 2014, 1:03 pm

≫ Next: REBELS: IT'S TIME

≪ Previous: REBELS: Draft Day 2014

Enjoy the final weekend of the off-season, folks.

Starting Thursday, your local hockey heroes hit the ice as they work toward the ultimate major junior hockey goal of winning the Memorial Cup.

You can find a rundown of the Red Deer Rebels 2014 Training Camp schedule at their website.

On Wednesday, GM and Head Coach Brent Sutter will be chatting with us in the local media to offer up a camp preview and his (lofty, no doubt) expectations for the 2014-15 season. We'll also probably as him for an update on the 2016 Memorial Cup bid (you're damn right it should come to Red Deer!)

We definitely look forward to bringing you all the action once again as 106.7 The Drive will carry each Rebels regular season and playoff game live.

Enjoy golf, or whatever it is you like doing when the weather is nice, because life at the rink is about to resume.

See you there!

TG

↧

REBELS: IT'S TIME

August 19, 2014, 2:05 pm

≫ Next: TRAINING CAMP: THE ROOKIES

≪ Previous: BACK IN BLACK (AND WHITE)

‘Twas the night before training camp and all through the rink…

Nah, who am I kidding. I suck at poetry. Some think I also suck at writing, for that matter, but here it comes anyway.

Welcome to the 2014-15 season, Red Deer Rebels fans. After another much longer than hoped for off-season, the boys are back in town and ready to hit the ice starting Thursday.

While the off-season was indeed a long one, it was not completely uneventful for the Rebels. Here is a recap of some of the bigger happenings…

1. BANTAM DRAFT – As they’ve done before (Brandon Sutter, Adam Musil) the Rebels used the 6^th overall selection on a player with NHL bloodlines, Jake Leschyshyn. They snapped up hometown goalie Dawson Weatherill in round two. Also among their 11 selections were a couple of guys with great hockey names, Grant Mismash and Benjamin “Boo” Grist.

2. NHL DRAFT – Not only did the Rebels have their streak of having at least one of their players selected in the NHL Draft in every year of their existence extended, they had two of their stars selected in the first round. Haydn Fleury (7^th overall, Carolina) and Conner Bleackley (23^rd, Colorado) are both perfect fits with their new NHL clubs.

3. IMPORT DRAFT – With a clear emphasis on strengthening their core of blueliners, the Rebels took two of them in this year’s Import Draft: Eduards Jansons (6’2” 176 lbs. 1997-09-07) and Mario Grman (6’0” 176 lbs. 1997-04-11). Two big bodies that will be counted on to make an impact.

4. NEW SOUND SYSTEM – Ok, this one is more of a selfish inclusion for yours truly. As the former PA Announcer at Rebels games, nothing frustrated more than getting complaints from fans constantly saying “the speakers in here suck!” Thankfully, Westerner Park has finally come around and upgraded the system. Can’t wait to hear it!

5. MEMORIAL CUP BID – Quite frankly, it’s time. The Rebels were passed over the last time they bid to host the Memorial Cup. It would be an outrageous travesty of justice to have that happen again and have Alberta’s 40-plus year Memorial Cup hosting drought extended.

There are a number of players from last year’s team who, for various reasons, are no longer with the Rebels. A few of whom I will miss dealing with in my particular line of work, most notable Patrik Bartosak, Vukie Mpofu, Brady Gaudet and Rhyse Dieno. On-ice results aside, these guys were absolute beauties to work with when it came to interviews and their contributions to Rebels broadcasts will most definitely be missed. Mooner and I will have to work that much harder to fill the void they are leaving.

Needless to say, there are some intriguing things to watch during training camp, the preseason and beyond, including...

- The competition for the three roster spots for overage players will likely come down to fan favorite Devan Fafard and newcomer Brett Cote on defense.

- Who will take over between the pipes from Bartosak? Taz Burman, Rylan Toth and Grant Naherniak are familiar names but will someone else also enter the mix? (EDIT: Grant Naherniak is no longer in the mix and will not be at camp. Burman and Toth are the only two goalies on the main camp roster)

- Is Jeff de Wit ready for a full-time role playing for his hometown club?

- The Rebels are excited for Josh Mahura, can the youngster help solidify the defense corps?

All in all, especially with a whole lot of rain in the forecast, it’s a good time to be talking hockey and to head back to the rink.

P.S. If you want to help me finish my poem, leave your suggestions in the comments section.

↧

TRAINING CAMP: THE ROOKIES

August 20, 2014, 8:15 pm

≫ Next: WHL Coaching Carousel

≪ Previous: REBELS: IT'S TIME

Here's is the rookies roster for the opening day of Rebels Training Camp (Thursday). They hit the ice at 10 a.m.

Of note, Jeff de Wit is not with the rookie group. He'll skate with the veterans group once he's healthy enough to do so.

↧

WHL Coaching Carousel

September 3, 2014, 9:11 am

≫ Next: Fleury Working To Rock It Like A Hurricane

≪ Previous: TRAINING CAMP: THE ROOKIES

As I start getting some things ready for Rebels broadcasts this season, I put together a quick list of all of the offseason coaching changes in the WHL. I figured I might as well share it with you...

