Rebels new head coach ready to hit the ice

“That’s exciting for a coach, because if you have the players believing they are ready to take the next step, that’s so important. It’s not about rebuilding anymore, last year was last year. We expect to go into every game with the mentality that we are going to win.”

Konowalchuk talked about how it took five seasons with Seattle before winning a Memorial Cup. He says the Rebels are in a much better spot now than the Thunderbirds were when he took over.

“Since the Memorial Cup was hosted here (2016), there was a younger group of players and the rebuild has been in place. I think that’s all behind us now, and we have a good mix of very talented players and a good mix of very good older players and leadership. It shouldn’t be that long of a time before we can compete for a championship.”

Despite a strong end to last season, the Rebels finished the shortened 2020/2021 season with a less than stellar record of 4-15-4, losing their final game to the Calgary Hitmen in overtime, 4-3.

Despite that, Konowalchuk says he watched the Rebels play their last few games, and ranked them up with the top teams in the league at the time.

“They really do believe in themselves. In junior hockey, you can turn a page quick. One year of age makes a huge difference for players. The next step is to go out and do it, and when you start doing it, then it raises the bar even higher for the expectations, so that’s the next step. They believe they can do it, and it’s my job to make sure they continue to believe and hold the team accountable. I’m very happy with their attitude, and their belief they can be a good team.”

He also spoke about how some new additions will help the team grow and expand, including recent trade acquisition Kai Uchacz from the Seattle Thunderbirds. Uchacz and another player were removed from Seattle’s roster in March of this year due to racist comments and actions made towards another player.

Konowalchuk says he’s already spoken with Uchacz, and says he’s going to be a good addition to the team.

“I think it’s great for him to get another opportunity and from everybody I’ve talked to from the people I know in the Seattle organization, he’s a real good kid, the past is the past, and he deserves a fresh start. He’s a good hockey player and we’ll see where he is at, he obviously didn’t play a lot last year.”

Konowalchuk also enjoys Red Deer’s small-town feel with all the big city amenities, and is happy to be back in a Canadian city where following the local hockey team is part of the fabric of the community.

“Even as a player or as a coach for different teams, you know in these small cities or towns that is the big thing to do. You get into Seattle or Portland, they have their following that’s very good and very passionate, but outside of that following, it’s not really a big deal to a lot of people. We know hockey in Canada is pretty important to everybody, so that makes it fun, and if you can have some success and get going, it can be a lot of fun for the players. I think it’s neat for these players to experience being on the big team in one of these cities.”

Konowalchuk says he’s currently shifting gears in his mind, going from scouting NHL players, back to coaching in the junior leagues.

“Honestly it is more work, but it’s a different kind where it’s almost like a puzzle that can become consuming and fun where you just get into it. So that’s been real exciting for me to get back into it.”

The Rebels first preseason game is on Sept. 11 in Edmonton. Their first preseason home game will be on Sept. 17 when they host the Calgary Hitman.

The first game of the regular season is Saturday, Oct. 1 in Edmonton with the Oil Kings coming to Red Deer the next night.

Rebels’ latest trade acquisition continuing anti-racism & diversity training

Steve Konowalchuk named Red Deer Rebels head coach

by Jordan Davidson (Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow)

Rebels new head coach ready to hit the ice

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