(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Alessia Proietti and Sheldon Spackman

Versus Oil Kings

Red Deer Rebels head into Friday night’s home opener with winning mindset

Sep 21, 2023 | 1:07 PM

The puck drops tomorrow for the Red Deer Rebels’ home opener this 2023-24 WHL Regular Season.

The team will face-off against the Edmonton Oil Kings this Friday at the Peavey Mart Centrium at 7 p.m.

Their four-game pre-season left them with a 2-1-1-0 record, with a 4-3 overtime loss against the Oil Kings in their second match.

Veteran Kai Uchacz, playing in the final two games, says the team has a good core group from last year and lots of new young talent.

“It was good to obviously watch and see how everyone is gelling and when I got in, it was good to get the summer rest off and get my feet under me. For coming up here on Friday, I’ll be ready to go,” he said.

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Spending his summer with family and friends, golfing, fishing, and watching baseball, the De Winton native says he maintained his skills by training once a week in the gym and working on his shot at the rink.

Playing forward on the roster, he says fans can expect to see the same physical powerhouse team as last year with lots of goals and energy.

“I’m coming in with a clear mind, positive attitude and seeing what I can do. Take in each week by week and game by game and hopefully have some good success,” he said.

Defendant Jace Weir echoed that statement, adding the team this year will continue to bring upbeat, high tempo games.

“Red Deer has the same identity every year, going in with the same mindset: try to win every game, get one per cent better every practice and every game,” he said. “I know we’re capable of great things. I think last year, being a little bit short there in the playoffs, I think everyone’s really hungry for this season to come and take that experience from last season and bring it into this season.”

From BC’s Okanagan area, he says he spent his summer relaxing with family and friends while surfing, riding boats and playing golf.

Also a Rebels veteran, he believes they have the physical play, skills and game ability to achieve the goal of winning each night.

“Being an older guy now, [I want to] lead by example and lead everybody in the right direction in practice and games,” he said.

The Rebels released their roster on Thursday beginning the season with 27 players, including 15 forwards, nine defencemen, and three goaltenders.

Three players on the roster will be at NHL training camps when the Rebels open regular season play this weekend — forward Kalan Lind (Nashville), and defencemen Mats Lindgren (Buffalo) and Hunter Mayo (Los Angeles).

Red Deer Rebels 2023-24 WHL Regular Season roster. (Red Deer Rebels)

The Rebels note that forward Craig Armstrong has cleared WHL waivers and is now eligible to sign with another club.

Tickets for the game on September 22 are available at the Tickets Alberta Box Office at the Peavey Mart Centrium and at ticketsalberta.com. Season Tickets for the 2023-24 WHL Regular Season are still available, along with half-season, nine-game packs and three-game packs. Visit reddeerrebels.com or call 403-341-6000 to learn more.