(Photo by Taylor Lachance/ Red Deer Rebels)

By Ian Gustafson

two-way player

Consistent Carson: Birnie leading the way for the Rebels

Oct 29, 2024 | 5:13 PM

Red Deer Rebels forward Carson Birnie will be the first to tell you he’s not one of the most skilled players in the Western Hockey League but he’s been consistent.

In the early stages of the regular season the 19-year-old from Arcola, Sask. has been one of the most effective on the offensive and defensive end.

Through the first 13 games, Birnie has nearly been a point per game player for the Rebels scoring four goals and seven assists for 11 points, which leads all Rebels players.

“I’ve felt good, really good,” Birnie told rdnewsNOW on Tuesday. “I’m pretty happy with my start so far but ultimately, it comes down to getting a couple more wins under our belt.”

Birnie has always known that he had the ability to be a top scorer and has made a name for himself scoring in front and around the net.

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“None of my goals have been highlight reel goals. It’s just about going to the net and getting into the tough areas,” he said.

“It’s always been a part of my game to get in those areas and it’s been paying off. The guys have just been burying on their chances and it’s obviously been helping me out.”

So far, Birnie is on pace to crush his offensive numbers from last season where he scored 14 goals and 12 assists for 26 points in his second season in Red Deer.

Over the summer he worked to add more skill to his game with Rebels skills coach Erik Lodge. He spent most of the summer back in his hometown but would regularly make trips to Red Deer.

That dedication has shown early on as he’s entered the season bigger, faster, and stronger.

Rebels assistant coach Clayton Beddoes said the coaching staff expected Birnie to take another step in his development and he’s delivered.

“He trained hard this summer. At his age every year should be an improvement and he’s made an improvement,” Beddoes said.

“Last year he was good, so now he’s even better. He’s playing to his role and his identity, which is really important… We’re happy with what he’s done but there is still more to come from him.”

Beddoes explained that even the most prolific goal scorers score in the same areas as Birnie and the young man has done it consistently.

“If you want to score goals, that’s where you’ve got to go and if you want to do it consistently, that’s where you have to shoot from,” Beddoes said.

“He’s created a good niche for himself that way as far as his scoring is concerned. He’s also able to take guys wide and make some good shots. He’s got a good enough shot that he can score from outside those areas.”

Birnie has become a jack of all trades in the Rebels lineup. Not only is he scoring, but he’s shutting players down on the defensive end and is a regular on the penalty kill.

He’s laid more big hits than you can count on your fingers and has proven he can muscle players off of the puck and along the boards.

“He’s strong, a good skater, and he uses his stick well,” Beddoes added.

“You have those elements along with an understanding on how to play defence, then you have a great two-way player.

“He’s definitely improved in that area from a year ago. His defensive game is also strong and being able to kill penalties is a good attribute to have. It shows that he understands the game.”

The Rebels are back in action this week on Saturday, Nov. 2 against the Lethbridge Hurricanes at 7 p.m. at the Centrium.

They’ll then head to Calgary on Monday to face the Hitmen at 7 p.m. at the Scotiabank Saddledome.