TEAM	2013-14	2014-15
Calgary	Mike Williamson	Mark French
Edmonton	Derek Laxdall	Steve Hamilton
Kamloops	Dave Hunchak	Don Hay
Kelowna	Ryan Hunka	Dan Lambert
Moose Jaw	Mike Stothers	Tim Hunter
Portland	Mike Johnston	Jamie Kompon
Regina	Malcolm Cameron	John Paddock
Saskatoon	Dave Struch	Bob Woods
Tri City	Jim Hiller	Mike Williamson
Vancouver	Don Hay	Troy Ward

↧

Fleury Working To Rock It Like A Hurricane

November 27, 2014, 9:42 am

≫ Next: Rebels: December Deals Have Memorial Cup In Mind

≪ Previous: WHL Coaching Carousel

[Here goes my latest attempt at blogging, based on some good interviews we've had on recent Rebels broadcasts]

Haydn Fleury hasn’t exactly been piling up the points this season with the Red Deer Rebels. But, that doesn’t mean his play isn’t trending in the right direction.

Last weekend, the Carolina Hurricanes, sent a familiar face to Red Deer to get a firsthand look at the progress of their first round draft pick.

Glen Wesley is the Director of Defencemen Development for the Hurricanes. The Red Deer native knows a thing or two about patrolling NHL blue lines, having done so for 1457 games joining Carolina’s hockey staff.

“He’s been very disciplined with his reads and his gaps have been good in the neutral zone,” Wesley told me during the first intermission of Saturday’s 4-0 Rebels win over the Calgary Hitmen. “He is able to close and take away time and space.”

Wesley praised Fleury’s great, seemingly effortless skating ability.

“It’s fun to watch him skate, in all reality, with just how effortless it is for him.”

When it comes to improving his game, Wesley says it is clear to him that Fleury is working hard on the areas of his game that need improving.

“He understands what it takes to be a pro. Day in and day out, it’s consistency that he’s got to bring to the Rebels lineup and be that example for those younger guys. He’s got a good head on our shoulders and I think he has a very bright future in our [Hurricanes] organization.”

As for Wesley himself, he is having fun in his current role with the club with whom he won a Stanley Cup as a player in 2006. Wesley keeps a close eye on 14 Hurricanes defence prospects playing in various leagues throughout North America.

“It’s good to get out and get a taste of what they are going through. Sometimes they are going through a struggling period or they are going on all cylinders. It’s good for me to catch up with all of them. It’s almost a sense of being a big brother.”

And, while last weekend’s trip home to Red Deer was for business, Wesley did find time to mix in some personal time.

“I get to see family in the morning and afternoon before going to work at night, so it’s good in that aspect.”

↧

Rebels: December Deals Have Memorial Cup In Mind

December 29, 2014, 3:42 pm

≫ Next: Rebels and Pats Make A Rather Big Deal

≪ Previous: Fleury Working To Rock It Like A Hurricane

The WHL Trade Deadline does not arrive for another two weeks (January 10).
Brent Sutter isn’t waiting that long to make what he hopes are drastic improvements to his Red Deer Rebels club.
Four new names have been added to the Rebels roster since December 1…

Riley Sheen, F, 20, acquired from Lethbridge along with a conditional 5th round selection in the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft in exchange for 20-year old Devan Fafard and 17-year old forward Brayden Burke
Nelson Nogier, 18, D, and Austin Adamson, F, 18, acquired from Saskatoon in exchange for in exchange for 17-year old forward Mason McCarty, the Rebels 1st round selection in the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft, and a 2nd round pick in 2015
Colton Bobyk, D, 18, acquired from Spokane along with a 4th round selection in 2016 in exchange for 19-year old defenceman Nick Charif, a 2nd round pick in 2015 and a conditional 6th round selection in 2016

Clearly, the Rebels have paid high prices to bring these players in. It is also clear that Sutter believes these players are the right fit for his club.

“You always want deals to work out for all the players involved and [what’s] best for both organizations,” Brent told Cam Moon during Saturday’s Rebels vs. Oil Kings broadcast on 106.7 The Drive. “Saskatoon and Spokane are happy with the returns they are getting and we’re certainly happy with the players we’re getting.”

In Bobyk, the Rebels gain another hometown Red Deer product with a Telus Cup title to his credit. They also get a defenceman seeking to get re-established after dealing with a long-term injury.

“We expect him to be the same kind of player that he was with the midgets. He can skate, he can move the puck, he can really hammer the puck, he’s got a great shot and he’s got an edge to his game and I really like that,” says Sutter. “To acquire a player like this now, a year from now we could be looking at something completely different as far as what the price of that player is.”

Nogier is undoubtedly the key piece in the deal that brought him and Adamson over from the Blades, Sutter is confident he will be worth the first round pick it cost to get him.

“We knew [defence] was an area we needed to upgrade. We knew we wanted to be a real good puck moving, smart defensive corps that can really play the game any way you want to play it. With Haydn and Doetz and Cote as a 20-year old, who’s having an outstanding year, Strand, Mahura, Grman, and Dixon we really feel our back end is in a different spot now than it was going into the first part of December.”

The December additions of Nogier, Adamson and Bobyk, along with the earlier addition of Tyler Sandhu, all come with a two-year plan in mind. Each now has a lengthy audition period to try and prove they are indeed worthy of playing in the big event.

“It’s important that we have a very, very good team this year and next year,” Sutter explains. “We feel with the trades we’ve made that we certainly have upgraded our team this year. At the same time, we can look forward to next year knowing some of the pieces we have put in place.

Is Sutter done with his wheeling and dealing or is there more to come?

“I’m not truly thinking there’s anything else done with us, but you never know what might come about and what might unfold. We’ll see how it goes but I certainly happy to go after the trade deadline with the group we have and take a run at this thing.”

