(Photo: Rob Wallator)

By Dan Hermanutz

coming into his own

Tarzwell embracing leadership role on young Rebels team

Jan 28, 2020 | 5:44 PM

After two games over the weekend where they were outplayed by the Calgary Hitmen, the Red Deer Rebels are looking to bounce back starting Wednesday when they host the Brandon Wheat Kings at the Westerner Park Centrium.

Rebels forward and Red Deer native Josh Tarzwell says that the team definitely didn’t play up to snuff versus Calgary.

“The first game was definitely not our best game for sure, we had turnovers in every period we just weren’t prepared to play. The message was really just don’t turn over the puck five feet into each zone and be more prepared,” said the fourth year forward.

“Sunday was better. We played a lot better as a team in the first two periods and in the third period it got away from us. Just (have to) get back on track and get ready for Wednesday night.”

In a development year for the Rebels, Tarzwell says he and the team’s other veterans have embraced their leadership roles.

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“It’s fun. Dougie (Chris Douglas) and I are splitting A’s for the season, but it’s not like one of us isn’t a leader when we’re not wearing it,” he shared. “The young guys take what we say seriously and it’s fun to help them learn, and they will hopefully be where we are in a few years.”

As for his own season, Tarzwell is enjoying his best offensively by a long shot. Through 45 games, he has 20 goals to go with seven assists. To put that into perspective, in his first three seasons in the WHL, he had a total of 21 goals.

“A nice change from last season and the season before that, just shooting the puck more and just listening to Brent is what it has come down to,” he explained, adding he’s been given the green light to shoot at will. “Shoot from everywhere. Behind the net, in front of the net, just everywhere and when the puck is getting shot don’t be around the perimeter; get to the area where you are going to get those rebounds.”

The Brandon Wheat Kings come into Wednesday’s game as one of the hottest teams in the WHL having won nine of their last 10 games.

“They’re really good, but we’ve played with them before and we beat them at home before. So we’re going to have a good game,” says Tarzwell.

The Rebels look to bounce back from a two game losing skid when the welcome the Wheat Kings to the Centrium Wednesday night. Catch the game live at 7 p.m. on 106.7 THE DRIVE.