Jace Isley. Photo courtesy Red Deer Rebels

By Jeff Henson

REBELS BUBBLE

Isley loving life in Rebels bubble

Feb 22, 2021 | 10:02 AM

A Grande Prairie hockey player is living in a unique bubble situation as he prepares for his second season in the Western Hockey League.

18-year-old Jace Isley plays for the Red Deer Rebels, who are now entering their second week of living at the team’s home arena – Westerner Park Centrium – as they prepare for the start of their shortened season.

Isley says the luxury boxes in the Centrium have been converted into living quarters for the players.

“They have put a nice mattress on the floor. I have an open view – I can see the ice perfectly. I am behind one of the goalie nets. It is a great view and it is just like being at home. There is nothing wrong with it at all.”

Isley says besides having their practices, workout sessions, and meals all at the rink, there are also several recreational opportunities such as a basketball hoop, ping pong tables, and tables for board games and cards.

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Several players have also brought in their gaming consoles.

The team got to go for a walk outside of the Centrium for the first time on Thursday.

A team outing is also being planned at the farm of Rebels Owner/GM/Coach Brent Sutter.

The Rebels open their 24 game season this Friday night at home against Medicine Hat.

Isley admits it will be interesting to see what it is like with no fans in the stands.

“To be honest, I really don’t look into the stands to see if anyone is looking at me. But it is going to be weird when someone scores and you do not hear the crowd screaming. We will have to dial it in and stay focused through it.”

Isley played U-15 AAA hockey in Grande Prairie before moving to the Edmonton area for prep school and U-18 AAA level hockey.