↧

Rebels and Pats Make A Rather Big Deal

January 5, 2015, 7:39 pm

≫ Next: REBELS: Bantam Draft Recap

≪ Previous: Rebels: December Deals Have Memorial Cup In Mind

Fans of The Godfather will best appreciate what happened at Rebels headquarters today.

Regina Pats VP of Hockey Operations and Head Coach John Paddock made Brent Sutter an offer he couldn’t refuse. In the process, he pried away one of the Rebels most tantalizing prospects.

Sutter sent forward Jake Leschyshyn to the Pats on Monday in exchange for Regina’s leading scorer, 19 year old forward Connor Gay. The Rebels also get Regina’s 1st round Bantam Pick in 2016, 2nd round pick in 2015 and 7th round pick in 2017.

"It’s a hard thing to do to trade away your first round pick that you took sixth overall," Sutter admitted while speaking about the trade Monday afternoon. "It was something I was approached on by Regina [to see] if I was interested in moving a player like that. To be quite honest, I really wasn’t and yet we got into discussions and one thing led to another."

For the Rebels, anytime you can acquire another team’s scoring leader, Gay netted 44 points in 39 games with the Pats this season, it’s a good day. But, yet again, Sutter has a two-year plan in mind with this deal.

"We need to make sure that we could add to our team this year and a player that could push to maybe be one of our 20 year old guys next year, a guy that can put up numbers."

In making the deal, the Rebels regain each of the draft picks previously sent to Saskatoon when they acquired Nelson Nogier and Austin Adamson. One could say that Sutter received Nogier, Adamson and Gay in exchange for Leschyshyn. The Rebels now have an abundance of draft picks in their pocket should they decide to do more shopping in the off-season (or later this week, you never know).

Not. Too. Shabby.

Sutter says Leschyshyn also stands to benefit greatly from the deal.

"In talking with his family [and it] being hard to play here next year as a 16 year old with the depth we have down at centre ice, and being close to home, three hours away in Regina, it would be a good fit for Jake."

While it’s not easy, Sutter says it is the responsibility of the Rebels to have a team that is worthy of competing against the nation’s best when the Memorial Cup comes to Red Deer in 2016.

"When you’re gonna be the host team, you gotta make sure you have the team that gives you that opportunity not just to be the host but to be successful in your league and in the tourney as well. It’s just the way it is."

In his first move of the day, Sutter sent 19-year-old defenceman and Red Deer native Kolton Dixon to the Saskatoon Blades in exchange for 18 year old goaltender Trevor Martin.

The move is all about depth. Rylan Toth and, of late, Taz Burman have given the Rebels quality goaltending this season. Both will continue to prove they are worthy of being with the club next season. But with 16 year old Dawson Weatherill the only other goaltender of note in their system, the Rebels needed another tender in the fold in the event something happens to Toth or Burman.

Martin has been assigned to the Melville Millionaires of the SJHL where he’ll by all accounts assume a starting role. Dixon goes to the Blades where he’ll get something that simply wasn’t coming his way in his hometown, a chance to play every game.

Now, we sit back and await to see if the Rebels will be involved in anymore trades before this weekend’s deadline.

↧

REBELS: Bantam Draft Recap

May 7, 2015, 8:47 pm

≫ Next: #RebelsTC15 Main Camp Roster

≪ Previous: Rebels and Pats Make A Rather Big Deal

Hi All,

As you have noticed... I've done a superb job of neglecting this site for the past few months. That's because I've been posting my Rebels blogs to my radio station's website at www.1067thedrive.fm.

If you'd want to check out my Rebels Bantam Draft recap by clicking on this here link --> http://www.1067thedrive.fm/?p=13810

TG

↧

#RebelsTC15 Main Camp Roster

August 25, 2015, 8:20 pm

≫ Next: #RebelsTC15 The Rookies

≪ Previous: REBELS: Bantam Draft Recap

Well, here we go. The long journey to the 2016 Mastercard Memorial Cup begins Friday with the start of training camp for your Red Deer Rebels. Ice times at the Enmax Centrium are posted on the Rebels website and are open to the public as always. Here's a look at the main camp roster. The rookie camp roster will be out in the next day or so. Of note, forward Meyer Nell has informed the team he is leaving to attend the University of Manitoba. Three listed players have been invited to main camp (Burk, Donald, Sherban) while McClelland is a free agent invite. EIGHT players are scheduled to attend various NHL camps in September: Fleury CAR, Bleackley COL, Musil STL, Nogier and Spacek WPG, Polei DET and Pederson and Wyatt Johnson ANA


	Team Black				Team White

	Goaltenders				Goaltenders
Black	Trevor Martin	Ardrossan, AB	96	White	Rylan Toth	Saskatoon, SK	96
Yellow	Solomon Burk	Castlegar, BC	98	Red	Dawson Weatherill	Red Deer, AB	99

	Defence				Defence
2	Haydn Fleury	Carlyle, SK	96	2	Josh Mahura	St. Albert, AB	98
3	Kayle Doetzel	Rosetown, SK	95	3	Nelson Nogier	Saskatoon, SK	96
4	Colton Bobyk	Red Deer, AB	96	4	Ethan Sakowich	Athabasca, AB	99
5	Ryan Pouliot	North Vancouver, BC	98	5	Austin Strand	Calgary, AB	97
6	Austin Shmoorkoff	Edmonton, AB	97	6	Boedy Donald	Star City, SK	98
7	Cale Chalifoux	Edmonton, AB	98


