Rebels’ Sedoff and Stoesser finalists for year-end WHL awards

Two more Red Deer Rebels who had outstanding seasons are up for year-end awards.

Rhett Stoesser is the Central Division finalist for the Del Wilson Memorial Trophy for WHL Goaltender of the Year, while blueliner Christoffer Sedoff is the division finalist for the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy for WHL Defenceman of the Year.

In his first WHL season, the 17- turned 18-year-old Stoesser, a native of Carstairs, AB, played 25 games, essentially splitting the net with fellow netminder Kyle Kelsey (21-11-2-3).

He allowed just 58 goals for a spiffy 2.35 GAA (5th in the WHL) and .910 SV% (8th).

Unfortunately for Stoesser, who went 19-6-0-0, his season was cut short due to injury and he is out indefinitely as the WHL Playoffs roll on.

Nonetheless, the 6’1.5″ tender is proud of the accomplishment.

“It’s pretty awesome, especially having just come out of U18AAA. I’ve just been happy being along for the ride,” says Stoesser, adding that his favourite part of being in the league is the travel.

“Coming in, my biggest weakness was my lack of speed. I knew I needed way more to keep up, and that I was slow laterally and with my awareness. I’m always working hard at that in practice.”

He admits it’s been tough being sidelined, but the team’s treated him well, he shares.

“I hope to get back as soon as possible, but it’s been fun watching them win,” he says, touching on his crease camaraderie with Kelsey.

“We were pretty competitive and pushed each other to be better every day,” he says. “I hope to get back to that soon.”

Contributing to Stoesser’s nomination was an eight-game win streak, plus he collected two shutouts.

Stoesser and Kelsey also shared WHL Goaltender of the Month honours for October amid the Rebels’ record-breaking season-starting win streak.

Nominated along with Stoesser are Daniel Hauser of the Winnipeg ICE, Thomas Milic from the Seattle Thunderbirds, and the Vancouver Giants’ Jesper Vikman.

Past winners of the Del Wilson include former Red Deer Rebels Cam Ward (01-02, 03-04*), Darcy Kuemper (10-11*) and Patrik Bartosak (12-13*). *also won CHL Goaltender of the Year that season

Meantime, for Sedoff, who’s in his third and graduating campaign with the Rebels, this season was one about proving something.

Sedoff, from Helsinki, Finland, potted five goals and 46 assists for 51 points in 59 games, 13th most among rearguards league-wide.

A whopping 30 of his 46 assists came on the power play, fourth-best in the Dub.

“I kind of had a chip on my shoulder from last year, losing [to Edmonton] in the playoffs, and not earning a contract. Having those things in the back of my mind helped me push myself,” says Sedoff, whose perseverance paid off, allowing him to sign with the Vegas Golden Knights in March.

“[This nomination] is a huge honour. Looking at guys who’ve won the award, it’s a huge honour to join them, and a reminder to push myself to be as good as they are.”

Past winners include Dan Hamhuis, Kris Russell, Karl Alzner, Ethan Bear and Derrick Pouliot, plus former Red Deer Rebels Alex Petrovic (11-12), Dion Phaneuf (03-04, 04-05) and Jeff Woywitka (02-03).

Asked how he channeled motivation, Sedoff says he takes everything seriously.

“My sleeping, my nutrition, how I work out, and improving my game on the ice [are all important],” he says. “I’m not going to be a perfect player, but I can look at the things I can do to get better and get to the next level.”

Also finalists for the award are Olen Zellweger of the Kamloops Blazers (won last year with Everett), Stanislav Svozil of the Regina Pats, and Kevin Korchinski of the Seattle Thunderbirds.

The WHL Awards winners will be announced May 10.

READ MORE

Rebels named to WHL All-Star teams

Rebels’ Birnie up for Scholastic Player of the Year