After missing out on roster spot last season, Pickering returns with something to prove

Instead of playing in the WHL during the 2025-26 season, he was reassigned to play for the Winkler Flyers of the Manitoba Junior A Hockey League to continue to develop his game.

In 29 games, he scored two goals and added 15 assists for 17 points. He also added a goal in four playoff games and suited up for the Rebels in two playoff games.

He said playing at the Junior A level was unique, as they play a different style of hockey, but he enjoyed his time there.

“I thought I made the most of it and it was a fun time down there,” he said.

He missed a good chunk of the season after he broke his thumb, which is now fully healed.

The injury happened in November, but it required surgery, which made the recovery process longer. He spent 11 weeks after surgery recovering, but he said he used that time to get stronger.

“I was in the gym five, six, maybe even sometimes seven days a week. I made the most of it,” he added.

Now, healthy and stronger, Pickering hopes to show management and the coaching staff he’s ready for the next step.

“I know what I have to do to make it and be an impact player on this team,” Pickering said. “I’ve just got to use my skating, use my creativity out there, and I’m hoping I’ll be able to stick around this year.”

The Rebels selected Pickering with the 15th overall selection in the 2024 WHL Prospects Draft.

The youngster went on to score five goals and 16 assists for 21 points in 28 games as a 15-year-old in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League as a member of the RINK Hockey Academy U18 Prep team in Winnipeg during the 2024-25 season.

Despite not playing for the Rebels last season, Owner Brent Sutter said in his season-end interview last April that he expected Pickering to make the leap this year as long as he’s ready.

Pickering said he hopes to live up to expectations during training camp and heading into preseason action.

This summer, he returned home and worked on his skating, more specifically his speed. He said he’s more confident defensively and has put on some extra weight. When the Rebels drafted him, he weighed approximately 150 pounds and stood five feet nine inches tall.

“I’ve gained a lot of weight, especially playing this kind of hockey that matters. I don’t want to be thrown around,” he added. “I feel strong this year.”

Rebels training camp will continue throughout the weekend and on Monday before it wraps up on Tuesday with the Black and White game at the Centrium at 7 p.m.

The full schedule can be found at rdnewsNOW.com.

by Ian Gustafson

After missing out on roster spot last season, Pickering returns with something to prove

What's Trending