	Forwards				Forwards
8	Akash Bains	Delta, BC	99	7	Ivan Nikolishin	Moscow, RUS	96
9	Michael Spacek	Pardubice, CZR	97	8	Lane Pederson	Saskatoon, SK	97
10	Adam Musil	Delta, BC	97	9	Zac Gladu	Medicine Hat, AB	98
11	Jack McClelland	Wichita, KS	96	10	Tyler Kirkup	Virden, MB	98
12	Jeff de Wit	Red Deer, AB	98	11	Conner Bleackley	High River, AB	96
13	Wyatt Johnson	Saskatoon, SK	95	13	Austin Pratt	Lakeville, MN	99
14	Evan Polei	Wetaskiwin, AB	96	14	Presten Kopeck	Medicine Hat, AB	95
15	Tanner Sidaway	Victoria, BC	99	15	Shane Sherban	Lanigan, SK	98
16	Reese Johnson	Saskatoon, SK	98	16	Grayson Pawlenchuk	Ardrossan, AB	97

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#RebelsTC15 The Rookies

August 26, 2015, 8:04 pm

≫ Next: Rebels Roster Update

≪ Previous: #RebelsTC15 Main Camp Roster

For you diehards... here are the rookie rosters for Red Deer Rebels training camp...

2015 Red Deer Rebels Rookie Camp


    Team Burgundy                                                                   Team Grey

    Goaltenders                                                                       Goaltenders
Burgundy    Ben Rishaug    Sherwood Park, AB    00         Grey    Lucas Leisen    Edmonton, AB    99
Blue            Riley Kohonick    White City, SK    00              Green    Lukas Shaw     Vancouver, BC    00

    Defence                                                                             Defence
2    Carson Sass     Melville, SK    99                            2    Jacob Herauf    Sherwood Park, AB    00
3    Jace Foskey    Southlake, TX    00                          3    Boo Grist    North Saanich, BC    99
4    Matthew Kasowski    St. Albert, AB    99                 4    Jacob Thomson    Brandon, MB    00
5    Holden Parsons    Sherwood Park, AB    99           5    Spencer McHardy    Calgary, AB    00
6    Kelton Travis    Strathmore, AB    00                      6    Christian Riemer    Regina, SK    00
7    Sam Pouliot    North Vancouver, BC    00               7    Evan Simpson    Kitscoty, AB    99


    Forwards                                                                          Forwards
8    Chase Stevenson    West Kelowna, BC    99        8    Jake Mulder    Abbotsford, BC    00
9    Eli Zummack    Kelowna, BC    00                          9    Brendan Budy    Langley, BC    00
10    Cole Basnett    Fairview, AB    00                         10    Brayden Labant    St. Paul, AB    99
11    Dylan Bourlai    Edmonton, AB    99                     11    Chance Adrian    Dalmeny, SK    99
12    Brandon Cutler    Stony Plain, AB    00                 12    Chase Lowry    Edmonton, AB    00
13    Jack Langenhahn    St. Albert, AB    99                13    Parker Saretsky    Wainwright, AB    99
14    Randen Schmidt    Regina, SK    00                      14    Bryce Osepchuk    Smoky Lake, AB    00
15    Martin Rudolf    St. Albert, AB    00                       15    D-Jay Jerome    Lethbridge, AB    99
16    Deklan Whillans    Grande Prairie, AB    99          16    Sam Robinson    Sherwood Park, AB    99
17    Chase Nameth    Regina, SK    00                         17    Joshua Belcher    Rapid City, MB    00
18    Eric Sorensen    Grimshaw, AB    00                     18    Hunter Floris    Vanderhoof, BC    00

↧

Rebels Roster Update

September 3, 2015, 12:04 pm

≫ Next: REBELS: Big Men, Young and Old, Looking To Make Statements This Season

≪ Previous: #RebelsTC15 The Rookies

Following last night’s Black and White Game, the Rebels made a number of roster moves to leave them with 35 players still in the fold. Here’s the list of players trimmed from the roster...

Goaltender
Solomon Burk, Castlegar, BC, 1998

Defencemen
Boedy Donald, Star City, SK, 1998
Jace Foskey, Southlake, TX, 2000 – a 7th round Rebels pick in this year’s WHL Bantam Draft
Boo Grist, North Saanich, BC, 1999 – selected by the Rebels in the 6th round of the 2014 draft
Spencer McHardy, Calgary, AB, 2000 – selected by the Rebels in the 8th round of this year’s draft

Forwards
Brendan Budy, Langley, BC, 2000 – 4th round Rebels pick in 2015
Tyler Kirkup, Virden, MB, 1998 – 9th round Rebels pick in 2013
Brayden Labant, St. Paul, AB, 1999 – 8th round pick in 2014
Jack Langenhahn, St. Albert, AB, 1999
Shane Sherban, Lanigan, SK, 1998

With those players gone, here now is a look at some of the players who are still here and were not on the Rebels full-time roster last season. (Will add updates as I find time to collect info) For some of them I have included comments from Rebels Assistant GM Shaun Sutter from our chat following this year’s WHL Bantam Draft…

GOALTENDERS

Dawson Weatherill, 99, Red Deer – Dawson will see time between the pipes during the preseason before sticking around his hometown this season to play Midget AAA with the Optimist Chiefs

DEFENCE

Ethan Sakowich, 99, Athabasca, AB – third round pick (46th overall) in the 2014 draft…

Jacob Herauf, 00, Sherwood Park, AB – the club’s first round pick in this year’s Bantam Draft (16th overall) is ineligible to play full-time with the Rebels this season… Sutter on draft day “Jacob is a player who skates very well, moves the puck and plays with a lot of bite, says Sutter. “His game is similar to Mathew Dumba in that he’s gonna run guys over and makes people pay the price but he’s also a guy who can put up some points and skates real well.”

