(Photo: Rob Wallator)

By Dan Hermanutz

rookie blue liner making his way

Masters returns from three-month layoff to score first WHL goal for Rebels

Feb 20, 2020 | 3:52 PM

Just in time for the team’s recently completed B.C. road trip, rookie defenseman Kyle Masters returned to the Red Deer Rebels lineup following a three month absence that saw him last play a game on October 25.

On the fourth game of the trip, Masters recorded his first WHL goal against the Kelowna Rockets after recording his first point a night earlier in Kamloops.

“It’s definitely good to get it out of the way,” said Masters. “It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while, but Grubbe just passed it to me cross ice and I just tried to get it quickly on net. Were still not sure who scored that one but I’ll take it.”

Since returning from injury Masters has seven games under his belt and is beginning to feel like himself again.

“It’s kind of the first game all over again. You have to get back into stride. I think I’ve handled it well and the coaching staff has done a good job of getting me back up to speed. Missing three months is kind of frustrating, just being up there watching. You definitely want to be out there with the guys but I’m glad I’m back.”

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Assistant coach Brad Flynn said that since coming back, Masters has been a good contributor for the team on both sides of the puck.

“Credit to him, he’s learned, he’s watched, he’s understood how he has to play better defensively. Now it’s just getting back into getting game touches and into game speed. He makes high risk plays but that’s just how he plays. It’s learning when and how to use that skill set,” said Flynn. “It helps in terms of right shots and left shots on the back end. It gives you a left and a right with his pairing, but in saying that he is still sixteen years old and he’s a cog on the wheel and it is what it is.”

Masters has family ties to the Rebels with his father Kevin being a part of the original Rebels in 1992-93 squad and playing 71 games for the team.

“It’s awesome. We talked about it earlier in the year, him being here when it first started and now me being here. He’s given me some guidance in the WHL. Whether it’s phone calls from him coming to watch, it’s just been a really great experience,” said Masters.

“It’s nice being close to home, it’s not too far and he tries to make it up. I’ve got a little brother so he’s got to make sure to balance both but he tries to come out when he can.”

The rookie defenseman added that the final games of this season are big in terms of setting a tone and identity for next year’s squad.

The Rebels play Saturday when the Tri-City Americans visit the Westerner Park Centrium. The puck drops at 7 p.m., you can listen live on 106.7 The Drive.