(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

trying to right the ship

McInnis, Gard, Vlooswyk traded away by Rebels to Kelowna, Seattle, Everett

Jan 2, 2026 | 4:03 PM

The struggling Red Deer Rebels made three noteworthy trades on Friday, as the club hasn’t won since Dec. 3.

With the losing streak at nine, Rebels owner, president and GM Brent Sutter first acquired 17-year-old forward Kalder Varga from the Kelowna Rockets, and also obtaining the Rockets’ third-round pick in 2028, and sixth-round pick in 2026 (via Spokane) — out the door is 19-year-old d-man Keith McInnis who contributed six goals and 14 assists in 34 games this season.

From the Seattle Thunderbirds, Red Deer has acquired 17-year-old Cameron Kuzma, plus a third rounder in 2028, a conditional fourth-rounder in 2028, and a conditional fourth-rounder in 2029 — all in exchange for 18-year-old forward Matthew Gard who’s tallied six goals and five assists in 23 games during his third year with Red Deer.

Lastly, Red Deer is receiving from the Everett Silvertips 18-year-old Cole Temple and 17-year-old Cameron Dillard, in exchange for d-man Luke Vlooswyk, and a fifth-rounder in 2027. Vlooswyk has six assists in 32 games.

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Varga was selected by Kelowna in round one, seventh overall at the 2023 WHL U.S. Priority Draft and has 35 points (18 goals, 17 assists) through 98 games over two seasons, including 11 points in 34 games this season.

Kuzma was originally selected by the Regina Pats in round three, 61^st overall at the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft. He has 29 points in 87 career games with the Pats and Thunderbirds, including 10 points in 32 games this season with Seattle.

Temple also began his WHL career with Regina after being selected fifth overall by the Pats in 2022. He has 70 points in 163 career games with the Pats and Silvertips, including nine points in 34 games with Everett this season.

Dillard is in his first season in the WHL after being selected 10^th overall by Everett in round one of the 2024 WHL U.S. Priority Draft. He has played in 17 games this season, collecting three points (two goals, one assist). Dillard is a product of the Dallas Stars Elite AAA program.

Also today, the Rebels reassigned 17-year-old forward Nolan Schmidt to the Whitecourt Wolverines (AJHL) and 16-year-old defenceman Nikolas Ferry to the Grande Prairie Storm (AJHL). Schmidt will join the Wolverines immediately while Ferry will remain with the Rebels for the time being as an affiliated player.

Red Deer is back in action this Saturday, Jan. 3 against Seattle. Puck drop is at 6 from the Centrium, and the game can be heard live on 106.7 REWIND Radio.