Carson Sass, 99, Melville, SK – third round pick (47th overall) in 2014…

Austin Shmoorkoff, 97, Edmonton – picked up by the club in 2013… appeared in 6 regular season games with the Rebels in 2013-14 and one more this past season… appeared in 10 AJHL games with Okotoks and the Calgary Canucks

FORWARDS

Eli Zummack, 00, Kelowna, BC – the club’s second round selection (36th overall) in this year’s draft… 5’9” 160 lbs… 9G, 12A, 21P, 14 PIM with Okanagan in 2014-15… from Sutter “Eli is a skilled, offensive guy who is a playmaker that makes other guys around him better. He’s a guy that can quarterback the powerplay form the half-wall. He is a determined, character kid and he comes out of a real good program at the Pursuit of Excellence.”

Chase Lowry, 00, Edmonton, AB – third round pick (50th) this year… 5’10” 171 lbs… 31G, 33A, 64P, 14 PIM in 64 games over two years with Edmonton SSAC… Sutter “Chase dealt with some injuries last year but is a solid all-around player. He is a guy who can score, make plays, is good away from the puck and also plays a heavy game. We thought there was a lot of players drafted ahead of him who he was a better player than.”

Austin Pratt, 99, Lakeville, Minnesota – Rebels 4th round pick in 2014… the club’s excitement over having Pratt sign with them prompted a press conference this past April

D-Jay Jerome, 00, Lethbridge -

Akash Bains, 99, Delta, BC – selected in the 9th round (185th overall) in the 2014 draft…

Jack McClelland, 96, Wichita KS – free agent invite… son of former Edmonton Oiler Kevin…

Tanner Sidaway, 99, Victoria, BC –

Brandon Cutler, 00, Stony Plain, AB - 5’10” 160 lbs… 13G, 25A, 38P, 32 PIM in 28 games with the Spruce Grove PAC Saints… Sutter “Skates well, thinks the game and has some real good upside. He can make a play and will play a physical play. We see some depth and potential.”
The other newcomers still with the Rebels are all fairly well-known by this point… forwards Ivan Nikolishin and Lane Pederson and defenceman Ryan Pouliot all have WHL experience under their belt.

The Rebels open preseason play this Saturday in St. Albert versus the Oil Kings. Following that, the club will lose EIGHT players to various NHL camps…

Conner Bleackley, COL
Haydn Fleury, CAR
Adam Musil, STL
Wyatt Johnson, ANA
Lane Pederson, ANA
Evan Polei, DET
Michael Spacek, WPG
Nelson Nogier, WPG

This means the Rebels will have to be somewhat creative when icing their lineups for preseason games next weekend versus the Americans and Spokane Chiefs at Tri-City. It’ll definitely be fun/interesting to see what the club comes up with.

(You can head to my soundcloud page for postgame comments from Brent Sutter and Wyatt Johnson following the Black and White Game)

TG

↧

REBELS: Big Men, Young and Old, Looking To Make Statements This Season

September 16, 2015, 2:03 pm

≫ Next: Rebels Prospects Update

≪ Previous: Rebels Roster Update

We’ve known for four years that Kayle Doetzel is one of the toughest defencemen to play against in the entire Western Hockey League.

His hard hitting, dependable play in his own zone earned him Rebels Defenceman of the Year honours last year. Now, the 20-year-old blueliner is looking to add more dimensions to his game.

“I worked a lot on my mobility and puck work,” Doetzel said Tuesday regarding his work in the off-season. “For a bigger guy, that’s something you need is to be able to catch some of the smaller guys [in the league].”

Doetzel also said he’s worked hard to become an even more physical player. So, there’s that.

The Rosedale, Saskatchewan native has plenty to prove heading into the new season. After receiving NHL camp invites each of the past two year from Nashville and Toronto, Doetzel found himself left out this year while eight of his Rebels teammates left to skate with big league clubs.

His coach says his first step in getting back on the pro scene is to get off to a strong start to the year.

“He’s got a history since he was here as a young guy that he doesn’t play to his abilities that both he and we would like [early in the season],” says Brent Sutter. “In the last half, he turns it around and gets going. That’s probably affected him to some degree as to why he’s not at a pro camp this year.”

It is the expectation of both Sutter and Doetzel for #8 to be a standout among what could be the deepest defense corps in the WHL Eastern Conference.

“We’re expecting him to be a leader for us,” says Sutter. “We’re expecting him to be a shutdown defenceman and be a big, strong, solid guy that can log some big minutes. Then, perhaps he can sign a pro tryout again next year and maybe sign a pro contract.”

---

While it’s still only the preseason, Austin Pratt seems to be making a smooth transition to major junior hockey.

The six-foot-two Shattuck’s St. Mary’s alum scored once in each Rebels preseason game this past weekend, a 5-3 win over Tri-City and a 5-3 loss to Spokane.

“He certainly has been good,” Sutter admits. “He’s a big body but his conditioning has been really good and he’s played a hard game, and that’s what he has to play.”

While comfortable, Pratt says his first taste of WHL preseason action has been a learning experience.

“I’ve been expecting it but how hard the hits are and how big and fast the guys are, it still takes time to get used to.”

As far as Sutter is concerned, the sky’s the limit for the Minnesota native.

“When he’s moving and engaged and finishing his checks he can do a lot of things that other 16-year-olds can’t.”

Pratt has been mostly playing on a line with Grayson Pawlenchuk and Jeff De Wit. This will likely continue this weekend as the Rebels take their shorthanded lineup into their final two preseason games Friday versus Edmonton (in Red Deer) and Saturday versus Medicine Hat (in Stettler).

---

** Keep an eye on @RebelsThisWeek and @247RedDeer for video stories on Doetzel, Pratt and this weekend's final preseason games.

↧

Rebels Prospects Update

November 12, 2015, 11:10 am

≫ Next: Musil Hoping To Carry Strong Play Forward

≪ Previous: REBELS: Big Men, Young and Old, Looking To Make Statements This Season

The Red Deer Rebels continue to build toward the future in addition to their mission to win the 2016 Mastercard Memorial Cup they’ll be hosting in May.

The goal is to return to being the perennial championship contender they were in the early 2000’s. For that to happen, you need not only to have a strong current roster but also a full cupboard of prospects.

Cam Moon, being the legendary voice of the Rebels that he is, recently sat down for a chat with Shaun Sutter, Assistant GM and Director of Player Personnel. Sutter, as he does so well, gave Mooner a rundown of some prospects that are off to strong starts this season.

“A lot of guys are playing well and that’s what we want to see,” Sutter said. “We want to see progress and development throughout the year in areas where guys want to work on and where they need to improve.”

“Internally, there is probably as much talk about next year and what we have inside our organization for what we are building going ahead because we are striving toward being a contending team every year and these guys are going to be a part of that.”

Here’s what Shaun had to say about some of them, starting with a hometown Red Deerian…

G Dawson Weatherill (1999 born)
- Red Deer native, goaltender with the Red Deer Optimist Chiefs
- Selected by the Rebels in the second round, 36^th overall, in the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft
- Named AMHL October Player of the Month in the Chrysler Division
- Leads AMHL goalies with .958 save percentage and 1.33 GAA
Sutter – “Right now, Dawson is the best goaltender in the AMHL and when you are the best player on a team that is in first place that obviously says quite a bit. Coming back from an injury, he played very well. He’s a Red Deer kid playing for a Red Deer team and is a high Rebels draft pick so for him to perform in that scenario proves his mental state and how well he is developing.”

D Jacob Herauf (2000)
- The Rebels first round selection, 16^th overall, in the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft
- Sherwood Park AMHL, 2 points and 6 PIM through 9 games
Sutter – “His points aren’t there but he is playing a very polished game. We’ve been working with him on his positional play and his puck management and those are areas he progressing very well in. It looks like he is going to be a polished player when he comes in as a 16-year-old.”

F Eli Zummack (2000)
- Rebels second round pick, 36^th overall, in the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft
- Tournament All-Star with Team BC at the Western Canada U 16 Challenge Cup
- One of the leading scorers in the BC Major Midget league, 19 points in 13 games with the Okanagan Rockets
Sutter – “He was an offensive go-to guy on [Team BC], playing centre and showed is one of the most skilled guys in his age group. His production was there, getting a point a game, so that was really good.”

F Brendan Budy (2000)
- 4^th round pick, 69^th overall in 2015
- Also played for Team at the U 16 event
- 25 points in 12 games this season with Delta Hockey Academy
Sutter - “He played right wing [at the U 16’s] and that’s the first time he’s played right wing, so he was a bit out of position. Offensively, he maybe didn’t have the tournament that he wanted to but you could still see the skill and the sense and the skating, just like Rebels fans saw at training camp.

F Chase Lowry (2000)
- 3^rd round pick, 50^th overall, in the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft… Rebels used their pick acquired from Saskatoon in the Connor Gay trade to select Lowry
- Forward with the Edmonton SSAC United Cycle Bulldogs of the Alberta Minor Midget Hockey League
- Leading scorer in the league with 29 points through 11 games played
Sutter – “He continues to be a dominant player at that level, leads the league in scoring… has the puck on his stick the entire game.”

Other players highlighted by Sutter during his chat with Cam…

F Dylan Bourlai (1999)
- Forward, Captain of Edmonton MLAC, fourth in AMHL in penalty minutes
- A player who has come from well off the radar to gain the attention of Rebels scouts
Sutter – “Even though he’s not always on the scoresheet, when you go to watch a game he’s always involved because someone wants to kill him or he’s trying to kill someone else. It’s always nice to have those players who bring that grit and scrappiness.”

F Zak Gladu (1998)
- Started the season with Drayton Valley (AJHL) before landing in Kindersley (SJHL)
- Two points and four penalty minutes in his first four games with the Clippers
- 10 points in 42 games in Midget AAA with Medicine Hat in 2014-15

F Akash Bains (1999)
- Forward selected by the Rebels in the 9^th round of the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft
- Started this season on the Rebels roster, did not play prior heading to Delta Hockey Academy Prep where he has collected 18 points through 11 games
Sutter – “He’s a guy, as Rebels fans saw while he was playing with us, that’s kind of a throwback who compliments skilled players and does all the details really well”

F Chase Stevenson (1999)
- 10^th round pick in 2014
- Okanagan Rockets, BC Major Midget Hockey League (teammate of Zummack)
- 16-year-old late round draft pick who has found his game as an offensive contributor, helping to lead a team turnaround

D Cale Chalifoux (1998)
- 6^th round pick in 2013
- 3 points, 16 PIM in 21 games with the AJHL’s Calgary Canucks this season

D Ethan Sakowich (1999)
- 3^rd round pick in 2014
- Played in two games with the Rebels before going to the AMHL with Fort Saskatchewan
- 5 points, 24 PIM in first 5 games with the Rangers this season

F Brayden Labant (1999)
- 8^th round pick in 2014
- 6 points in 9 games this season with Fort Saskatchewan Rangers AMHL

D Benjamin “Boo” Grist (1999)
- 6^th round pick in 2014
- Point per game player among leaders in defence scoring with Shawnigan Lake School Prep in the CSSHL

D Spencer McHardy, Edge Academy
- 8^th round pick in 2015
- 3 points, 14 PIM in 11 games played

G Riley Kohonick (2000)
- Goaltender, Midget AA Notre Dame Hounds
- A 15-year-old list player playing against 17-year-olds
- 2.00 GAA in five games played this season

↧

Musil Hoping To Carry Strong Play Forward

November 30, 2015, 3:32 pm

≫ Next: Bentley Generals On Verge of Moving to Lacombe

≪ Previous: Rebels Prospects Update

It may not have been a "November to Remember" but it certainly was a solid month for Adam Musil.

The third year Red Deer Rebels forward and St. Louis Blues draft pick collected 7 goals and 13 points in 12 games in November and was plus-11.

He also also been using his size to his advantage more often than before, has played well in his own end of the rink and has seen key time on the Rebels powerplay and penalty killing units.

"It was about time to step up," Musil said Monday, acknowledging that both he and GM / Head Coach Brent Sutter expect more from the 6'3" 196 pound forward.

"He [Sutter] has given the opportunity to be a good player and I just have to give him something back so that he can trust me and rely on me."

Consistency, Musil admits, is the thing he now needs to establish. There have been flashes of brilliance from the 18-year-old at times but also long droughts. He's fought through some injury trouble as well.

Musil's recent scoring success, which now has him tied for third in team scoring with Wyatt Johnson with 19 points, has him confident he can be a key player for the Rebels in their run toward the Memorial Cup.

"It comes with the process but if you do the little things right the big things will come. It's a reward for hard work."

The Rebels, after winning the final three of their four games in five nights last week, have a few days to prepare for games this coming weekend at Lethbridge (Saturday 7 p.m.) and at home Sunday versus Prince Albert (5 p.m.)

---

After registration opened Sunday morning, the Rebels say they have filled about 70% of their volunteer positions for the 2016 Mastercard Memorial Cup.

Host Committee Co-chair Merrick Sutter says they still have about 150 positions left to fill. More details at http://www.reddeerrebels.com/page/mmc-volunteers.

↧

Bentley Generals On Verge of Moving to Lacombe

December 10, 2015, 12:23 pm

≫ Next: It's Official, Bentley Generals Moving to Lacombe

≪ Previous: Musil Hoping To Carry Strong Play Forward

The Bentley Generals, two-time Allan Cup champions, await a vote from Lacombe City Council on Monday that would pave the way for them to relocate there next season.

Team officials say they have held on long enough (too long, perhaps) but a move is needed in order to keep the club competitive moving forward.

My story on the impending council vote and potential move...

http://www.1067thedrive.fm/news/bentley-generals-on-verge-of-relocating-to-lacombe/

↧

It's Official, Bentley Generals Moving to Lacombe

December 15, 2015, 8:50 am

≫ Next: REBELS: Skill and Size improved with additions of DeBrusk and Rattie

≪ Previous: Bentley Generals On Verge of Moving to Lacombe

Photo: Rod Ince, Fast Photo

The Bentley Generals will moving base camp a few miles east next year.

Lacombe City Council voted unanimously Monday to approve a $3.4-million plan to build new dressing rooms for the Barnett Arena, including a new team area for the Generals.

Team officials weren't sure what to expect ahead of Monday's vote. They were relieved once council approved the plan following a short discussion.

In response to questions from a couple of city councillors, Generals officials at Monday's meeting said they will make their new area available for use by other groups during their off-season. Negotiations will take place over the coming months.

The two sides will also look at how they can work together on fundraising endeavors for the arena expansion. Council is optimistic the project can be done for less than the budget $3.4-million.

Work on the new dressing rooms is expected to this spring and be completed in time for the Generals to play in Lacombe full-time next season.

↧

REBELS: Skill and Size improved with additions of DeBrusk and Rattie

December 29, 2015, 1:22 pm

≫ Next: Lacombe's Hodgson Ready To Rock At Home

≪ Previous: It's Official, Bentley Generals Moving to Lacombe

There's no secret about what Taden Rattie is expected to bring to the Red Deer Rebels.

The team acquired Rattie's WHL rights from Portland Monday in exchange for a 4th round pick in the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft. Rattie reported to the Rebels Tuesday morning.

He's here to make his imposing presence felt and make the Rebels a tougher team to play against, and Rattie has the credentials.

"My size factor, they [Brent and Shaun Sutter] talked about it," Rattie said prior to his first practice with the Rebels. "I'm 6'4" so I've got to use my body out there, finish checks and just forecheck hard and do what I can."

The Airdrie native has racked up 297 penalty minutes in 87 career games in the AJHL, including 142 in 34 games with the Calgary Mustangs this season (3rd in the league).

However, one should also note that Rattie managed to collect 19 points on a team that lost 29 (!) games in a row. The potential for him to chip in offensively is there as well.

Rattie failed to catch on with Portland, where his brother Ty starred for four seasons. The Winterhawks listed Taden as a 15-year-old, two days after he was passed over in the WHL Bantam Draft, and invited him to training camp. That's as far as it went before he left to play Junior A for Whitecourt (where he played with Rebels forward Brandon Hagel) and, later, the Mustangs.

Rattie had committed to play NCAA hockey with Western Michigan but was quick to say "yes" to joining the Rebels. He says watching his brother made him long for another chance to play in the WHL.

"I saw him playing there and it's a great league. Nothing against NCAA, but it's just a good jump for my career right now."

Not surprisingly, Rattie says the chance to play in the 2016 Mastercard Memorial Cup also played a big role in his decision.

Rattie was given a 'C' rating by NHL Central Scouting in their latest Players to Watch list for the 2016 NHL Draft.

===

Meantime, life is starting to become somewhat normal again for Jake DeBrusk.

The Boston Bruins first rounder needed his billet brother's car (his was froze over) to get from Swift Current to Red Deer in time for Sunday's game versus Edmonton. Since then he's suited up for two games with the Rebels, scoring twice and adding an assist.

He finally practiced with the Rebels for the first time Tuesday morning. DeBrusk says he is looking forward to settling in with a team that can consistently roll with four lines.

"That's really nice to have because in Swift Current we didn't necessarily roll four, we kind of rolled two or three. So, that makes a big difference, especially for guys like me."

Despite the hectic 72 hours he's been through, DeBrusk says the transition from Swift Current to Red Deer has been a smooth one.

"Lots of good guys around and a real easy transition, to be honest. I've known a couple of guys before, that helps a lot, too. But, the group of guys here is unreal."

DeBrusk says he is feeling better each game out after missing more than three weeks in November with a lower body injury.

"Came back a little early, making a push trying to get some games. Came maybe too early but it's getting better."

The Rebels are back in action New Year's Eve as they head to Cranbrook to battle the Kootenay Ice.

[Full audio from today's chats with Rattie and DeBrusk is available at my Soundcloud page].

↧

Lacombe's Hodgson Ready To Rock At Home

February 4, 2014, 1:13 pm

≫ Next: Local Athletes Head To Alberta Winter Games

≪ Previous: REBELS: Skill and Size improved with additions of DeBrusk and Rattie

Final preparations at the Lacombe Arena
(photo from twitter @C_hodgy)

The Lacombe Arena will be rocking this week. (Sorry, I just had to haha)

A field of twelve teams, highlighted by two former world champions, hits the ice for the 2014 Albert a Boston Pizza Cup men’s provincial curling championship starting Wednesday.

And while the Kevin Martin and Kevin Koe rinks are the overwhelming favorites heading in, there is another team that will have the support of plenty of hometown Lacombe fans behind it.

The Charley Thomas team, hailing from the Glencoe Curling Club in Calgary, comes in as the #9 seed having taken the long way in qualifying for the tournament. They won the ‘C’ event at Southern Alberta qualifying last month. Skip Charley Thomas is a former world champion himself, winning world junior in both 2006 and 2007.

He brings to Lacombe a team that features two Lacombe natives, Colin Hodgson (@C_hodgy) and Matthew Ng, and Mike Westlund. Both Hodgson and Ng have ties to the Lacombe community that run deep.

“I’m trying not to put any pressure on myself this week,” Hodgson told me over the phone this morning. “For it to be in Lacombe I think it’s going to be a great experience to be able to share it with family and friends and people I grew up with… take all the pressure off and not get too caught up with how things are going.”

Hodgson has certainly been around his hometown long enough to know that this week will have a tremendous impact.

“I think it’s great. I think Lacombe needed this event and I think the people from out of town need to come and see what Lacombe is all about. I’m ecstatic to have my co-curlers and competitors come and see where I’m from and where I grew up.”

Hodgson was a star multi-sport athlete at Lacombe Composite High School (played senior ‘AAA’ baseball with the Red Deer Riggers) and his curling resume is already pretty darn impressive…

Four-time Juvenile Provincial Champion
2007 Canada Winter Games Champion
2008 Provincial and National Junior Champion
2009 ACAC 1^st All Star Skip and NAIT Most Valuable Player
Won his first World Curling Tour event in 2012 (MNP Charity Classic)

Having done all of that, Hodgson has a burning desire to have similar success at the men’s level.

“We’re certainly hoping to make some noise this week. Having success at the junior level doesn’t necessarily translate to the men’s game. We’re just going to do our best to put some shots together against the big boys and come out with a few big wins this week.”

Hodgson feels having to fight and scrap for their berth into this week’s provincials will serve his team well.

“Pretty much any curler out there will tell you to take the toughest road possible if you know you’re gonna get there. So, we’re happy to have come through the C event as it gave us more games together and got us in that ‘do or die’ mode that we needed coming into this event.”

As for being one of this week’s underdogs, Hodgson says his crew doesn’t mind that one bit.

Ice conditions at the Lacombe Arena should be absolutely top-notch thanks to the work of head ice make Jamie Bourassa and his crew along with the major upgrades to the arena (complete rebuild of the ice plant and rink floor and boards).

Team Thomas will take on Matthew Blandford’s rink from Calgary, the tournament’s #8 seed, in the opening draw Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. The rest of the draw features Robert Schlender (5) versus Greg Pasichnuk (12), Mark Johnson (6) versus Lloyd Hill (11) and Wade White (7) versus Ted Appleman (10).

The top four seeded teams in Kevin Martin (1), Kevin Koe (2), Jamie Kings (3) and Brendan Bottcher (4) will play the winners from the opening draw Wednesday night at 6:30.

The full draw for this week's tournament is available here.

↧